Surname Kurzschenkel - Meaning and Origin
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Kurzschenkel: What does the surname Kurzschenkel mean?
The surname Kurzschenkel is of German origin and is derived from the words "kurz" meaning "short" and "schenkel" meaning "leg". It is a name given to a person with particularly short legs. The name is related to a medieval Germanic custom of giving people a nickname based on one of their physical characteristics, with Kurzschenkel being one such nickname.
Kurzschenkel is typically used as a last name indicating a family which has passed down the surname through generations. There is some debate over how common this surname is, as many people may have adopted it later in life as a sign of being highly valued amongst their peers.
The name itself may have originated in the Middle Ages with the birth of an individual who was known for having particularly short legs. This individual may have been the progenitor of the first family with this particular last name. Alternatively, the last name could have been adopted after an ancestor of a deceased person was remembered for having short legs. In either case, the name likely spread through families as a sign of pride due to their ancestor's physical prominenence.
Today, the name Kurzschenkel is rare and can usually only be found in areas with a significant German population. It is a unique last name indicative of the unique history of the person who carries it.
Order DNA origin analysisKurzschenkel: Where does the name Kurzschenkel come from?
Kurzschenkel is a surname that is believed to have originated in Germany. It is likely that it was derived from the Middle High German term "kursenkel," which translates to "short leg" or "tight leg" – most likely referencing a person who had a short leg or was otherwise physically impaired. Today, it is most commonly seen in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In Germany, this surname is mainly found in the northern states of Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, and Hamburg.
It is also seen sporadically throughout Europe as a result of German immigrants who moved away from the homeland. Records indicate that members of the Kurzschenkel family lived in the United States from as early as 1868. By 1900, most of the family had settled in Pennsylvania. A small number of the surname also migrated to Canada and Australia.
Today, the surname Kurzschenkel is still relatively uncommon in the United States, although there are a few scattered communities where it is more prominent. The numbers are similar in Canada and Australia, although smaller overall. It is significantly more common in Germany and Austria, as significant growth began in the late 19th century due to rural migrations into the cities. Today, it is among the 200 most common family names in Austria, and among the 1000 most popular surnames in Germany.
Variations of the surname Kurzschenkel
Kurzschenkel is a German surname originating in the Sauerland region of Germany. It is most likely derived from the Middle High German verb “schenkeln”, meaning to “straddle, encircle, embrace” and the word “kurz”, meaning “short”. It is likely that the name was given to a short-legged ancestor, meaning they had shorter than average legs.
Variants and spellings of the surname Kurzschenkel include Kurzshenekel, Kurschenkel, Kurz-Shenekel and Kurzschenkoel. It is likely that variations were created due to regional dialects and incorrect spellings over time.
Similar surnames include Kurzchneke, Kurzschneiker and Kurtschneke, which are all variations of the name Kurzschenkel.
Other surnames of German origin with similar meanings and spellings include Kurzbeck, Kurstein and Kurstin. All of these surname variations are likely derived from the same word “schenkeln”, but with varying prefixes. For example, Kurzbeck is likely derived from the word “kurz” meaning “short” and the word “beck” meaning “brook”, possibly referring to a family whose ancestor lived near a short brook. Similarly, Kurstein is derived from the German word “stein” meaning “stone” and the word “kurz” meaning “short”, and could have been given to a person of short stature.
Famous people with the name Kurzschenkel
- Eva Kurzschenkel: Eva Kurzschenkel is an international Austrian-born, Swiss-based artist. She is known for her big-scale paintings and works in the fields of audio-visual art, photography and film.
- Stephanie Kurzschenkel: Stephanie Kurzschenkel is an Austrian football player, currently playing for VfL Bochum. She has earned five international caps with the Austrian national team.
- Bernhard Kurzschenkel: Bernhard Kurzschenkel is an Austrian chef who won a Michelin star for his restaurant, Der Böhmerwald. He is a well-known face in the Austrian culinary industry, serving dishes with an international flair.
- Michaela Kurzschenkel: Michaela Kurzschenkel is an Austrian actress, best known for her supporting role in the Austrian TV series, Blaues Licht.
- Stella Kurzschenkel: Stella Kurzschenkel is an Austrian model, closely associated with the international fashion scene.
- Ursula Kurzschenkel: Ursula Kurzschenkel is an Austrian filmmaker, known for her documentary films on the subject of global cultural and environmental issues. Her first feature film, Der letzte Bulle, was nominated for the Grand Prize at the Cannes Film Festival.
- Natalie Kurzschenkel: Natalie Kurzschenkel is an Austrian Olympic ski racer and world-class alpine racer, competing in both downhill and slalom.
- Johannes Kurzschenkel: Johannes Kurzschenkel is a German international midfielder, currently playing for German third division side Hallescher FC.
- Lieba Kurzschenkel: Lieba Kurzschenkel is a celebrated Austrian violinist, performing globally as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestra member.