Surname Kuhns - Meaning and Origin
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Kuhns: What does the surname Kuhns mean?
The surname Kuhns is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German "kuon," which means "bold," or "daring." It was often used as a personal name in the Middle Ages and then developed into a surname. The name might also be an occupational nickname for a cattle dealer or dairy farmer, as it resembles the word 'kuhn' which means 'cow' in German. So, the people with the surname Kuhns might have ancestors who were known for their bold personality or those who were cattle dealers or dairy farmers. Like many surnames, the exact meaning can differ depending on regional dialects and the passage of time.
Order DNA origin analysisKuhns: Where does the name Kuhns come from?
The last name Kuhns likely traces its ancestry back to Germany. The name can be associated with individuals who worked as a peasant or went by the name Kunz, a popular variant of the given name Konrad in Middle High German. Kuhns could be a patronymic surname customarily derived from the father’s given name, thus suggesting that it represents “son of Kunz”. It's worth noting the multitude of spellings that it can have, such as Kuhn, Kuhne, Kuehn, Kuehne, and many others, shaped by regional dialects and spellings over the centuries.
Today, the surname Kuhns is likely most common in the United States, due to large-scale immigration from Germany during the 19th and 20th centuries. Its presence is also significant in Germany and Switzerland. However, due to the nature of migration and global mobility, the surname can be found in many countries across the world. Some resources offer more specific distribution information, mapping the surname to areas within these countries where it's most common.
Variations of the surname Kuhns
The surname Kuhns has German origins and has a variety of alternate spellings and derivations, denoting one's ancestral trade or geographic location. This name could be a derivative from Kunze, Kuhne, or Kuhn, which are German surnames.
The variants can be subdivided according to the regions they are associated with or utilized to date. Some of the common spellings and variants include: Kuhne, Kuehne, Kuehn, Kuhn, Kohn, Koen, Kuhnau, Kühne, Kuhner, Kuhan, and Kuhnen among others. The surname has also been modified when adopted by non-German speakers, leading to additional variants like Koons, Coon, Coons, or Koonce in English-speaking regions.
In some cases, the original form has been maintained, while variations were created by adding prefixes, suffixes, or other elements - for instance, the surname Kuhnsman.
Surnames of the same origin can also be found in surnames deriving from similar German words related to the occupation, society standing, or description of the person.
Many of these variations can be found widely in Europe, North and South America, highlighting the wide dispersion of German migration over the centuries.
Famous people with the name Kuhns
- Gary L. Kuhns: An American politician from the state of Pennsylvania who served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
- Kyle Kuhns: An American social media marketing expert who is known for having managed several popular internet personalities, including actress and influencer Lilly Singh.
- Louis Kuhns: A significant figure in the labor movement during the late 1800s and early 1900s. He served as a secretary-treasurer of the United Mine Workers of America.
- Donald R. Kuhns: An American doctor noted for his contributions to orthodontics, with a specialty in treating cleft lip and palate.
- LaVern Kuhns: Known for his contribution to Mennonite music as an author of multiple hymns.
- George Kuhns: An award-winning football coach in the state of Delaware, now part of the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame.
- Rebecca Kuhns: A former MLB player for the New York Giants in 1914. Please note that some of these figures may not have international recognition but are well-known in their respective fields and regions.