Surname Kugel - Meaning and Origin
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Kugel: What does the surname Kugel mean?
The last name Kugel is of German and Jewish origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "kugel," meaning "ball." Historically, it was likely an occupational name for a profession that involved the creation of round objects, like potters and bakers who made traditional German Kugel desserts.
The name has become well-known and popularized in the Jewish communities of Eastern Europe, as Kugel desserts became a staple of the holidays. As a result, it became a common last name for those who created or served the delicacy.
Today, many people still use the last name Kugel as a nod to the traditional pastries. However, it can also simply be a last name, given to those born to families whose name has been passed down for generations. No matter why the name was chosen, it has been passed down for centuries, adding a sense of history and culture to those who bear it.
Regardless of the origin, the last name Kugel is an important part of many families around the world, and will likely live on for many years to come.
Order DNA origin analysisKugel: Where does the name Kugel come from?
The last name Kugel is a Jewish surname, with origins in East and Central Europe. As such, it is most commonly found in countries with large populations of Ashkenazi Jews, such as Israel, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
In the United States, Kugel is especially common around the northeast- with the majority of the population living in the states of New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. In addition, Kugel is also relatively common in Florida and California.
The UK is also home to a significant population of Kugels. London, Manchester, and Leeds are among the areas with the highest concentration of Kugels, although pockets of Kugels also exist in other UK cities and towns.
In Israel, on the other hand, Kugel is the 18th most common last name- with an estimated 16,000-20,000 individuals bearing the name.
As the Jewish diaspora continues to spread further and further, the last name Kugel will likely become increasingly common all over the globe.
Variations of the surname Kugel
Kugel is an Ashkenazi Jewish surname and is thought to originate from the Middle High German word kugell, which means "ball". Variants of the surname Kugel include Kuagl, Kuagel, Kuaghel, Kugl, Kuggel, Kuegl, Kuegel, Kueghel, Kugt, Kukkol, Kuql, and Kuygel. The surname is mainly found in Germany, Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.
In the United States, [ the surnames Kogel, Kugell and Kogelmann may be found, all of which are likely derived from Kugel. In some cases, Kogel may have been altered from Kugel by immigrants in an effort to Americanize the name.
Kedem is another variant of the name Kugel in Hebrew that means “East” and would have been given to immigrants who came from the East. In Israel, the variation Keidar is also common.
In Russia, the surname Kugel can also become Kugles, pronounced “Koo-gles”.
In Ukraine and Belarus, the surname Kugel may develop into Kul, or Kulak, which are Ukrainian/Belarusian words for a “kulak”, a wealthy peasant or landowner.
In Dutch, the surname Kugel becomes Kogel, and in Italy, it may become Coglione, meaning “testicles”.
In Portugal and Brazil, the name often becomes Coelho, which means “rabbit” in Portuguese.
Famous people with the name Kugel
- Dr. Kelli Kugel: notable psychologist, entrepreneur, and author who focuses on brain research.
- Danielle Kugel: pro skateboarder and professional surfer.
- Paul Kugel: decorated WWII veteran and founder of the Paul Kugel Memorial Foundation.
- Gabriel Kugel: Argentinian composer and musician active in both the classical and pop music scenes.
- Ezriel Kugel: Israeli neurologist known for his research on human brain activities.
- Jeffrey Kugel: award-winning photographer and director of music videos.
- Rebecca Kugel: co-founder of the Peace Rumble cocktail bar in London and civics education nonprofit in NYC.
- Leah Kugel: environmental activist and winner of the Goldman Environmental Prize.
- Yoni Kugel: Israeli trombone player and jazz musician, currently based in LA.
- Bethany Kugel: attorney, public speaker, and former college soccer coach.