Surname Kiessing - Meaning and Origin

Kiessing: What does the surname Kiessing mean?

The last name Kiessing is a German surname that has been traced back to the country of Germany. The name is thought to have originated in the region of Bavaria, and is derived from the Middle High German word “kiessen”. The root of the word is thought to mean “to kiss” or “to embrace”, so the surname is believed to have been given to a person considered to be a “kisser” or “embracer”.

The surname is fairly common in Germany, with instances of the name found in genealogical records dating back to the late 1800s. It is widely believed that the name refers to someone who was a “conciliator” or an individual that was skilled in diplomacy and negotiation. In those times, it was important to keep on good terms with neighbouring families to ensure a safe and prosperous life. The last name could have been given as a reference to this skill, and would have been seen as a mark of respect and admiration.

The name is still used in Germany today, although its use has been widely spread due to immigration to other countries. It is not a very common name outside of Germany, although there have been instances of it appearing in records and registers in other parts of Europe, and even in parts of North America.

Kiessing: Where does the name Kiessing come from?

The surname Kiessing is believed to have originated in Germany. Today, the surname is thought to be most commonly found in Belgium and the Netherlands. The most common variations of the surname are Keijser, Keizer, and Kiesing.

In Belgium, researchers have identified the surname translates into de Keijsers of Keizers, meaning “The Emperor’s” in Flemish, with the second variant translating to “The Kings” in Flemish. This indicates the name was likely of royalty or nobility in Belgium at some point in its history, though there is no evidence of this.

In Germany, the name is thought to be derived from an old-fashioned form of the surname Kiesling. Interestingly, variants of this surname have even been found in the United States, most notably in the state of Pennsylvania.

Kiessings can also be found in the United Kingdom in areas which have historically had a lot of people of German or Dutch descent. This suggests there is a connection between Kiesings from Belgium and the Netherlands and Kiesings from Germany, although the exact history of the surname remains unknown.

Overall, Kiessings are most commonly found in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Despite the disparate locations, it seems fair to assume the surname Kiessing was once very popular among Europeans as its variants have been found in multiple countries.

Variations of the surname Kiessing

The surname Kiessing is of Germanic and Dutch origin. It has various variants and spellings, including Kessing, Keseling, Koesling, Kösling, Küsling, Kisele, Kisely, Keslee, Kesseling, and Küssele.

Kiessing is most likely derived from the Middle Low German personal name Kesselin or Kesseling, meaning “kettle, cauldron”. It was likely taken on as a professional name for a maker of metal wares such as pots, pails, buckets etc. It may also have been taken on as a nickname for someone with a robust or large physique, similar to the common English surname Kettle.

In the Netherlands, the variant spellings Kesseling and Koesling are more commonly found. In Germany, the variants Kösling and Küsling can be found, as well as the alternate spellings Kisele, Kisely, and Küssele.

In the United States, the spelling Kiessing is most commonly found, although the various other variants can still be found in certain regions.

Overall, the surname Kiessing is a rare but unique family name with multiple spellings and regional variants throughout Europe and North America.

Famous people with the name Kiessing

• Erika Kiessing: German swimmer and Olympian who represented Germany in the 1992 Barcelona and 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.
• Jürgen Kiessing: German former football player who played in the 1980s for Germany’s most successful team, Hamburger SV.
• Frank Kiessing : German television presenter, journalist and publicist who is best known for his award-winning documentaries.
• Markus Kiessing: German entrepreneur and manager who has worked in the entertainment and media industries.
• Robert Kiessing: German landscape photographer and author known for his photographs which capture dramatic stereoscopic landscapes.
• Jörg Kiessing: German former professional footballer who spent the majority of his career playing for Arminia Bielefeld in the German Bundesliga.
• Christiane, Gisela, and Konrad Kiessing: German siblings who have all enjoyed successful careers in medicine, technology and business.
• Gustav Kiessing: German actor who, in the early 1960s, appeared in the prestigious Zurich Festival, before being cast in the title role of one of the milestone German films of the 1960s, Der Funke.
• Wim Kiessing: Dutch-American painter and sculptor who moved to the United States in 1964 and spent most of his career in New York City.
• Bernard Kiessing: French entrepreneur and investor who is the co-founder of the venture capital firm BKP Partners.

Other surnames

KiessigKiessinger