Surname Kappenschneider - Meaning and Origin
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Kappenschneider: What does the surname Kappenschneider mean?
The last name Kappenschneider is a German name, and is derived from the archaic German term kappe in reference to hats or headgear. Kappe is derived from kapeln, a German word related to the Latin word cappa meaning cloak or hood. ‘Schneider’ is German for tailoring, so the full meaning of Kappenschneider literally translates to ‘hatmaker’ or someone who makes hats or other forms of headgear.
Historically, Kappenschneiders were skilled workers who specialized in creating small and elaborate items of headwear such as toppers, berets, caps and hats. Hats were an important item of clothing for all classes, with people aspiring to wear fashionable headpieces that would make them stand out.
In Germany, the hat industry survived until the 20th century, and Kappenschneiders were integral in creating finely made hats for nobility and the wealthy classes. However, the industrial revolution and the development of new materials and machinery meant that hats became mass-produced and Kappenschneiders found it increasingly difficult to compete.
Today, the name Kappenschneider remains in some areas of Germany, and is occasionally borne by tailors or milliners who have inherited the skill from generations before. The name is also a reminder of the important role of the skilled hatmaker in historical Germany.
Order DNA origin analysisKappenschneider: Where does the name Kappenschneider come from?
The last name Kappenschneider is most commonly associated with German-speaking areas. Today, Kappenschneider is found mainly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The people with the last name Kappenschneider have ancestral roots in the German-speaking countries, either from migration or from heritage.
In Germany, the Kappenschneider surname is most commonly found in the state of Bavaria. Many of the people with this last name still live in Bavaria, where it is known to have arrived in the 16th century. It is also found throughout the rest of the country, but Bavaria is the main hub for people with this German surname.
In Austria and Switzerland, the name has also been present for centuries. It is found mainly in the German-speaking region of the country, and those with the surname are often from rural areas where local dialects of German are still spoken.
Since the 19th century, the Kappenschneider surname has spread to other parts of the German-speaking world, such as the United States, Canada, and South America. It is also found in parts of Australia and New Zealand, where German-speaking immigrants have settled in the last two centuries.
Since Germany is the main home of the Kappenschneider surname, it also remains fairly popular in German-speaking areas elsewhere around the world, including some regions with a predominately non-German-speaking environment.
Variations of the surname Kappenschneider
Kappenschneider is a German surname which is derived from the Old German words ‘kappen’ meaning 'cover' and 'schneider' meaning 'tailor'. It is a toponymic surname which might indicate that the original bearer was a tailor who lived in or near a place named Kappen or had a profession associated with it.
Kappenschneider is sometimes spelled as Kappenschmieder, Kapenschmieder, Kapenschneider, Kappenschmaider, Kappenschmaider, Kappenschnider, Kaapenschneider, Kaapenschmieder, Kaapenschneider, Kaepenschmaider, Kappenschneidor, Kaapenschmeider, Kaapenschmieder, Kaepenschmaeder and Kappenschmaider.
Common variants of the surname include Kapp, Kappe, Kapper, Kappes and Kappler.
Surnames which share the same roots as Kappenschneider are Caplan, Appitz, Kappels and Kappinger. Although the German city of Kapfenbourg has nothing to do with the surname, some people with Kappenschneider have become commonly known as Kapfenbourgers.
Many profession-based surnames such as Kappenschneider were created throughout the centuries when surnames were first adopted as a means of distinguishing one individual from another. As such, people of different regions and countries may use different variants of the same surname.
Famous people with the name Kappenschneider
- Keith Kappenschneider: Keith is a sought-after and respected three time sample product award winning music producer, composer and arranger. He’s managed to become rather successful in the music industry and has been nominated for several awards.
- Ruta Kappenschneider: Ruta is an Estonian film and television actress, she’s most well known for her roles in the films “Maakera: The Fearless” and “The Serial Killers”.
- Heinz Kappenschneider: Heinz is a German electronic artist and multi-instrumentalist. He’s been featured in various music publications for his unique and sonic sound.
- Hans Kappenschneider: Hans is a German scientist and professor at the Technical University of Dresden. He’s well known in the automotive engineering world for his research on cars and their functionality.
- Alan Kappenschneider: Alan is an entrepreneur, investor, and CEO. He currently serves as the CEO of the company he founded, Honor Ventures.
- Ubbo Kappenschneider: Ubbo is an actor and producer who has featured in various films such as “Berlin: Tag und Nacht” and “Der Neckarstrasse 711”.
- Michael Kappenschneider: Michael is a German visual artist, photographer, and camera specialist. He’s been featured in various gallery exhibitions throughout Germany.
- Ralf Kappenschneider: Ralf is a German sculptor and medalist who’s widely known for his works with wood, metal, and stone.