Surname Kistenpfenning - Meaning and Origin

Kistenpfenning: What does the surname Kistenpfenning mean?

The last name Kistenpfenning is a German surname derived from the Middle Low German name Kistpfenning. It is composed of two elements, Kist (meaning chest or box) and Pfenning (meaning a medieval German penny). The name suggests that the original bearer was a seller or trader of chests or boxes, perhaps making or selling wooden storage boxes. The name may also refer to a carpenter or craftsman involved in the making of wooden boxes.

Kistenpfenning is a heraldic surname, meaning it is associated with a coat of arms. The coat of arms for the Kistenpfenning family is believed to originate from the city of Leipzig in the former East Germany. It features a white, gold-fringed shield with a golden fleur de lys at its center. Above the shield is a gold, crowned helmet with a lion rampant (standing up with both front paws lifted). The shield also includes three sets of crossed hammers, representing the trade profession of the Kistenpfenning family.

The Kistenpfenning family has its roots in the former East Germany, specifically in the area now known as Saxony. The surname is not very common today, but can still be found in Germany and surrounding countries. This family name is a reminder of the craftsmanship and tradesmanship of the region, as well as a link to the distant past.

Kistenpfenning: Where does the name Kistenpfenning come from?

The last name Kistenpfenning is a German family name, and as such is most prevalent in countries where German is spoken such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. According to 'surnames.behindthename.com', the Kistenpfenning surname is also found in countries such as the United States, and Canada, which have experienced a significant German immigration.

In Germany, the Kistenpfenning family name is most common in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Other German states in which the Kistenpfenning surname is present, albeit much less commonly, include Saxony, Lower Saxony, and Schleswig-Holstein.

The Kistenpfenning family is well-documented within Germany, and its members have a long-standing history in Germany, with the earliest record of the surname being found within documents of 1217. Several members of the family became merchants, and in 1681 a family member is recorded as owning a large estate.

As well as in German-speaking countries, the Kistenpfenning surname is also found in Scandinavia, particularly in Finland, where it is the 1210th most common name, as well as in the United Arab Emirates. According to data from the US-based Family Education Network, the Kistenpfenning surname is the 56,988th most common in the United States today.

Variations of the surname Kistenpfenning

Kistenpfenning is a German surname which means "Money Chest Taxpayer". It is derived from the German word "Kistenpfennig", which refers to a tax that was required to keep a tax collector supplied with money.

Variants of the surname Kistenpfenning include Kistenpfennig, Kistenpfenniger, Kistenpfenniges, Kistenpfund, Kistenmann, Kistenmüller, Kistmann, Kistenman, Kistner, and Kistnermann.

Kistenpfenning can also be spelled differently in various regions of Germany. In areas such as Bavaria or Hesse, for example, the name is spelled Kistenpfennig. This variation is also seen in North Rhine-Westphalia and parts of Baden-Württemburg.

Spelling variations of the surname Kistenpfenning can also include Kestenpfenning, Kestenpfennig, Kestenpfund, Kestenmann, and Kestenmüller.

Finally, surnames which are derived from Kistenpfenning include Kistenpfenniger, Kistenmann, Kistner, Kestnermann, Kestner, and Kistaner.

Altogether, Kistenpfenning is a common German surname found throughout the country, with many variations and spellings available depending on the region.

Famous people with the name Kistenpfenning

• Richard Kistenpfenning, German retired handball player
• Steffen Kistenpfenning, German handball player
• Maxi Kistenpfenning, German handball player
• Ingo Kistenpfenning, German handball player and coach
• Achim Kistenpfenning, German film director
• Xavier Kistenpfenning, French soccer player
• Andreas Kistenpfenning, German politician
• Pascal Kistenpfenning, German rugby player
• Nicholas Kistenpfenning, German basketball player
• Deb Arcand, American singer born as Deb Kistenpfenning

Other surnames

Kistenpfennig