Surname Kolter - Meaning and Origin
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Kolter: What does the surname Kolter mean?
The surname Kolter is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German term "kolter", which translates to "quilt" or "coverlet" in English. This indicates that the earliest bearers of the name were likely in the business of making quilts or duvets. It could thus be classified as an occupational surname, representing the job or trade of the individual. Like many surnames, over the centuries and through emigration, the name may have assumed different forms and spellings, including Colter, Coulter, and Költer. However, the definitive meaning and origin might vary based on geographic location and family history. It’s always recommended to trace your family origins for personalized information regarding your surname.
Order DNA origin analysisKolter: Where does the name Kolter come from?
The surname Kolter is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "kolter", which loosely translates in English into "quilt" or "coverlet". Kolter was originally an occupational name for someone who made or sold quilts or coverlets. Given modern surname distribution data, the surname Kolter is found most frequently in Germany, followed by the United States. Within Germany, it appears to be most common in the North Rhine-Westphalia region. Therefore, while the surname Kolter can be found across the world due to the spread of descendants, its roots trace back to Germany, and that is where it remains most widespread today. However, as with many surnames, over time it may have spread and given rise to various spellings and variations. It should also be noted that surname distribution can change significantly over time due to factors such as migration and changes in political boundaries. Therefore, it can be challenging to definitively determine where a surname is most common at any given time.
Variations of the surname Kolter
The surname Kolter can have alternative spellings and closely related surnames due to regional variations, immigration, changes to spelling over time, and other factors. Some of its variants include Költer, Kollter, and Kolte. However, the versions of the surname greatly increase when you consider surnames with similar origin.
The surname Kolter is of German origin, and it is derived from a personal name, an occupation, or a location. So, surnames with the same origin may include Köster and Kuster (stemming from the occupation 'sexton'), Kohler (from the occupation 'charcoal maker'), or Koller (from the place name, 'Kolln').
Other possible linked names might be Kölner (related to the location 'Cologne'), Koster, Kolte, and Kolb, as well as Americanised versions, which often simply drop the umlaut, transforming into Koester, Koster, Konter, and Kolner. Enhanced understanding would require more detailed genealogical research. It's also worth remembering that surname evolution is complex, and some names might have multiple origins.
Famous people with the name Kolter
- Noelle Kolter: A well-known American lawyer who is a member of the Columbus Bar Association.
- Robert Kolter: A renowned microbiologist and Professor of Microbiology and Immunobiology at Harvard Medical School. He has made significant contributions to the field of molecular biology and has several publications to his name.
- Klaus Kolter: A famous German football player who represented Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga.
- John Kolter: Known for his significant role in the U.S. Senate from West Virginia.
- Zico Kolter: An associate professor at the School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University, and also the Chief Scientist at AI start-up, Bossa Nova Robotics. Although these names are associated with some fame, many are well-known only within select fields and may not be considered 'celebrities' in the traditional sense.