Surname Kindle - Meaning and Origin
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Kindle: What does the surname Kindle mean?
The surname Kindle is of German origin and has several possible meanings. One of the primary meanings of the surname is "tender or kind" derived from the Middle High German word "kindelîn". It is typically considered an occupational surname given to people associated with children such as school masters or nurses, hence the term "kindelîn".
In addition, Kindle can also refer to someone who lived by a "child's brook", derived from the combination of the two Middle High German words "kindel" and "bach". Finally, it could also be an anglicized form of the South German surname "Kindler" or "Kündler", which was often used to refer to a farmer who paid rent in kind, i.e., with produce rather than money.
Like many surnames, Kindle has evolved over the centuries and its meaning can vary depending on its regional and historical context. Despite these variations, this surname generally relates to themes of kindness, nurturing, childhood and nature.
Order DNA origin analysisKindle: Where does the name Kindle come from?
The last name Kindle is of German origin, specifically deriving from Southern Germany. It is believed to be a variant of "Kindel" or "Kindl," which is derived from the Middle High German term "kindelein," meaning little child or baby.
In the regional dialect of Southern Germany, the term was often used as a nickname for the youngest child in a family or the smallest in a group. It was also used a term of endearance for a beloved child or a cherished young person. Over time, this nickname eventually turned into a surname.
Some records suggest that a certain form of the name, "Kundel," was used in the Middle Ages for someone who made and sold small barrels or containers, known as "Kundeln" in Middle High German. However, this origin seems less prevalent.
Today, you can find individuals with the surname Kindle living in Germany, the United States, England, Canada, and other parts of the world, although it remains relatively uncommon. The largest number of people with the Kindle surname are found in the United States, according to current data.
Variations of the surname Kindle
The surname Kindle, primarily found in the United States, Germany, and Canada, has several variations which can be attributed to the phonetic spelling changes by immigrants at Ellis Island or other points of entry, regional accents, and translation errors. Some of the known variants include Kindleberger, Kinder, Kindler, Kindel, Kindell, Kindelsberger, and Kyndall. The spelling of the name may also be altered over time to modernize or simplify it, such as Kendle, Kendal, Kendel, Kendell, and Kendal.
The surname Kindle likely has Germanic origins. It could also be derived from 'kindel,' meaning child in German or it could have evolved from 'kiendl' which means a pine torch. Considering this, surnames that are derived from the same roots include Kienle, Kienzle, or Kündel from Swabian (South German).
There may be many more variations of the name because spellings were not standardized until the last few centuries. Each variant has its own unique origin and history, and their similarities may signify a common ancestry.
Famous people with the name Kindle
- Heidi Kindle: an American Alpine ski racer.
- Vance Kindle: former Major League Baseball outfielder.
- Matt Kindle: professional player Development Coach for the San Jose Sharks.
- Sean Kindle: former college and pro basketball player.
- Eddy Kindle: former Major League Baseball pitcher.
- Karen Kindle: former NFL executive.
- Evelyn Kindle: the first African American female to be elected mayor of a Washington state town.
- John Kindle: professional skydiver and BASE jumper.
- Aaron Kindle: former college soccer player and current associate head coach.
- Austin Kindle: professional bass fisherman.