Surname Kempfe - Meaning and Origin
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Kempfe: What does the surname Kempfe mean?
The last name Kempfe is a German surname derived from the Middle High German phrase ‘Kemphfe’, which literally translates to ‘curved line’. It is most likely an occupational surname, derived from someone who was an expert steelworker or a blacksmith. The bent or curved shape of the line was integral in forging different types of metals at the time.
Kempfe is now a very old and established surname that is still alive and well today, having spread far and wide since its original roots in the Middle High German language. It is strongly associated with Germany, and it is most commonly found in Bavaria, the south-eastern region of the country. It can also be found in other countries, such as the United States, Canada, and other surrounding nations.
The Kempfe name carries its own family crest, and a few notable individuals have used the name as well. For example, Prussian-born General Gustav Kempfe was a decorated veteran of both the World War II era and the Cold War, and astronomer Rudolf Kempfe was a leader in the field of astrology.
This strong and powerful surname conveys a sense of strength, resilience, and creativity—all of which are still represented in those carrying the name today.
Order DNA origin analysisKempfe: Where does the name Kempfe come from?
Kempfe is a surname which has its origin in northern Germany. It is most common in Germany and surrounding countries today, particularly in areas of concentrated Germanic lineage such as in the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Austria, and Switzerland. It is possible to trace families with the surname Kempfe across the globe, as the same surname is found in countries like the UK, USA, Canada, and New Zealand.
Kempfe is a patronymic surname derived from the given name ‘Kempe’ or ‘Kampf’. The name is derived from the Old High German words ‘kemfe’, ‘kampf’, or ‘kampfen’, all of which mean ‘strong’, ‘warlike’, or ‘fighter’. The surname was originally given to someone of a warrior-like character or who was particularly strong and courageous. The name is still seen today as a reference to those traits.
The Kempfe surname can be seen in various forms today depending on the country. Examples include Kempen, Kempp, Kempicker, Kempka, and Kempfert. While the majority of people with this name can trace their roots to northern Germanic countries, others with Germanic heritage may have changed the spelling to fit with the culture or language of the place they relocated to.
Variations of the surname Kempfe
The surname Kempfe is of German origin, believed to be derived from a nickname meaning “fighter”, which could have been given to an ancestor due to their aggressive or assertive behavior. It is thought to be a variation of the medieval name 'Kemfert'.
Variant spellings of the surname Kempfe include Kempe, Kemp, Kempa, Kembe, Kemmefe, Kempte, and kempt. Several derivatives of the name have also developed, such as Kempaer, Kempter, Kemptert, Kemper, Kempter, Kempler, Kempinger, Kempke, Kempnich, Kempnich, Kemptner, and Kempski.
The name Kempfe is found primarily in Germany, but families with this surname have migrated to the United States, England, Australia, Chile, and other locations.
In the United States, the Kempfe surname is associated with states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Texas, and New York. In England, it is most commonly found in Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire. Australia has also seen the emergence of Kempfe families, primarily in Victoria and New South Wales. And families with this surname can be found in Chile, mainly in the city of Santiago.
Today, Kempfe is a relatively rare surname with both spellings and derived surnames still found in Germany and various locations around the world.
Famous people with the name Kempfe
- Nancy Kempfe: Nancy Kempfe is a Hollywood makeup artist who has worked on many films, including Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Romance & Cigarettes and Working Girl.
- Bettina Kempfe: Bettina Kempfe is an award-winning German theater, television, and film actress, perhaps best known for her roles in The Bordergame and Summer Window.
- Cornelia Kempfe: Cornelia Kempfe is a German art historian and author who focuses on the works of the German painters Lucas Cranach and his son Hans.
- Rudi Kempfe: Rudi Kempfe was a German writer and scriptwriter known for his works on popular television shows such as Derrick and Praxis Bülowbogen.
- Charles Kempfe: Charles Kempfe was a German transport pilot who was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross after successfully completing a mission to deliver mail and supplies to the German army in Russia during World War II.
- Robert Kempfe: Robert Kempfe was a Soviet fighter ace during World War II and a recipient of the Order of Lenin and the Gold Star.
- David Kempfe: David Kempfe is a Swiss biathlete who competed at the 2002 and 2010 Winter Olympics and won several medals at the European and World Championships.
- Anna Kempfe: Anna Kempfe is a German writer and actress who has written and starred in several plays, including Anecdotes aus Franken, Die beiden Gloria's and Kaffee und Brombeeren.