Surname Keffel - Meaning and Origin
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Keffel: What does the surname Keffel mean?
The last name Keffel is of German origin, and was first used when members of a certain family adopted it as a way to distinguish their familial line from the other families in their community. The name itself is derived from the German word "Kaffeel," which means "coffee pot," and was likely originally bestowed to a maker or seller of coffee. It is thought that throughout the centuries, these families adopted the surname as a way to identify their specific craft or business.
The surname Keffel has largely been prevalent in parts of Germany and Austria for centuries. Today, those who carry the surname may still have roots in that region, although it is found in many other countries around the world. Variations of the surname Keffel include Koffel, Kafel, Koffler, Kaffeler, and Kaffler.
People bearing the Keffel name can be traced back to the mid-17th century in northern Germany and have since taken on many different roles including farmers, merchants, tradesmen, and labors. Those bearing the name have also spread to the United States, Australia, and Canada. In the modern age, the Keffel surname carries with it a long history of success and determination.
Order DNA origin analysisKeffel: Where does the name Keffel come from?
The last name Keffel is of Jewish (Ashkenazic) origin, and is found mainly in central and eastern Europe. It is most common today in Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic, but can also be found in some other countries, such as the Netherlands, Poland, Croatia, and the United States.
The first record of the last name was in the 13th century in Germany, when a Johann Keffel was recorded in 1285 in the city of Nuremberg. Since then, the surname has spread throughout the region, eventually making its way to other countries.
Today, the name is still quite common in Germany, Austria, and Czech Republic. In Germany, Keffel is ranked 3,318th on the list of the most common surnames in the country. There are estimated to be around 15,000-20,000 people around the world who bear the surname.
In the United States, Keffel is relatively uncommon, though it can still be found in pockets across the country, especially in states like California, New York, and Florida.
In the end, the surname Keffel has a long and varied history, which is still mirrored in its geographical distribution today. Though not as common in the US as it is in its countries of origin, the name can still be spotted in different parts of America.
Variations of the surname Keffel
The surname Keffel has many different variants, spellings and surnames from the same origin. These different variations, although varying by region, typically include Kaffel, Käffel, Kaefel, Käfel, Käfeler, Käfer, Kefer, Kefler, Kaefler, Käferle, Käfle, Kefeler, Kaefeller, Käfling, Kefel, Kefelin, Käfler, Käflinger, Käferinger, Kaefele, Kiefel, Kieferling, Köfel, Köfler, Köffler, Köfling, Köflinger, Koffler, Kofel, Kofler, Kofle, Köhler, Koehler, Koehle and Köhl.
The surname Keffel originated in Germany, primarily in the Bavaria area, and dates back to the 17th century. While it was most popular in Bavaria, it was also commonly found in areas in Prussia and western Poland. This surname was most likely derived from the Old Franconian word “Kafel”, meaning “gentleman” or “gentleman’s servant”. The Keffel surname is still present in areas with Germanic populations today, especially those of German descent in America.
Due to its prevalence in Germany, the surname Keffel has many different spelling variations. These were created as the words were transcribed in various languages and dialects. This could also be caused by the lettering of local scribes or an individual’s specific way of writing a name. As with many other Germanic surnames, Keffel has recently been simplified to the most basic spelling, which is Köhl.
All of these different variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin contribute to the fascinating history and evolution of the Keffel surname.
Famous people with the name Keffel
- Chris Koeffel: American actor, writer, and film producer who starred in "Army Wives" and "The New Adventures of Old Christine".
- Sean Koeffel: Former professional hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 2006 until 2011.
- Devi Keffel: Founder and creative director of YAGAYA, a sustainable jewelry brand, as well as founder of the lifestyle blog DEVOTE. She is also an actress, model, and podcaster.
- Bill Koeffel: American actor who is best known for his role as Judge Horace Gray on the long-running television series "Law & Order".
- Jurgen Keffel: Elite middle-distance runner from Germany who competed in the marathon at the 1972 Olympics in Munich.
- Phyllis Koeffel: A long-time teacher at Corona del Mar High School in Irvine, California, and one of the founding members of the Orange County Department of Education’s Hall of Fame.
- Queen Agnes Köffel: First wife of King Ladis I of Hungary and Duchess consort of Austria from 1156.
- Patrice Koeffel: Former professional tennis player who was ranked as high as 44th in the world in singles. He was a member of the French Davis Cup team from 1987 to 1989.
- Marc Koeffel: French modern pentathlete who competed at the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympic Games, winning a silver medal in 2004.
- Ryan Koeffel: American record producer and private music instructor who has worked with the likes of Beres Hammond, KRS-One, and Dr. Dre.