Surname Kophal - Meaning and Origin

Kophal: What does the surname Kophal mean?

The last name Kophal is an occupational German name. The name is derived from the German word ‘kophal’ which translates as a ‘box maker’ or ‘woodworker’. Originally, the name referred to a person who made wooden containers for storing and moving goods, but it has come to be used more generally as a surname as well. It is believed that the name was first used during the Middle Ages and became more popular after the 15th century.

The Kophal surname has been adopted by various families throughout Europe over the centuries, eventually becoming common across the continent and in the U.S. Today, Kophal is a rare surname, likely due to the dwindling use of earthenware containers and other wooden storage items in everyday life. It is estimated that fewer than 10,000 individuals worldwide carry the Kophal last name, most of whom live in Germany. It is possible that some of its original users may have been immigrants from Germany who brought the surname with them to the U.S.

The Kophal surname still carries its original occupational connotation to this day. As such, it can serve as an interesting discussion point for those descended from families bearing the name. It is likely that family members and siblings with the Kophal last name share a proud heritage that is rooted in the tradition of making sturdy wooden containers.

Kophal: Where does the name Kophal come from?

Kophal is a German surname and is commonly found in Germany, Austria, and other parts of Central Europe. In the United States and Canada, the name is far less common but can occasionally be found in German-American and Czech-American communities.

In the modern era, Kophal is most commonly found in East Germany, in particular in the cities of Berlin, Rostock, and Leipzig. Within Germany, Kophal is also found in the Sylt region, an archipelago off the North Sea in the state of Schleswig-Holstein.

In addition, Kophal is still relatively common in the Czech Republic, particularly in the capital city of Prague and other cities in the Eastern region of Bohemia. Other parts of East-Central Europe where the name Kophal is still quite frequently found include Slovakia, Slovenia, and Hungary.

Kophal may have originated in the Old Germanic language, stemming from the word "kophals" which means "headstrong". This likely reflects the ancestors of this surname to have been strong-willed and independent-minded. It is believed that the name has been around since at least the 16th century, though there are few records of the name before that time.

Though not common in the United States or Canada, Kophal is still a live surname with roots in Central Europe. Nonetheless, its population is likely in decline as the name is not seen as often in the younger generations.

Variations of the surname Kophal

Kophal is an old German occupational surname originally derived from the language of Middle High German, and it means an ‘innkeeper’. This surname is more common in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium but can also be found in Israel, Lithuania and other countries.

Kophal is the original spelling of this surname, which can have multiple variants of spellings due to all the languages it has been adopted into. These spellings include Kopfhal, Kopfhahl, Kopfhall, Kopfholl, Kopffel, Kopffal, Kopfel, Kopfal, Kopholl, Kophahl, Kofhal, Kofhahl, Koffhall, Koffholl, Koffhal, Koffel, Koffal, Kofel, Kofal and Kohfahl.

In addition to these variant spellings, there are several surnames derived from Kophal. These surnames include Kopff, Kopke, Koppel, Koppelman, Koppen, Koppenhofer, Korte and Karol.

Therefore, Kophal is an old German occupational surname with many variants and derived surnames across many countries and languages over time.

Famous people with the name Kophal

• Kaitlyn Kophal: Actress best known for her roles in Country Crush and The Girlfriend Experience
• Sheri Kophal: Former cheerleader and photographed of the Santa Clara Valley Roller Girls
• Kate Kophal: Model, influencer, and entrepreneur
• Steve Kophal: Professional mixed martial artist who competed in Strikeforce and Bellator Championship Fighting
• Julie Kophal: Country Music Artist most popularly known for her albums She Did and Call Me Sugar
• Lisa Kophal: HDSA certified Screenwriter and Director
• JJ Kophal: Former American Football Player and All-Region Selection
• Rob Kophal: Baseball Player who played for the New York Mets and Texas Rangers
• Hailey Kophal: Dancer and choreographer who runs her own dance studio
• Brad Kophal: College Basketball Coach and Former Professional Player in the Indiana Pacers

Other surnames

Kophamel