Surname Keufel - Meaning and Origin
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Keufel: What does the surname Keufel mean?
Keufel is a German surname that has been around since the 16th century. In German, the word translates to mean “cauldron” or “coffer”, likely a reference to the trade or craft of a blacksmith. It was likely a job title or occupational surname indicating someone with that profession.
In German-speaking parts of Europe, many surnames were related to trades or occupations, such as Schmidt (smith), Bäcker (baker), Schneider (tailor), and Müller (miller). This could also just refer to someone living near cauldron or other strong vessel maker.
Today, any descendants of someone with the Kuefel surname can be found concentrated mostly in Germany, with smaller numbers in the United States. The name is thought to be derived from the Middle German words koufel or gufele, meaning “vessel” or “large tub.” Another derivative of the name could have come from the Middle Low German kufel, which translates to a firkin or a bucket.
It is reasonable to assume that anyone with the last name Keufel is likely either descended from a blacksmith or a person who lived near someone with such a trade.
Order DNA origin analysisKeufel: Where does the name Keufel come from?
The last name Keufel is primarily found in Germany today though it has spread to other parts of the world. It's origin is German and found in some records as early as medieval times. According to one source, the name is derived from the old German word rut, meaning strength and power. The name was most likely used to describe someone who was strong and powerful.
Today, the last name Keufel can be found in many German cities and appears to be especially prominent in the Bavarian region where the Keufel family was first recorded. There are a number of notable people with the last name, including the nineteenth century German poet Gustav Keufel. Since then, Keufel has spread to other countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. This demonstrates that the family has moved around over the centuries, often for work or educational opportunities.
Keufel is an uncommon last name but it is still relatively common in Germany today, particularly in Bavaria. Those with the last name Keufel tend to be proud to wear the name, as not only does it reflect their heritage and place in Germany, but also their willingness to accept and appreciate new cultural and geographical experiences that have come with their migration.
Variations of the surname Keufel
The surname Keufel is a German surname that is derived from the given name Kufalt. Historically, the surname was spelled in various ways, including Kuefel, Cuefel, Köfel, Kueffel, Kuvel, Kuckel, and Kyfl.
The various and slightly altered versions of Keufel may have a special significance. For example, Köfel and Kuckel both reference a playwright and author of the 16th century, Georg Küchel, and may thus have been derived from the given name Georg. Other variants of the surname could have been adapted to the local language or dialect of the area in which an individual was located.
Keufel itself is believed to have originated from Kufalt which is a tropical fruit from India. This could indicate that the surname is of Indian origin and that its ancestors migrated to Germany centuries ago.
Over the years, Keufel has also been used as a surname in other places around the world. For instance, Keufel can be found in Australia with previous immigrants who brought the name with them in the 19th century. The name is also found in the United States and Canada. While the exact origin of the name in North America isn’t clear, it’s likely to have been brought over with German immigrants who settled in these countries.
Ultimately, Keufel is an ancient surname with a unique origin and many variations, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Its various spellings are likely reflective of its long international history.
Famous people with the name Keufel
1.Albert Ludwig Ferdinand Kehufel (1791-1853): He was a German mathematician, astronomer, chronologist and cartographer. 2.Rick Keufel (1955- ): He is an American actor, director,producer and member of the Screen Actors Guild. 3.Dirk Keufel (1969- ): He is a German racing driver who has competed in Formula Ford and the American Le Mans Series. 4.Rudolf Keufel (1872-1935): He was an Austrian military officer who commanded the Heeresgruppe Nord during World War I. 5.Jens Keufel (1975- ): He is a Danish handball player who competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. 6.Matthias Keufel (1940- ): He is a German journalist, novelist, photographer, and lecturer. 7.Heinrich von Keufel (1883-1951): He was a German Luftwaffe General during World War II. 8.Johannes Keufel (1945- ): He is a German concert musician, composer, and professor at the Vienna Conservatory of Music. 9.Josef Keufel (1793-1842): He was an Austrian infantry general who participated in the WW1. 10.Johann Bernhard Keufel (1768-1822): He was a German musician, composer, and a professor at the Berlin Elliotist School.