Surname Kizer - Meaning and Origin
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Kizer: What does the surname Kizer mean?
The surname Kizer is of German origin and it is a variant spelling of the name Kaiser, which means 'emperor'. It was often used as a nickname for someone who behaved in an imperious or high-handed manner or possibly for someone who played the part of the emperor in a play or pageant. Sometimes it may also be an occupational name for a grower or merchant of cumin, derived from the Middle High German term 'keiser', which means cumin. Like many surnames, the exact meaning can depend on the family history and origin of the specific family branch. Surnames often started as a way to identify people by their trade, place of origin, clan affiliation, or physical traits.
Order DNA origin analysisKizer: Where does the name Kizer come from?
The surname Kizer is of German origin. It is a derivative form of the personal name 'Kaiser', which means 'emperor' in German, suggesting noble or royal connotations. This term was primarily used in regard to the Holy Roman Emperors during the Middle Ages. It is also thought to be an occupational name for a person who worked for the emperor or in his household.
In terms of its current frequency, the Kizer surname is most commonly found in the United States, specifically in states like North Carolina, Ohio, and Indiana. However, it is not a particularly common surname, even in these regions. It can also be found, albeit less frequently, in Germany and other countries with significant German-speaking populations. It's worth mentioning that many German surnames, including Kizer, might have different spellings due to historical changes and migration, causing some variability in its prevalence globally.
Variations of the surname Kizer
The surname Kizer can have different variants and spellings based on regional pronunciations, cultures, and languages. Some of these variants include Keiser, Kaiser, Keyser, Kyser, Kiser, Ciser, and Kyzer.
The name is of German origin and these variants indicate the different ways it has been anglicized or influenced by other languages.
The surname Keiser is particularly common among German-speaking populations and can derive from professions relating to the emperor, such as a servant in the emperor's court or a member of his administrative team. Kaiser is the German word for "emperor," and some of these names might have been bestowed as a nickname on someone who behaved in a lordly manner, or who had played the part of the emperor in a pageant or play.
An alternate origin from the Jewish (Ashkenazic) tradition suggests that the surname derives from an occupation as a tavern keeper, since Kaiser also means "to cut or shear" which was used metaphorically for "to drink in taverns" because the wine had to be 'cut' with water before being served. Therefore, people with this surname might have family history traced back to Germany or Jewish communities in Eastern Europe.
Famous people with the name Kizer
- Kayla Kizer: American swimmer who won Gold at the 2019 Pan American Games
- Colby Kizer: Professional baseball player and pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates
- David Kizer: Director of animal services for a humane society
- JJ Kizer: American golfer, competed in the PGA Tour and Nationwide Tour
- Caleb Kizer: Singer-songwriter, best known for his rendition of the popular Christmas song "Silent Night"
- David M. Kizer: NASA Robotics Engineer
- Kasey Kizer: Professional hairdresser and beauty queen who won Miss Wisconsin USA 2017
- Christopher Kizer: Physician and poet who wrote a collection of works titled “Medicine Inspired Poems”
- Larry Kizer: United States Air Force Major General
- Alan Kizer: American football player who played in the NFL from 1969-1978