Surname Kerckel - Meaning and Origin
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Kerckel: What does the surname Kerckel mean?
The last name Kerckel is derived from the Dutch word “kerk,” meaning church. The surname Kerckel is thought to have originated in Germany, where it was a toponymic name for someone living near or within a church. It is also theorized that the name is occupational in origin, referring to a person who worked in the service of the church or held an important position in it.
The Kerckel family is recorded in the ancient parish records of the German state of Hesse, where it was a widespread name. It appears in some 16th century records indicating the family had significant wealth and influence. In the early 19th century, the name Kerckel began to spread to other areas of Germany.
By the late 19th century, many Kerckel families had emigrated to the United States. Today, the Kerckel name is mostly associated with German-American communities in the Midwest and New York City.
The name Kerckel continues to serve as a reminder of a family’s ancestral ties to Germany, as well as its place in the history of the German-American experience. It also speaks to a long-standing dedication to the service of the church and the preservation of faith.
Order DNA origin analysisKerckel: Where does the name Kerckel come from?
The Kerckel surname is found in various countries around the world, but is most common in Germany. Hunsrucker Kerckels in German first appeared in records in the 13th century. The name is derived from a type of notch used in carpentry, suggesting an occupation of a carpenter or joiner as an origin of the name.
Kerckels are primarily found in the north of Germany, with pockets scattered throughout the central and southern regions. The highest concentrations of the surname are in Schleswig-Holstein, located in northern Germany near the Baltic Sea. Hamburg is home to the highest number of Kerckels in Germany.
Outside of Germany, Kerckels are common in the Netherlands, particularly in the east and southern regions, and migration to the United States has also resulted in the Kerckel name spreading beyond Germany. Kerckels in the US are concentrated in the Midwest with a heavy presence in Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota.
The Kerckel name may be slowly diminishing in Germany and other countries where it is common, but is still a recognizable name for many.
Variations of the surname Kerckel
The surname Kerkel, also spelled as Kerckel, is a German-origin name. Many variants of the name have developed over the centuries, usually due to misspellings of people living in different regions, or from people migrating to other parts of the world.
One variant is Kerckhove, which is more common in Belgium and the Netherlands. Another variant is Kerckhoff, which is mainly found in the northern regions of Germany. The spelling of Kerckel is most commonly found in the United States.
In addition to these regional variations, some other variants of Kerckel are Körckel, Körkel and Kercle. The spelling of Kerckel is sometimes mistakenly used for a surname originating from the Swiss German-speaking areas of Switzerland, which has the form Kirchen.
Kerckel has also been used as a first name by some people in the United States. This could be because of its status as a surname or because it sounded similar to the English name Kirk.
Finally, the surname Kercken is found in Eastern Europe, particularly in Lithuania and Latvia. This surname might have evolved from the German name Kerckel. This is because, until the 19th century, many German names had their spelling adjusted to match the local language, leading to foreign variations.
Famous people with the name Kerckel
- Jona Kerckel: Jona Kerckel is a German singer and songwriter. She rose to fame in the early 2000s when she released her debut album, Free to Fly. She has since released six other albums and toured extensively throughout Europe.
- THenry Kerckel: THenry Kerckel is a former American football player who played eight seasons in the National Football League for teams such as the Philadelphia Eagles. He was known as one of the league's most prolific wide receivers of his era.
- Stellan Kerckel: Stellan Kerckel is a Swedish actor and director. He is best known for his roles in films such as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, A Hijacking, and Force Majeure.
- Paul Kerckel: Paul Kerckel is a German chess grandmaster and one of the nation's top players. He has won multiple international tournaments, including the German Open, Dutch Open, and Danish Open.
- Jeff Kerckel: Jeff Kerckel is an American professional basketball player who played for several teams in the NBA and overseas leagues. He is known for his tenacious defense and clutch shooting from beyond the arc.
- Rein Kerckel: Rein Kerckel is a Dutch painter and sculptor. His work often involves portraits of figures from both contemporary and historical contexts. He is best known for his 2004 exhibition "Elven Portraits" at the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam.