Surname Kühnl - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
Kühnl: What does the surname Kühnl mean?
The last name Kühnl is of German origin. It is derived from the German word kühn, which is defined as “bold” or “courageous”. It is most commonly found in Germany, Austria and the surrounding areas, but has also spread to other parts of Europe, the United States, and some parts of South America.
The original meaning of this surname is a strong and fearless character. Historically, a person carrying the family name of Kühnl likely displayed a sense of courage and strength, which could have been important in the individual's success in life.
Nowadays, the name Kühnl is believed to bring immense strength and power to the holder. This might have something to do with the connection between the name and the historical obstacles faced by individuals of this surname. It could be a reminder to the holder to never shy away from difficult situations, and to strive for the best in any situation. Certainly, the meaning of this name has evolved and changed over time, but it still carries a strong and positive message.
Whatever the origins and evolution of this surname may be, it carries a strong and powerful meaning. To those who carry the name Kühnl, the courage and boldness of their ancestors may provide them with the strength and guidance necessary to face any challenge that life throws at them.
Order DNA origin analysisKühnl: Where does the name Kühnl come from?
The last name Kühnl is, primarily, common in Germany and its surrounding countries. There are an estimated 10,000 individuals with this surname living in Germany alone. In addition, this name is found in Austria, Switzerland, and other Central and Eastern European countries. The name’s highest concentrations are typically found in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria in Germany, although it is also relatively popular in southeast and central Austria, and in southeastern Switzerland.
Kühnl is an occupational surname, typically referring to someone who worked in some capacity in a garden, orchard, vineyard, or other outdoor space. It could refer to a laborer who worked on the land, such as plowing, planting, reaping, and so on, or to an overseer, someone who managed the garden, orchard, vineyard, and so on. Alternatively, it could refer to someone who worked in an associated field, such as a brewer or cider presser.
In some cases, the name Kühnl may be of German Jewish origins, originating as an Ashkenazic name. It was relatively common among the Jewish communities in Germany and its surrounding countries, and is likely derived from the Middle High German term “chunkel,” meaning “garden.”
The name Kühnl is still seen relatively frequently throughout Germany and its surrounding countries, particularly in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. While many individuals with this surname have since emigrated elsewhere in the world, the name is still retained in its areas of origin.
Variations of the surname Kühnl
The surname Kühnl is derived from an Old German word that means “strong, brave, and bold”, which is an attribute of its bearer’s character. It is an occupational name that was originally used for warriors in the medieval period. Variants and spellings of the surname Kühnl include Kuhnle, Kühnle, Kühnlein, Kuehnl, Kuehnlein, Kuehnel, Kuehnelein, Kühnel, Kühnelein, Kuhnell, Kuhnelle, Kunele, Kunelea, Kunelein, Kuenel, Kuenelley, Kuenelle, and Kunely.
Surnames of the same origin can also include Kohnle, Konele, Konely, Kunelee, Kuenle, Kunelle, Kühn, Kühne, Kühnel, Kühnemann, Kühnen, Kühnert, Kühnle, Kühnley, Kühnlein, Kühnler, and Kühnenle.
The surname Kühnl is very popular in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is also found throughout Europe, as well as in North and South America and other parts of the world. It is a testament to the legacy of its bearer’s character – strong, brave, and bold.
Famous people with the name Kühnl
- Gerd Kühnl (German politician, state secretary in the German federal ministry of transport and digital infrastructure since 2018).
- Franz-Josef Kühnl (Olympic equestrian who competed in dressage at the 1968 Mexico, 1976 Montreal and 1984 Los Angeles games).
- Paul Kühnl (German postal historian who is also an international expert in this area).
- Adolf Kühnl (German lawyer, politician and barrister who served as the Mayor of Sigmaringen from 1949 to 1953).
- Andreas Kühnl (German computer scientist and entrepreneur, co-founder of SAP).
- Adolf Kühnl Jr. (Former President of the German Federal Court of Auditors).
- Willy Kühnl (German painter, draftsman and illustrator).
- Michael Kühnl (Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Weichspüler Group since 2020).
- Kai Kühnl (German football coach active since 2012, currently the coach of Eintracht Braunschweig).
- Robert Kühnl (Austrian historian, archivist and university professor who wrote extensively on 19th-century Austria).