Surname Kornel - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
Kornel: What does the surname Kornel mean?
The last name Kornel is of Slavic origin, derived from the name of a particular type of grain, korn. The literal translation is "grain field," or "barley field," implying that a family who took the name Kornel may have had a background in farming. Historically, the name Kornel was found most commonly in Poland and surrounding countries, although it has since gone more global.
Aside from the literal meaning of the name Kornel, it can also take on a few symbolic meanings in religious and cultural contexts. Many Christians associate the name, and its reference to grain, with the body of Christ, believing it a symbolic name with connotations of rebirth and new life to come. The name can also represent traditional familial values of continuity, constancy, and steadfastness as it harks back to the agricultural roots of its own origin.
The Kornel family is typically proud of its heritage, given the reverence which the name is held in by the many people with Slavic backgrounds. To many, the name symbolizes strength and perseverance through hard work, determination, and loyalty to family and kin. It is a reminder to remember one’s roots and uphold the values that the name Kornel stands for.
Order DNA origin analysisKornel: Where does the name Kornel come from?
The last name Kornel is most common in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in countries like Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. It is also present in Germany and Austria, although instances of the name there are less frequent.
The exact origin of Kornel remains unknown, but it is thought to a derivative of the Latin word "cornu," which refers to a type of horn or trumpet. This means the name Kornel was likely first associated with an ancestor who was a skilled musician or trombonist. An alternative explanation could be that it could have come from the word 'cornelius' which is associated with the Latin word for horn.
Kornel is also present in the United States and Canada, largely among members of the immigrant families who settled there during the 20th century. Today the Kornel family continues to be an active part of local business and culture, particularly in major cities from Los Angeles to Toronto.
Though it is impossible to accurately monitor the frequency of the surname Kornel throughout the world, it is clear that it is not an uncommon name. The Kornel family can trace its roots worldwide, making them an important part of some of the most influential communities in the world.
Variations of the surname Kornel
Kornel is a popular family name of Czech origin which may be spelled in many ways. Variants of the spelling include Kornel, Kornelius, Kornell, Korneli, Kornelis, Kornelsen, Kornely, Kornelle, and Kornelas.
Surnames derived from Kornel are Kornell-solberg, Kornelson, Kornellius, Kornlesen, Kornlov, Kornelsson, and Kornelis.
The Czech, Slovak, and Lithuanian Kornel originated with the Latin name Cornelius, meaning ‘horn of the corn,’ which refers to an ancient symbol of fertility. In other West Slavic countries, the name is also derived from the Slavic element “kor-”, meaning “horn of a bull”.
The origin of Kornel can also be traced to the Czech, Slovak, and Ukrainian languages, meaning “Beloved of Corn,” taken from the Latin “corn” meaning “fruit or grain,” and “elus” meaning “beloved”.
Kornel is a widespread surname around Europe, with many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Although spelling variations exist, all of them still trace back to the same distant root.
Famous people with the name Kornel
- John Kornel: John Kornel is an American model, actor, and entrepreneur. He was the face of American Eagle Outfitters from 2001–2003, Famous Stars & Straps from 2004–2006, and has appeared in several feature films, including Rock Star (2001), The Guardian, (2006), and Couples Retreat (2009).
- Paul Kornel: Paul Kornel is a member of the Hungarian National Tae Kwon Do team. He competed in the 65 kg weight class at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.
- John Korneliusz: John Korneliusz is a retired American professional basketball player. He played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1974 to 1983.
- Zuzanna Kornel: Zuzanna Kornel is a Polish competitive bodybuilder. She won the IFBB Diamond Cup Poland in 2013 and earned her pro card in 2014.
- Robert István Kornel: Robert István Kornel is a Hungarian footballer who plays for Videoton FC in the Nemzeti Bajnokság I (NB I).
- Alexander Kornel: Alexander Kornel is a German-born Canadian film director, best known for his feature film Tell It to the Bees (2018) and short film Send No Flowers (2015).
- Dorothy Kornel: Dorothy Kornel was an American figure skater who competed as a senior internationally in the 1964 Winter Olympics. She placed twelfth in the event.
- Wenceslas Kornel: Wenceslas Kornel is a Slovak-born Canadian actor best known for his role as Trooper in the film The Boondock Saints (1999).
- Robert Kornel: Robert Kornel is a Hungarian sculptor and glass artist. He is best known for his work with crystal glass objects.