Surname Kestings - Meaning and Origin

Kestings: What does the surname Kestings mean?

The last name Kestings is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word “kesting” which means “bramble” or “thorn.” As such, the surname is likely derived from a person's place of residence originally, which was near a hazel or blackthorn hedge or thicket.

Kestings is a common family name in Germany. The name is most associated with the Rhein-Main area in Northern Hesse, where a large number of Kestings families can be found. The family name was also found in the state of Lower Saxony, but originated primarily in the Rhineland.

The earliest documented use of the name Kestings is from the 13th century when a Werner Kestunge was mentioned in a document in Mainz. Since then, the name has spread throughout Germany and beyond. Today, it is most common in Germany and the Netherlands.

In the United States, Kestings is rare today, but there were some families who moved from Germany to the Midwest in the late 19th century and settled in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Overall, the Kesting surname is an interesting one as it is derived from a place of origin, rather than a job or other trade passed down from generation to generation. It is believed that the name was chosen by Kesting families when they moved due to living by or near a bramble.

Kestings: Where does the name Kestings come from?

The last name Kestings is most common in Germany today. According to records from the German Phone Book, there are over three hundred registered last names with Kestings in Germany. This surname is mostly found in Schleswig-Holstein, Lower-Saxony, Bavaria, and Hesse states of Germany. Present-day Kestings tend to come from areas of high German migration, such as the Upper Rhine.

Additionally, Kestings can be found in small pockets in the United States. US Census records from 1880 indicate that some German immigrants brought the Kestings last name to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. By 1990, US records indicate the last name had spread to Maryland, New York, and Michigan.

It's believed that the origin of the Kestings surname dates back centuries. It's derived from the word "hostings," likely a reference to the establishment of German houses in the region. This surname likely began in the Middle Ages, as many German family names do.

Today, Kestings family members are still primarily located in Germany and the United States, though it is possible to find this surname elsewhere. However, it is not a particularly common last name outside of the two locations.

Variations of the surname Kestings

The surname Kestings is derived from the old English and Dutch name Kestin which is believed to have originated from the personal name 'Ceastyn'. Over the centuries, this surname has taken on a number of variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin.

Variants of the surname Kestings include Kesting, Kestinge, Kestin, Kestingga, Kestinger, Kestinghausen, and Kestingeere. Spellings of Kestings may include Caston, Keston, Kesten, Cestin, Kestene, Kestinne, and Kestinn.

Surnames that may have originated from the original Kestings surname include Kastings, Kessing, Kasson, and Kassen. While these versions of the surname can be found in different parts of the world today, they may still trace back to the original Kestings surname.

Kestings is still a relatively rare surname but the variations of the name are seen in multiple countries. In Scotland, the surname exists as Kestin or Kesting and in Germany as Kestinger. In England, the surname is sometimes spelled as Kestin. In France, the surname is found as Cestin, Cestine or Kastings while in the Netherlands, the surname is seen as Kestinge. In the United States, the surname is found as Kastings, Kassen, Kasson, or Kessing.

Today, Kestings and its derivatives are used in multiple countries, including Scotland, England, Germany, France, the Netherlands and the United States.

Famous people with the name Kestings

• Christian Kesting: German football manager and former professional footballer.
• Evert Kestings: Dutch political commentator.
• José Kestings: Brazilian actor, best known for his roles in "Sendinut" ("Easy Money") and "O Maicon" ("My Maicon").
• Maeve Kestings: American actress, best known for her roles in “Stranger Things” and “The Land of Steady Habits.”
• Jurgen Kestings: Dutch television presenter and producer.
• Tony Kestings: Dutch football executive and former footballer.
• Mano Kestings: German/English athlete and musician, best known for his sports achievements.
• Michael Kestings: Australian actor, currently known for his role in the soap opera "Neighbours".
• Janicky Kestings: French fashion designer and television personality.
• Willem Kestings: Dutch author, columnist, and philosopher.

Other surnames

Kesting