Surname Kiening - Meaning and Origin

Kiening: What does the surname Kiening mean?

The last name Kiening is of Germanic origins and is derived from the Middle High German word ‘kienen’, meaning ‘to buy’. Therefore, the name Kiening likely denoted an individual involved in the trade and procurement industry, such as a merchant or shopkeeper. The earliest record of the Kiening family can be traced back to 1726 in the Pfalz region of Germany. From this point, the family continued to reside in this region, and eventually began to settle in various districts within Germany, as well as emigrating to other parts of the world.

Today, the Kienings are spread all over the world, with numerous family members now living in North America, the United Kingdom, Australia, and beyond. However, certain versions of the name also still exist in German-speaking countries, and it is likely that many still possess family roots in the Pfalz region.

The meaning of the Kiening name remains the same, with those who bear the name often being associated with qualities such as ambition and industry. Furthermore, those bearing the name are often seen as being highly intelligent and hardworking; traits that are likely to have deep roots in the original meaning of the name.

Kiening: Where does the name Kiening come from?

The last name Kiening is most common in Germany today, specifically the Rhineland-Palatinate region, located in the southwest of the country along the Rhine river. It can also be found in small communities throughout Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United States. The name is thought to originate from the German 'künig' which translates to 'king'. It is possible that the name could have been derived from a German settler, or it could have been an occupational surname derived from a person who worked in a royal court.

In Germany, a large number of Kienings live in 12 different states. This includes cities like Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and Stuttgart. Throughout the rest of Europe, Kienings can be found in cities such as Vienna, Zurich, and Amsterdam.

In America, the Kiening name can be found in small numbers. According to the online Social Security Death Index, there have been 362 people with the name Kiening who have passed away in the USA, with the first recorded death being in 1927. It is likely the name was brought over to the US by German immigrants and dispersed throughout the country.

Today, the Kiening name lives on through people all over the world that share a common ancestor and a common heritage. Each Kiening family has a story to share, and the name continues to offer a sense of belonging and community.

Variations of the surname Kiening

The surname Kiening is of German origin and is derived from the Old German words 'kencrat' and 'kenecraht', which both mean 'bold' and 'brave'. It is also thought to originate from the Middle High German word 'kin', meaning 'royal'. Variations of the surname include Kenning, Kening, Kinning, Kannengiesser and Kannis. The surname is also found in several other countries where adaptations of the spelling include Keening, Keeninger, Keininger, Keining and Keninger.

In the Netherlands the surname is spelled as Keunen or Kienen and is particularly popular in the Dutch provinces of Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland. It has also spread to the Dutch colonies Surinam and the Netherlands Antilles. In the United States, the name was formerly spelled as Kannen, Ounning or Oenning.

In Germany, variations of the surname include König and Kenig, with variants such as Königs and Koppenig found in the German state of Hessen. Some Kiening families may have shortened their surname to one syllable, making the surname Keen. The Polish spelling is Kenig and variations include Konia, Karmienia and Kamienia.

The Kiening surname is a proud representation of courage and bravery, with the statement 'den Kiening der Kienings, den König aller Könige', meaning 'The King of Kings, the King of All Kings' being often associated with the surname as it is a recognition of the quality of its origins.

Famous people with the name Kiening

• Richard Kiening: a German professional tennis player who was active in the 1950s and 1960s.
• Mathias Kiening: a German actor who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including the 2006 movie, “Hiding Out.”
• John Kiening: the author of the book, “The Great Dust Storm of the 20th Century.” Kiening made a brief appearance in the 1962 film, “The Notorious Landlady.”
• Henning Kiening: a German politician and author who was active in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
• Katie Kiening: a popular American blogger and lifestyle influencer.
• David Kiening: a Swiss composer and producer who has worked on music for numerous TV and film productions.
• Ludwig Kiening: a German cartoonist and illustrator who worked in the late-19th and early-20th centuries.
• Karin Kiening: a German actor most well known for her role in the TV series, “Derrick.”
• Mark Kiening: a contemporary Canadian artist and sculptor.
• Paul Kiening: a German Olympic athlete who competed in the men’s high jump at the 1924 Summer Olympics.

Other surnames

Kienitz