Surname Kientzel - Meaning and Origin
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Kientzel: What does the surname Kientzel mean?
The surname Kientzel is derived from Germanic origins and is an occupational surname. The term “KientZel” derives from the Old German words “Kintz” and “Egel”, which together mean “ramrod-maker”. A ramrod was a long thin rod of metal or wood used in weaponry, and the profession of a Kientzel would have been to shape and produce these rods. Unlike modern weaponry, large guns of the past required loading with a ramrod in between shots. Therefore, the profession of a KientZel was an important and necessary job as they created a vital component of historic weapons.
The name itself is found all over Germany but is also encountered in regions of Denmark, Czech Republic, and Austria. Some Kientzel’s emigrated to the United States in the late 1800s and other countries later on.
The name Kientzel holds a unique combination of occupational, geographic, and cultural origins, giving the hundreds of people who last bear it a strong sense of identity.
Order DNA origin analysisKientzel: Where does the name Kientzel come from?
The last name Kientzel is most common today in Germany, where it originated. Kientzel is a variant of the German surname Kintzley or Kintzele. It is estimated that there are over 3,000 people in Germany carrying the Kientzel name and its variants.
The Kientzels are mainly concentrated in the southern regions of Germany, such as Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and Saxony. Smaller numbers of Kientzels have migrated to other parts of Europe, America, and even Australia. The United States is home to the largest concentration of Kientzels outside Germany, most of which are concentrated in Pennsylvania, New York, and California.
The Kientzel surname first appeared in the late Middle Ages, as a surname adopted by the Kintzele family. Kintzele was the name of a German noble family, and was likely derived from “Kintse”—a nickname given to their ancestor, presumably due to their residence in an estate near the city of Kintz.
The Kientzel surname has symbolized strength and integrity for generations. It is believed to be associated with the ideas of nobility, upstanding behavior, and social respectability. Today, the Kientzel name still holds status and respect, both within and outside of Germany.
Variations of the surname Kientzel
The surname Kientzel is believed to have Germanic origins and is derived from the Middle High German words of 'künstel' or 'kündel', which mean "daring and cunning" or "canny". In some cases, this surname has been spelt as Kintzel and Kindel.
The Kientzel surname has numerous variants including Kintzel, Kindel, Kinzel, Kingel, Kuntzel, Kunzel, Kunsel, Kuntzle, Künzel, Küntzel, Kientzle and Kieczle. In addition, Kintsel and Kintsell are common variants in the United States.
The Kientzel family is also related to names such as Kuntz, Kuntze and Kundse. Some other surnames which are believed to be derived from Kientzel are Kindelmann, Küntzelmann, Kuntzmann, Kunzelmann and Künts.
The spelling of Kientzel may also vary drastically between different countries. For example, this surname may appear as Kinsel in the United Kingdom, as Küntsel in Germany, as Kintz in Austria, as Kuntes in Czech Republic, as Küntzel in Switzerland and as Kintsel or Kintzilla in Romania.
The Kientzel family is quite widespread around the world and can be found in many countries including Germany, the United States, Canada, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Czech Republic, the United Kingdom and South Africa.
Famous people with the name Kientzel
- Lori Kientzel: an American actress who has acted in shows such as 90210, Chipmunks Go to the Movies, and One Tree Hill.
- Curt Kientzel: a Swiss-born American ski and snowboard instructor who has been featured on the E! Channel and ABC’s Good Morning America.
- Ralph Kientzel: a former German footballer who made a total of 139 appearances for Hannover 96.
- Kyle Kientzel: a former American football player who played nose tackle in the NFL for the Chicago Bears.
- Marlies Kientzel: an Austrian fashion designer who designs and produces garments for celebrities such as Elton John and Amanda Seyfried.
- Esteban Kientzel: an Ethiopian swimmer who has participated in the 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2012 Olympics.
- Melisa Kientzel: a Canadian actress who has appeared in movies including Red Eye and From Under the Mountain.
- Ashwin Kientzel: an Indian actor best known for his role in The Social Network and A Separation.
- Manuel Kientzel: an Argentinean film producer who has produced films such as The Secret in Their Eyes and The Dark Horse.
- Christopher Kientzel: an American novelist who is the author of the best-selling novel The Road Less Traveled.