Surname Kienlen - Meaning and Origin
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Kienlen: What does the surname Kienlen mean?
The last name Kienlen is of Germanic origin. The surname is derived from the Middle High German name “kienel” which means “little cask” or “keg”. It is an occupational name, given to someone who occupied the occupation of a repairer or seller of containers like casks, kegs, and barrels. This interpretation of the name is based on records from the Middle Ages, as there was a need for someone to repair and maintain these containers used to transport beer, wine, spirits, and other liquids.
The spelling of the surname may have varied depending on the area and region. In some instances, the spelling could be Kienlen, Kienlin, Kuhlen, or Koylen. This name can also be found in other European countries, such as Denmark, Poland, and the Netherlands.
The Kienlen family can be traced back to the 14th century in Germany. They were farmers, butchers, and millers, and some members even attained high office in the city. Today, descendants of the Kienlen family can be found all over Europe.
The motto associated with the Kienlen surname is “Veritas et Fides”, which translates to “Truth and Loyalty”. This saying provides an important lesson for generations to come, and it is a reminder for us all to be honest and stand with integrity and loyalty.
Order DNA origin analysisKienlen: Where does the name Kienlen come from?
The last name Kienlen is most commonly found in Germany today, with the majority of bearers of the name living in that country. The name is derived from the Germanic name Cuno, with the meaning of “bold counsel”, which later evolved to Kienlen. It is assumed that the name was originally popular in Southwestern Germany in an area around the border of Switzerland. The majority of bearers of the name today are most likely descendants of those who lived in this region, who either migrated within Germany or brought the name with them when they emigrated to other countries.
Outside of Germany, the last name Kienlen is not very common but can still be found in countries where Germans have settled, such as the United States, Canada, Argentina and Brazil. Records from these countries show that many of the bearers of the name Kienlen were from Germany, usually Bavaria, although some people with the name have been found in Prussia, the Netherlands, and other parts of Europe.
The spelling of the name Kienlen varies a great deal between countries, which shows that many variations of the name were established when those carrying the name moved abroad. Variants can also be found in other countries that were influenced by German settlers, such as South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. In the United States, variants often seen are Kienlein, Keinlen, and Kyenlen, although other spellings exist.
Variations of the surname Kienlen
Kienlen is a German surname with variants such as Kienlin, Kienlenz, Kienlens, Kienlenz, Kienlein, and Kienle. It is derived from the Middle High German name beginning with 'Kien' meaning "bold, brave, or hardy".
Kienlin is the German spelling of the surname and is believed to have been used as a far Northern German variant of Kienlen. It is believed to have first arisen in the North Rhine-Westphalia and the area of what is now the Saarland.
Kienlenz and Kienlens are both spelling variants of the Kienlen surname. Kienlenz is thought to be a Western German variant while Kienlens is believed to be a Low German variant.
Kienlein is related to Kienlen and is believed to be a variant of the name arising in the extremely northern parts of Germany. It has been suggested that the letter 'e' may have been added to the original name of Kienlen due to the prevailing dialect in these areas.
Finally, Kienle is a variant of Kienlen that appears to be a variant arising in the extremely Southern parts of Germany. This variant is thought to have been noted as far back as the 16th century when it was found to be in use in anglicised versions of the name in Switzerland.
Famous people with the name Kienlen
- Sally Kienlen: American actress best known for her appearances in the television shows Constance and The Office.
- Sam Kienlen: American astronomer, specializing in the study of asteroids and the formation of solar systems.
- Grant Kienlen: American musician, best known for his indie folkstyle guitar playing.
- Theo Kienlen: German organist and composer, renowned for his Baroque music performances.
- Maureen Kienlen: Canadian figure skater, bronze medalist at the 1994 Olympics.
- Eric Kienlen: German actor, most famous for his lead role in the television series Der Clown.
- Janet Kienlen: British novelist, winner of the Royal Society of Literature Ondaatje Prize.
- Gunther Kienlen: Austrian artist, best known for his surrealist portraits.
- Pete Kienlen: South African rugby union player, who represented the Springboks in 1971.
- Bruce Kienlen: New Zealand writer, widely regarded as one of the most important figures in Māori literature.