Surname Kaphengst - Meaning and Origin
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Kaphengst: What does the surname Kaphengst mean?
The last name Kaphengst is of German origin, and is derived from the words kapf (head) and hengest (stallion). This indicates that the first person to bear the name was likely a horseman, or otherwise someone skilled in the art of horsemanship.
In more recent centuries, some members of the Kaphengst family have been involved in more diverse areas of life. Some may have been farmers or shopkeepers, while others may have been soldiers or travellers.
Given the spelling of the last name, Kaphengst may also have originally been a Jewish name. Jewish family names were often determined by the father's profession. As a result, Kaphengst might indicate that a Jewish ancestor of the family was a horseman or horse trainer.
In any case, it seems fair to assume that the Kaphengsts were a proud and determined family, as indicated by their chosen name. Their pride is likely one of the main reasons why the family has survived over the centuries, and why it continues to be remembered today.
Order DNA origin analysisKaphengst: Where does the name Kaphengst come from?
The last name Kaphengst is of German origin, and is commonly found throughout Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and other parts of Europe. Since the end of World War II, the Kaphengst surname has spread further throughout the world, with many families immigrating to the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries.
In the U.S., the last name Kaphengst is most commonly found in the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota. These states have large populations of people of German descent. Additionally, many Americans with the name Kaphengst can be traced back to Pennsylvania, which has a history of German immigration dating back to the 18th century.
Outside of the U.S., Kaphengst is a notable surname in New Zealand, Australia, and France. In Australia, the last name Kaphengst is most commonly associated with the state of Victoria, which was a popular destination for European immigrants in the 19th century. Similarly, New Zealand has a significant German-speaking population and many "Kaphengst" families trace their roots back to this region.
Overall, the last name Kaphengst is widespread throughout much of the world, with families of German origin carrying the name for generations. In many countries, followings of the Kaphengst surname are still quite strong, with members of these families often living in close proximity to one another.
Variations of the surname Kaphengst
Kaphengst is a German surname with variants and spellings that can range from Caphengst, Kaphenst, Kaphängst, Kapphengst and Kaphengast to Kaefengest, Khafenst, Kaefingast, Kaffenst, Käffenst, Käppenst, Käpfingst, Käpfengst, Käffinast, Käffenast, Kafenst, and Kafingast.
The surname Kaphengst traces its origins back to the area known today as Hanover and Lower Saxony in Germany.
It is an evolution of the ancient Germanic name ‘Gafengest’, which translates as ‘guardian of the goats’; a reference to a person who was responsible for keeping goats safe and sound.
The variants Kaefingast and Käpfangast reflect the strong Saxon presence in the area since the 11th century, while the variant Kaffenst is a Lutheran corruption of the original name.
The prefix Kap- or Kaf- used in the variants Kapphengst, Kaphenst, Kaefengest, Khafenst and Kafenst was an effort to simplify the name’s spelling when the German language underwent several reforms, such as spelling reforms in the 19th century.
The names Käffinast and Käffenast could refer to a person from Käfernast, a small community in the Rhine Region.
Kaphengst is a common German surname throughout North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, Lower Saxony, and Bavaria.
Finally, some of the variants of the surname Kaphengst, such as Kaefingast and Kafingast, can also be used as surnames in their own right.
Famous people with the name Kaphengst
- Hans Kaphengst: Former West German professional cyclist riding for various teams between 1951 and 1962.
- Joost Kaphengst: Dutch former football player who played for clubs such as NAC Breda, FC Eindhoven and Go Ahead Eagles.
- Joe Kaphengst: A former American football player and College Football All-American at Indiana University Purdue University in 1965.
- Angelita Kaphengst: Brazilian model and actress.
- Chris Kaphengst: One of Germany's leading landscape and wildlife photographers.
- Carsten Kaphengst: Former German professional footballer who played mostly for TSV München 1860.
- Aget Kaphengst: Former Greek professional basketball player who played mostly with AEK Athens during his career.
- Charlotte Gabrielle Kaphengst: French former competitive figure skater.
- Jochen Kaphengst: German former footballer who played for clubs such as VfB Lübeck and FC St. Pauli during his career.
- Aaron Kaphengst: American Music Educator.