Surname Kitler - Meaning and Origin
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Kitler: What does the surname Kitler mean?
The last name Kitler is a surname believed to be of German origin. It is believed to have been derived from the personal name Christian, which literally means a follower of Christ or a Christian. Variations in spelling of the last name include Kitzler, Kittle, Kitewall, Kitterle, and Kittler.
The surname was likely first borne by members of the German nobility, but it is now also used among other ethnic groups in Europe. The majority of people with this name live in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the United States.
The most famous bearer of the Kitler surname is undoubtedly former Nazi leader Adolf Hitler. He adopted this surname for propaganda purposes in order to portray himself as an Aryan, and even removed his original family name, Schicklgruber. This practice was not uncommon for German aristocrats at the time, as the surnames Kitler and Hitler both derive from the same root, which is German for "shepherd" or "army leader."
All in all, the surname Kitler is steeped in German heritage, though it has grown to become more widely spread across other countries. The last name is associated with many aspects of German culture, both positive and negative, and the history which surrounds it is complex and far-reaching.
Order DNA origin analysisKitler: Where does the name Kitler come from?
The surname Kitler is mainly associated with Germany and Austria, though the name can be historically traced to Switzerland, the Netherlands and Poland. Today, the surname can be seen predominantly in Germany, Austria, and Central Europe. Kitler is a fairly common last name, and the 2020 population of Germany alone boasted over 8,139 recorded bearers of the name. The Kitler surname is derived from the German word "Kutler" which is associated with the occupation of an innkeeper or something similar. The surname is derived from a variety of aristocratic titles from the Middle Ages, generally applied to those who served in court offices and owned lands. During this time, Kitler was a popular last name among Germans and Central Europeans alike, often referring to those of high status in society. The Kitler surname is associated with a strong sense of community and belonging, making it an excellent family name to pass on.
Variations of the surname Kitler
The surname Kitler is of German origin, and is thought to be derived from the personal name Kitzler, which likewise was originally derived from the German word “kitzeln” or “to tickle”.
Variants of the surname Kitler include Kizler, Kitzler, Kietzler, Kitzlaar, Kützler, Küzler and Kietslaar, along with associated variants such as Kite, Kitel, Kitell, Ketlsar, Kiezler, Ketzler, Kietselar, and Kutzler.
Though all of the variants are related, their pronunciations differ due to regional variations and dialects. For instance, Kitell is a common spelling in the United States, while Kitzlaar is more common in Germany, and Ketslaar is more common in the Netherlands.
Variations of the surname Kitler can also be found in other parts of the world, such as the Slavic nations and in Jewish communities. Some of the variants include Kitzler, Kikler and Kiszler.
Though Kitler is not a particularly common surname, it is still found in various parts of the world, including countries like Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Luxembourg, Hungary, the United States, and Canada.
Famous people with the name Kitler
- Joseph Goebbels Kitler: a composer, violinist, conductor, and musicologist from Germany, Bathurst, New Brunswick, Canada.
- Eva Kitler: a children's writer, who is especially known for her books about conservation.
- Mark Kitler: an American veterinarian and the co-founder of Best Friends Animal Society.
- Victoria Kitler: a British television and radio personality, who is best known for hosting the television series 'Kitler Superstar' on BBC One.
- Trystan Kitler: an American stand-up comedian, actor, and writer, best known for his work in the comedy group The Skit Guys.
- Arnold Kitler: a German artist and printmaker, most known for his etchings and lithographs.
- Melissa Kitler: an American entrepreneur and business consultant, co-founder and CEO of Nibbles.
- Heinz Kitler: an American historian, author, and professor emeritus of modern European history at Harvard University.
- Bill Kitler: an Australian professional rugby league footballer and commentator for ESPN.
- Joshua Kitler: a British actor, best known for his role as Sherlock Holmes in the BBC television series Sherlock.