Surname Keppler - Meaning and Origin

Unlocking Self-Understanding: A Journey Through My Ancestry with iGENEA DNA Test

Your past is always a part of you, but unlocking the secrets of your ancestry can reshape your understanding of your identity in profound ways. Such was my experience when I used iGENEA, a detailed and comprehensive DNA testing service, to dive into my genealogical history. The insights I gained about the Keppler lineage, my ancestors, came as a complete surprise, changing my self-perception and broadening my understanding of my family's past.

R. Keppler

Keppler: What does the surname Keppler mean?

The last name Keppler is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "kepfere," which translates to "coppersmith." Thus, the last name likely refers to an occupation, specifically someone who works with copper, an important metal during the Middle Ages due to its use in making coins, instruments, decorations etc. This name may have been often given to someone who crafted things from copper or was a dealer in copper goods. It can also be a variant of "Kepler," a surname notably shared by Johannes Kepler, the influential German mathematician and astronomer. Surnames often evolved as a way to sort groups of people into smaller, more specific categories, usually by occupation, place of origin, patronage, or physical traits. Therefore, if you bear the Keppler surname it might indicate that your ancestors were involved in the coppersmith trade.

Keppler: Where does the name Keppler come from?

The surname Keppler is of German origin, signifying someone who lived in or was from a place called Keppler, or possibly an occupational name for a hat maker, derived from the Middle High German word "keppeler". It is considered a variant of the name Kepler, attested in central and southern Germany.

This surname became well-known through the famous German mathematician and astronomer Johannes Kepler, who lived in the late 16th and early 17th century. Kepler's laws of planetary motion remain instrumental in the field of astronomy.

Today, the name Keppler is still fairly common in Germany. Additionally, due to migration over the centuries, this last name can also be found in various countries around the world, particularly in the United States. However, it should be noted this surname does not appear frequently compared to other surnames. Globally, it is estimated that there are about 7,000 people carrying the Keppler surname, the majority of whom are in Germany, followed by the United States.

Variations of the surname Keppler

The surname Keppler is of German origin and has various variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. The main variants of the name are Kepler, Keppler, and Käppler. Other variations can include Kappler, Keppeler, and Kepplar.

The name Kepler is more popular and is also the name of the famous German astronomer Johannes Kepler. It originated in Germany and was first recorded in the region of Swabia. It is a patronymic or occupational surname meaning 'hatter' or 'helmet maker', derived from the Middle High German word 'keppel' meaning hat or cap.

The surname Keppler might be misspelled due to phonetics or transcription errors and could appear as Kepple, Kipple, or Kapler in some documents. Additionally, names that are similar or related in meaning could include Hatmaker or Hutmacher (the English and German words for someone who makes hats.)

Surnames can change over generations due to immigration, regional dialects, and anglicization – for instance, Keppler might become Kepler or Keppler in English-speaking countries.

It is important, however, to note that while these names share the same or similar origins, the individuals carrying these names may not be related. Surnames of the same origin can belong to people from different families, much like people with different surnames can come from the same family due to adoptions, name changes, or women changing their surname after marriage.

Famous people with the name Keppler

• Jessica Keppler: Actress, model and spokesperson.
• Jesse Keppler: professional lacrosse player for the Toronto Rock.
• Theodore Keppler: German classical scholar and teacher.
• Heinrich Keppler: notable German physicist and professor of mathematics.
• Harold Keppler: American Olympian, competed in the men’s discus throw event at the 1948 and 1952 Olympic Games.
• Jake Keppler: Lead vocalist and songwriter of the alternative rock band A Voice Among Lions.
• Hans Keppler: German entomologist and nature writer.
• Joe Keppler: American Major League Baseball outfielder who played for the Philadelphia Phillies from 1921 to 1922.
• Roger Keppler: Singer, songwriter and musician, member of the band Outlaws.
• Bonnie Keppler: American professional golfer who played on the LPGA tour.

Other surnames

Kepplinger