Surname Keilberg - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
Keilberg: What does the surname Keilberg mean?
The last name Keilberg is thought to have been derived from a place name originating in Germany. It is believed to come from the Old High German words keil for “rock” and berg for “mountain,” meaning the bearer of the name originally lived in an area with a prominent rocky mountain.
Keilberg is a fairly uncommon surname meaning only 1 in every 250,000 Americans bear the name. It is most often found in Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Keilbergs there have remained in the same areas for generations and the name could have a regional significance.
The Keilbergs of Austria were recorded in the 15th century and the huszár family of Slovakia has used Keilberg as their branch name since the 16th century. It is possible that the family may have had their origins in politics as many surnames were gained by noblemen due to their titles, land grants, or bribes.
Keilberg, in Germany, is part of the Freising region of Bavaria and is located near the Isar River. This river is known as one of the most important and serene waterways in Germany. Today, the area near the river is known for its recreational activities and popular attractions. This could be the reason why the Keilbergs may have originally chosen the area as their home.
It might also be meaningful that the name Keilberg implies resilience. The image of a rocky mountain is symbolic of the fortitude and strength of the family it belonged to. In times of hardship, the Keilberg name likely gave them the inspiration to persevere and thrive.
Order DNA origin analysisKeilberg: Where does the name Keilberg come from?
The last name Keilberg is a German-Jewish surname which is most commonly found in Europe today. It is a fairly rare name and is most commonly found in Germany, but also in Poland, Russia, Austria, Czech Republic, and Hungary. The name is likely derived from the German word for "church mountain" which indicates the family likely had a religious connection.
In Germany, the name is connected to local churches and cities. The first known reference to the name was in 1521 in Hamburg, when it was recorded as Kühlberg. In Pomerania, Keilberg was the name of a nearby hilltop village and is attached to a local church records in Gartz. It stands out amongst prominent religious groups as a result, and many people in the area now have the name.
In modern times, the surname is spreading to other parts of Europe with already established Jewish populations. This could suggest that some members of the family are descendants of German Jews immigrating in search of refuge, or the name is adopted by European converts.
In the United States, the last name is much rarer and primarily limited to a few states, including Texas, Ohio, and Florida. These individuals likely have relations to families that had previously emigrated to the US. In Canada, the name is rare but does appear in some records, suggesting that Keilbergs may have emigrated there as well.
Variations of the surname Keilberg
The surname Keilberg (or Keyelberg, Käilberg, Keilberger, Keyilberg, Keylberg, Kajlberg) likely originated in the Bavarian region of Germany. Variations in spelling are likely due to variations in dialect of German (for instance, in the Bavarian dialect the letter “ä” is sometimes pronounced as “e”).
The root of the surname is the word “Keil,” which means wedge in the German language. This suggests that the surname originated as a topographic name, meaning that it was derived from a particular landscape feature or physical characteristic, in this case, a wedge-shaped hill or mountain. The addition of “berg,” a common German ending for any feature of the land, would indicate a place-name.
As a result, Keilberg likely began its life as a place-name and was later adopted as a surname by families who lived in the area or were from that region. Some families may have adopted one of the other variant spellings of this same name and spread the variant further outside the Bavarian region, accounting for the different spellings and pronunciations of this name.
Given the broad range of surnames that may be derived from this one root, researchers must consider alternate spellings and surnames when seeking information about a particular branch of the Keilberg/e/er family. For this reason, searching for spellings and surnames in addition to Keilberg, Keyelberg, Käilberg, Keilberger, Keyilberg, Keylberg, and Kajlberg is recommended when conducting genealogical research.
Famous people with the name Keilberg
- Sorin Keilberg: a Romanian film and television actor best known for his roles in films such as I’m Not Your Friend and A Restless Heart, as well as the television series Steamworks.
- Liz Keilberg: an American visual artist who is also a sculptor, painter, installation artist, muralist, and designer. Her work has been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums around the world.
- Jakub Keilberg: a Czech film and television actor best known for his roles in Czech films such as Samota and Fireworks.
- Luc Keilberg: a French film and television actor best known for his roles in films such as Ants in the City and Nightmare in France, as well as television series such as Les Ières and Victor & Karoline.
- Yves Keilberg: a Belgian film and television actor known for his roles in films such as The Himera Triangle and The Devil’s Kiss, as well as the television series Feel the Vibe.
- Sonja Keilberg: a German film and television actress best known for her roles in films such as The Cup of Joy and Dead in the Sun, as well as the television series Gute Zeiten, Schlechte Zeiten.
- Nathan Keilberg: an American film and television actor best known for his roles in films such as Nerve and Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules, as well as television series such as East Enders.
- Aleksandr Keilberg: a Russian film and television actor best known for his roles in films such as A Night of Fear and Durak, as well as the television series Zavetushka and Union.
- Conrad Keilberg: a Canadian film and television actor best known for his roles in films such as Silent Night and Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, as well as the television series charisma and Defending Hope.
- Corinna Keilberg: a German film and television actress popular for her roles in films such as Fire in Heaven and Madam Ada, as well as the television series Let's Dance and Küssen Verboten.