Surname Kegel - Meaning and Origin

Unveiling Heritage Through DNA: The Kegel Chronicles & Self Identity

Contemplating the mysteries of my family name, Kegel, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery through the iGENEA DNA test. The startling revelations unearthed altered my viewpoint of my surname and reshaped my understanding of my family identity, filling it with rich history and heritage.

B. Kegel

Kegel: What does the surname Kegel mean?

The surname Kegel is of German origin but it does not have a specific meaning in the language. It is likely to be based on a geographical location, an occupation, a personal characteristic, or vary based on regional dialects. Geographical surnames, the most common type, were based on the location of the person's residence or birthplace. Occupational surnames referred to the person's job or trade. Descriptive surnames were often based on a person's physical characteristics or personality.

The term "Kegel" in German is used to refer to a cone or a bowling pin, so it's possible that it could have occupational roots or be metaphorical in nature. However, it's also quite common for surnames like this to be based on a place name, potentially a town or region that was historically known for producing or using cones or pins in some way.

Nevertheless, the specific meaning of the surname Kegel is not clearly documented and may also have different interpretations based on regional variations. It's important to remember that meanings of surnames can change over time and may therefore not directly reflect the original meaning.

Kegel: Where does the name Kegel come from?

The last name Kegel has German origins. The Kegel surname originally derived from “kegel,” which in German denotes a club or bowling pin, suggesting that the initial bearer of the name could have been a kegler or someone who practiced the sport of bowling. The name could also link back to a bowling alley operator, a place that was known as "Kegelbahn" in German.

As per modern distribution, people with the Kegel name can be found throughout the world, with a significant presence in countries such as Germany, the United States, and Canada. However, it is most densely populated and common in Germany, as this is the country where the surname first originated. Specifically, within Germany, the name Kegel is populous in areas like Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Saxony. Nevertheless, it's crucial to remember that migration patterns and globalization have expanded the spread of this surname beyond its geographic origin.

Variations of the surname Kegel

The surname Kegel originated from Germany. It is derived from the Middle High German "kegel" meaning 'cone' or 'peg', and was likely originally a nickname for a thin, sharp person or perhaps an occupational name for a player at skittles. Variations of the surname Kegel could include Kegler, Kegelen, Kegelin, and Kägele, which are all relatively common in the German-speaking world.

Kegel might also be an Ashkenazic Jewish surname from the Yiddish word kegel ‘cone’ or ‘peg’. This was likely an occupational name for a skittle player. Alternate spellings for the Ashkenazi variant could include Kiegel or Kiegele.

It is worth noting that surnames can evolve considerably over time, both in spelling and pronunciation. This evolution can be influenced by many factors, including regional dialects, literacy levels, or simply personal preference. Therefore, historical documents may contain several variants of the same original surname. In addition, migration and translation between languages can also lead to significant variation in surname spellings. For example, the surname Kegel might have been spelled differently when family members immigrated to English-speaking countries, such as Kegle or Keagle.

Famous people with the name Kegel

• Arnold H. Kegel: The most famous person with this last name is undoubtedly Dr. Arnold H. Kegel, an American gynecologist who is best remembered for inventing the Kegel exercises which aim to strengthen the pelvic floor.
• Christian Kegel: A German philosopher and scholar of significant influence in his field.
• Shawn Kegley: An American football coach, he worked with the Houston Texans and the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL.
• Max Kegel: A German Olympic sailor who competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics.
• Carly Kegley: An American country music singer.
• Karl Kegel: A former East German footballer and coach.
• Lisa Kegel: A notable Australian musician and artist.
• Jennifer Kegel: A recognized American oncologist. These examples reveal that the Kegel surname is prevalent in various fields including medicine, athletics, music, and philosophy.

Other surnames

KegeleKegelerKegelmann