Surname Kerling - Meaning and Origin

Kerling: What does the surname Kerling mean?

The last name Kerling originates from the Germanic term “kari” which translates to “warrior”. As such, the name Kerling is thought to refer to an individual who was a strong warrior or leader, and likely one who was respected by his peers. It is also possible that the surname is derived from the Middle High German word “kerlingen” which translates to “descendants of a famous warrior”. The name is believed to have been in use for at least a thousand years, and it was eventually spread throughout Europe during the medieval ages.

Kerling has various spellings including Kaerling, Keriling, Kirling, and Kerrig. The name is most common in the countries of Germany and Denmark, and it is estimated that there are currently more than 1,400 people with this last name in the United States alone. Kerling is a very old and noble name, and it is still in use today. It is an indication of a strong warrior history, and someone who has the capability and strength to lead. This surname is a reminder of the brave warriors who fought in battles and defended their homes.

Kerling: Where does the name Kerling come from?

The last name Kerling is most likely of German origin and is mainly found in Germany, the United States, and some countries in Europe. According to the records, the surname is quite common in Germany, with the highest concentrations in the states of Baden-Wurttemberg and Bavaria.

In the United States, the majority of people carrying the surname Kerling are of German descent and originally settled in the Midwestern regions after the Pennsylvania Dutch migration of the 18th century. Later on, the family moved south and westward.

Different spellings of the Kerling surname are present in other European countries, such as Poland (Kerlin) and Hungary (Kerlevine). It can also be found in countries like France and England, though the numbers of Kerling families in these countries are quite low.

In general, the Kerling family is made up of hardworking people who are often descendants of tradesmen and manual labourers, such as miners, butchers, and bakers. This particular surname has remained in families for generations, and those who carry it still continue to be proud of their heritage.

Variations of the surname Kerling

The surname Kerling is a patronymic surname derived from the Germanic personal name 'Karli', and has evolved into multiple spellings and variants throughout the centuries. Common alternate spellings of the surname Kerling include Kerlin, Keerlin, Kirlin and Kurlan.

The Kerling surname is rooted in Old Norse elements, such as ‘Karl’, which is a personal name derived from the Norse word for 'strong' as well as ‘ing’, which is a suffix used to indicate someone descended from a particular ancient Germanic tribe.

The Kerling surname is also occasionally found as a habitational name, derived from places such as Curling near Sunderland in Northern England.

Variants of the Kerling surname used in other countries can include Kerlingi (in Sweden), Köörling (in Estonia) and Körling (in Germany).

In addition to the single surname of Kerling there are also many variants and surnames descended from the Kerling surname. Examples include Karlin, Kling, Kerelix, Köörlin, Körling-Laurits, Kerelnig and Körlin-Röhl.

Despite the multiple spellings, variants and surnames of the same origin, all can trace their ancestry back to the original Old Norse root of 'Karl' and 'ing'.

Famous people with the name Kerling

• Jennie Garth: an American actress who played Kelly Taylor in the 1990s TV series Beverly Hills, 90210.
• Jean-Pierre Marielle: a French actor and director, known for his works La Grande Bouffe, The Adventures of Felix, and The Three Brothers.
• Danielle Darrieux: a French actress known for her roles in Mayerling, Le plaisir, and8 Women.
• Christoph Waltz: a German-Austrian actor and director, known for his roles in Inglourious Basterds, Django Unchained, and Spectre.
• Heintje Simons: a Dutch singer and actor, known for his roles in the 1968 film adaptation of The Little Prince and the 1982 version of Sieger.
• Hans Joachim Kerling: a German actor, best known for his role as Grandpa in the 1993 hit family comedy, Momo.
• Helmut Lotti: a Belgian singer, known for his contributions to cross-over music and his classic albums.
• Johannes Heesters: a Dutch actor and singer, best known for his roles in The Boys from Brazil and The Mirror Has Two Faces.
• Patricia Kaas: a French singer and actress, known for her albums Mademoiselle chante… and Carousel.
• Heidi Kabel: a German actress, best known for her roles in The Importance of Being Earnest and What a Man.

Other surnames

Kerlin