Surname Kittel - Meaning and Origin

A Deep Dive into Ancestry: How iGENEA's DNA Test Unearthed the Origins of the Surname Kittel

Following a DNA test at iGENEA, my understanding of my lineage, particularly my surname Kittel, has vastly diversified. The test scrutinized specific genetic markers on my Y-chromosome, traced back through centuries, and unearthed roots in Central Eastern Europe. It made synonymous the connection between the surname Kittel and professions linked to cauldron manufacturing.

C. Kittel

Kittel: What does the surname Kittel mean?

The last name Kittel is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "kittle" meaning a tunic, shirt or coat. The surname Kittel is believed to have referred to a person who made or sold tunics, shirts or coats. It could also have been used as an occupational name for a tailor or a weaver.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the use of last names or family names was not as common as it is today. Many people of that time were known by their first name, their occupation, or the place they lived in. People who came from the same area likely shared the same name, so it is likely the Kittel name was born out of a region or a particular area.

The Kittel name is still common throughout Germany and Europe today, although it is far less prevalent in North America. There are numerous variations of the name, such as Ketteler, Kettell, Kittle, Kittleman, and more.

The Kittel name carries with it a deep sense of history and a strong sense of pride. It is the perfect name for anyone who wishes to carry on the legacy of their German ancestors and honor their sense of duty and endurance.

Kittel: Where does the name Kittel come from?

Kittel is a surname of German and Ashkenazic Jewish origin, primarily found in Germany and other parts of Europe. The name is thought to have originated in eastern Germany, where it was most common a thousand years ago. Today, the last name Kittel is found primarily in family lineages of German-speaking countries, including Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland. It is also found in certain pockets of Jewish communities in the United States and Israel.

Kittel is believed to be derived from the German word Kette, which means "chain," referring to a type of linen garment worn by early members of the Kittel family. The same root word is also found in the Jewish surnames Kitel and Kitlich. By the 20th century, Kittel had become a common Jewish surname, particularly in Serbia, Hungary, and Romania, where it is found amongst descendants of families who had migrated from Central Europe in the late 19th century.

Outside of Europe, Kittel is found in Jewish communities from across the globe, including in Israel, the United States, South America, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. It is also found to a lesser degree in other countries like Canada, Mexico, and India. Overall, the last name Kittel is an ancient surname of German and Jewish origin, primarily found in German-speaking countries, as well as in pockets of Jewish communities throughout the world.

Variations of the surname Kittel

The surname Kittel is a toponymic surname derived from the Germanic word “köth” or “kötting” which translates directly to “small village”. This surname first appeared in Germany, Austria and Switzerland in the late Middle Ages. Today, Kittel is a common surname in these countries.

Variants of this surname include Kittle, Kittel, Kettel, Kittl, and Khetl. Depending on the country and region of origin, different spellings of the surname Kittel have also developed. In Germany, the spelling is usually Kötle or Köttel. In Austria, the spelling is usually Kettel or Kettelhofer. In Switzerland, the phonetic spelling is usually Khütli or Khütle.

Common surnames derived from Kittel include Kothe, Köthke, Kötschke, Köthia, Köthig, Kötsch, Kötzke, Kitzel, Kitzler, Köthele, Köthelin, Köthens, Köthelam, Köthlauf, and Köthlingen.

Similar to other surnames, Kittel can also be found in various countries, among different cultures and languages. For instance, in Sweden, the surname Kittle is also known as Kedill. In Norway, it is spelled Kittell. In Poland, the name is often spelled Kittel, Kittle, Kietel, and Kytel. In Scotland, Kittel is often given the spelling Kettle. In Ireland, the spelling is often Kittle. In England, the spelling often varies; common spellings include Kettle, Kittle, and Kedle.

All these variants of the Kittel surname are derived from the same Germanic root word. Regardless of the spelling or country of origin, the surname Kittel is ultimately derived from the same source.

Famous people with the name Kittel

• Philipp Kittel: German dressage rider specializing in the Grand Prix dressage discipline.
• Johannes Kittel: German conductor and violinist known for his interpretations of Richard Wagner.
• Bernhard Kittel: German professor of philosophy, specializing in the philosophy of literature.
• André Kittel: German-American graphic designer and professor at the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, USA.
• Christopher Kittel: British novelist, short story writer, journalist and critic.
• Karl Kittel: German composer and pianist, known for his works in the neoclassical period.
• Noah Kittel: German-American professional rugby player, currently playing for the Boston Stags in the Global Rapid Rugby league.
• Ernst Kittel: German theologian, specializing in the study of the Old Testament.
• Friedrich Kittel: German philologist and lexicographer, best known for his work on Indo-European languages and dialects.
• August Kittel: German music educator and composer, associated with the Kunst des Musizierens (Art of Music Making) in the late 19th century.

Other surnames

KittellKittelmann