Surname Kalf - Meaning and Origin

Kalf: What does the surname Kalf mean?

The last name Kalf is a Dutch surname derived from the Middle Dutch word, “calv” meaning bald. A popular hypothesis is that it was likely an occupational name for those who kept their heads bare as part of their profession. For example, kitchen servants, millers, and carters were known to keep their heads bald to contend with the heat involved with their work.

Related surnames include Kalfs, Kalfstra, Kalfsveld, Kalfsvoet, and Kaal. The word kaal has similar Germanic roots and can be roughly translated to English as “bare”.

By extension, Kalf could also be linked with the Dutch expression, “kalf van de sloot”, which alludes to a “freshly plucked calf” that was newly born and still had its mother’s blood on it. While this provides an intriguing origin story, it is doubtful that this is the source of the surname since it was not recorded until the 16th century.

In summary, Kalf is most likely derived from the word “calv” and is associated with baldness, bareness, and plucked calves. It is also an occupational surname as those of menial jobs were often recorded with a “bald” name to distinguish them from the upper class.

Kalf: Where does the name Kalf come from?

The last name Kalf is a relatively uncommon last name in the world today, but is most likely to be found in Scandinavia. It is a patronymic surname originating in the Netherlands, though it is sometimes seen in Germany. The surname likely originated from an old Dutch word meaning calf.

The most common variants of this surname include Kalfs, Kalff, and Kalfsz, and the last name is also known to have branched off into separate surnames. Most of these surnames have remained rooted in the Netherlands, such as Kalfs, Kalffs, Kalfsz, Kalf-Kamp, and Kalff-Tromp.

In Norway, Kalf is seen in the provinces of Telemark, Vestfold, and Rogaland.

In Sweden, the surname is found in the provinces of Södermanland, Uppsala and Jämtland. It is also found in the Swedish-speaking region of Finland, near the border with Sweden.

In Denmark, the name can be found in the South Jutlandic region, as well as Funen and some of the major islands.

Finally, the surname is also found in other countries too, such as Australia, the United States, Canada, and France, though it is much less common than it is in the Netherlands and its surrounding countries.

Variations of the surname Kalf

The surname Kalf is of Germanic and Scandinavian origin, deriving its root from the Old Norse word ‘kalfi’ meaning ‘calf’ or ‘little calf’. It has been adopted and used in many countries, and has a number of variants.

The common alternative spellings of the surname include Kalfe, Kalfs, Kallf, Kalff, Kalef, Kalefs, Kalfson, Kalv, Kalve, Calf, Calves, Calfe, Calvez and Calvez-Kalf. In some instances, the spelling may have been further altered over time, such as Kallef, Kallefs, Kalle, Kalles, and Kaulf.

The various variants of the surname Kalf can be found worldwide, with many of them in the Netherlands, Germany, Scandinavia and the British Isles.

Romanian variants of the surname include Călăfătu, Călăfătean, Călăfoaia, Călăbău and Călăfăură. Other Romanian versions derive from the word ‘cal’ meaning ‘rooster’ or ‘gamecock’ e.g. Calu, Calău, Calui.

In Spain, the surname Caila is formed by combining the Spanish word for ‘calf’, cailo, with the suffix commonly attached to Spanish surnames, -a.

The more unusual surname Kaulfuss is derived from an old German expression ‘kaul fuess’ (meaning ‘bald-footed’).

Overall, the surname Kalf and its variants exist in various countries around the world today. Its origin can be traced back to the Old Norse ‘kalfi’, a diminutive of the word ‘kalf’ meaning ‘calf’ or ‘little calf’, with the surnames listed here being the most recognised forms.

Famous people with the name Kalf

• Hans Kalf: Dutch architect during the post-war period and designer of many great buildings including the seaside resort of Zandvoort.
• Ruggero Kalfin: The Italian economist and professor at the University of Florence specializing in economic growth and development.
• Pieter Kalf: Dutch seascape painter in the 17th century, known for his tranquil but detailed portrayals of Dutch harbors and ships.
• Andries Kalf: Dutch painter of still life and portraits in the early Baroque period of the Dutch Golden Age.
• Clare Kalfas: American contemporary artist whose work is focused on the exploration of identity, abstraction, and representation.
• Lars Kalf: Danish actor and theater director known for his leading roles in Shakespeare productions.
• Sigrid Kalfas: German-born Australian chef and restaurateur, renowned for her Asian fusion cuisine in some of the countries best restaurants.
• Juhan Reis Kalf: Estonian folklorist, scientist, and author who was an important figure in the Estonian national awakening in the mid 1800s.
• Sepehr Kalf: Iranian born musician, producer, and visual artist specializing in experimental and electronic sounds.
• Marti Kalf: Dutch sculptor, photographer, and performance artist whose work explores themes of gender and sexual identity.

Other surnames

KalKålaKalaitzidisKalaitzisKalamaKalamarKalayKalayciKalayciogluKalbKälbelKalberdodtKalberkampKalberlaKalberlahKalbertodKalbertodtKalbfellKalbfleischKalbfusKalbfussKalbfußKälbleKälbleinKälbliKälblyKalbskopfKalchKalchbrenner