Surname Kalteisen - Meaning and Origin

Kalteisen: What does the surname Kalteisen mean?

The last name Kalteisen is of German origin and is derived from the German phrase "Kalteisen," which means "cold iron." The surname likely began as an occupation name for someone who worked with iron, especially in cold temperatures. In Germany, names that indicated a particular occupation were relatively common, as they were a way for someone to be recognized. Many of these occupational names were derived from the materials and tools used in the trade.

Kalteisen is a unique and relatively rare last name, most likely found in specific areas in Germany. It is also rarely used as a first name. Those who bear the name are likely descended from someone who was a blacksmith, or perhaps a locksmith, working with iron and other metals in cold temperatures, which was an important skillset of its own. It could also refer to a person who simply found and sold iron and other metals, or someone who worked with iron and metal objects in cold temperatures such as cooling or forging them.

Regardless of its original meaning and background, the name Kalteisen is a unique and distinct surname associated with Germany. It is a reminder to those who carry it of their heritage, where many trades, such as working with iron, were essential, valuable, and important skills.

Kalteisen: Where does the name Kalteisen come from?

The last name Kalteisen is commonly found in Germany and Scandinavia. It is believed to have derived from the Old High German word “kalz” which means cold. The name is also found in Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic.

The surname Kalteisen most likely dates back to the Middle Ages, when people often referred to people by the regional landscape where they lived such as a "cold island.” It is likely the name was originally given to those who lived in a cold, isolated area in Germany or Scandinavia or a person who owned a cold island.

It is believed the surname Kalteisen was adopted by some Jewish and Huguenot refugees when they came to Germany from other parts of Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries. The name is also found in parts of the United States, with records of the name dating back to the 1800s.

The most likely spelling of the name in German speaking countries is “Kalteisen” or “Kalzteisen”, although other spellings are possible. The name appears in records as early as 1477 in Bavaria. It is still relatively common in Germany and other Germanic regions, although it is also seen in other parts of Europe and the United States.

Variations of the surname Kalteisen

The surname Kalteisen, also spelled Kaltisen, Caltisen, Kaltzer, Kaltz and Calter, is of both German and Scandinavian origin. The name originated as a combination of the Middle High German words “kalt” (cold) and “eisen” (iron), and ultimately derives from ancient words meaning “cold metal”. Thus, the original meaning of this surname is “cold iron”. The surname has other variants, including Kaltz, Kaltzer and Calter.

In Germany, this surname is mostly found along the Rhine River. Along the Rhine, the surnames Kaltz, Kalteisen and Caltisen are common. Throughout Scandinavia, it is known as Kaltz, Kaltzer and Kalteisen, as well as variants with the -sen suffix, such as Kalt-sen and Kaltesen.

In addition, its expressions Kaltz-Smith and Kalteisen-Smith are believed to have arisen in Britain when Scandinavian immigrants adopted an additional patronymic surname to differentiate themselves from other immigrants of similar surnames. The suffix -Smith is a common occupational surname originating from the English word “smith”, a profession popular among Scandinavian immigrants.

Overall, the surname Kalteisen is a common one, with many variants and spellings. However, it is believed to have originated as a combination of the German words “kalt” and “eisen”, meaning “cold iron”. In both Germany and Scandinavia, this surname is common, often with variations to the spelling and usage of the suffixes -z and -sen. In Britain, immigrants of this surname have often adopted additional patronymic surnames like Kaltz-Smith.

Famous people with the name Kalteisen

• Garri Kalteisen: Professional volleyball player
• Stig Kalteisen: Norwegian ski-jumper
• John Kalteisen: Irish football player
• Alexander Kalteisen: Norwegian hurdler and bobsledder
• Anatoli Kalteisen: Belarusian-born pole vaulter
• Lars Kalteisen: Norwegian speed skating champion
• Jürgen Kalteisen: German track & field athlete
• São Kalteisen: African-born swimmer
• Julia Kalteisen: German figure skating champion
• Ivar Kalteisen: Norwegian cyclist
• Phillipe Kalteisen: French slalom water skier
• Veli Kalteisen: Finnish sprint racing canoeist
• Winston Kalteisen: American football player
• Danni Kalteisen: Danish speed skater
• Olof Kalteisen: Swedish equestrian
• Tony Kalteisen: British long distance runner
• Francesca Kalteisen: Italian synchronized swimmer
• Magdalena Kalteisen: Polish ski-jumper
• Yasukata Kalteisen: Japanese ski-jumper
• Fred Kalteisen: Dutch beach volleyball player

Other surnames

KalteisKalteiss