Surname Kahl - Meaning and Origin
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Discovering the German Roots and Historical Intricacies of My Surname 'Kahl' Through an iGENEA DNA Test
The mystery and intrigue that surrounded the origins and history of my last name, "Kahl," were finally unfolded through an iGENEA DNA test. My German ancestors, believed to be from the agricultural province of Hessen, bore this surname, which holds a surprising contextual relevance to their professional occupation and physical appearance.
G. Kahl
read moreKahl: What does the surname Kahl mean?
Kahl (also sometimes spelled Kall or Kahlh) is a German-language surname. It might be derived from ‘Kahlkopf’, which literally translates as ‘bald head,’ and is likely an occupational name referring to someone who shaves the heads of others. Alternatively, it could be derived from the German word ‘Kal’, meaning ‘grain’, as an occupational surname for a grain eler. Regardless of origin, the surname Kahl is most commonly found in Germany, where it is especially beloved in the southern region of Bavaria.
Kahl is one of the oldest surnames in Germany, having been found in documents from the late Middle Ages. One notable Kahl from history was Hans Philipp Kahl (1639-1706), a prominent German linguist. Born in Hamburg, he studied music, mathematics and other sciences around Europe before returning to Germany and settling in Harburg, where he wrote books on language, philosophy and history.
Kahl is also the name of a German brewery, Brauerei Kahl, located in Lower Franconia. Back in 1744, the Kahl family bought a brewery in the town of Hammelburg, and started to produce a variety of beers. Today, the brewery is still run by the Kahl family, and continues to brew top-notch brews for enthusiastic beer drinkers all over Germany.
The name Kahl continues to be an important part of German history and culture, and it’s likely to live on for generations to come.
Order DNA origin analysisKahl: Where does the name Kahl come from?
The last name Kahl is most commonly found in Germany and surrounding countries like Switzerland, Austria, and the Czech Republic. It is the 24th most common last name in Germany, where it is estimated to have originated centuries ago. Due to emigration and modern day travel, the last name Kahl is now found all over the world.
In 2020, the United States Census Bureau estimated there were 5,263 people living in the U.S. with the last name Kahl. This name can be found in larger states such as New York, California, and Virginia - with the highest concentrations in the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois. The last name Kahl is also quite common in Canada, with 57th being the most common last name there according to the 2016 census.
Outside North America, Kahl is quite common across many parts of Europe, especially in German-speaking countries. In particular, it is quite common in the Netherlands and Scandinavia. South America, Africa, and Oceania also have a fair number of citizens with this name. With ongoing global travel, the number of people carrying the last name Kahl continues to grow.
Variations of the surname Kahl
The surname Kahl is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word 'kala' meaning 'a bald spot or baldness'. The surname has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin that include Kaler, Kahler, Kahley, Kaley, Kaille, Kalle, Kaller, Kalley, Kahele, Kahle, Kaehl, Kahlich, Kahlke, Kahlman, Kahlmann, and Kalin.
Kaler is the most common variant of the Kahl surname. It is a diminutive form of the surname meaning Kahl (little Kahl). The surname Kaler is most commonly found in Switzerland, Austria, Germany and the United States.
The Kahle variation is found in Germany and is typically spelled with a double a (Kaahle). Also spelled as Kale and Kalle, the surname is derived from the Old High German word ‘kala’ meaning ‘baldness’.
Kahler is another variant of the Kahl surname, which is derived from the Old High German word ‘kal(e)’ and is commonly found in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Kaley is a variation of the Kahl surname found mainly in the United States. It is derived from the Old High German word ‘kal(e)’ and is often spelled with a double l (Kalle).
Kaille is a variation of the Kahl surname derived from the Old High German word ‘kal(e)’ and is typically found in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Kahlman is a German variant of the Kahl surname and is derived from the Old High German word ‘kal(e)’. It is most commonly found in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Kahlmann is a variation of the Kahl surname derived from the Old High German word ‘kal(e)’ and is most commonly found in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Kahlke is a variant of the Kahl surname found in Germany and is derived from the Old High German word ‘kal(e)’. The surname is typically spelled with a double k (Kahlke).
Kalin is a German variant of the Kahl surname derived from the Old High German word ‘kal(e)’ and is typically found in Germany and the United States.
Kahele is a rare variant of the Kahl surname derived from the Old High German word ‘kal(e)’. It is most commonly found in Germany.
Famous people with the name Kahl
- Brad Kahl: Famous american actor from Wisconsin. Most famous for his role in the TV series "The Office".
- Jim Kahl: Jim is an American comedian and actor known for his appearances on late night talk shows.
- Dee Kahl: Dee is a multi-talented American entertainer, artist and musician, best known for his work in musical theatre.
- Fred Kahl: Fred is an American animator and cartoonist, best known for his work on "The Simpsons".
- Don Kahl: Don is an American film and television producer whose work includes "The Big Bang Theory" and "The Sarah Silverman Program".
- Thomas Kahl: Thomas is an American politician who served as the Mayor of Portland, Oregon from 1941 to 1953.
- Elwood Kahl: Elwood is an American businessman and philanthropist who served as chairman and CEO of Gordon Foods from 1960 to 1978.
- Ronnie Kahl: Ronnie is an American singer-songwriter whose work includes the country hit single "Let's Keep it That Way."
- Jakob Kahl: Jakob is a Swiss professional darts player currently playing in the Professional Darts Corporation tournaments.
- Shaun Kahl: Shaun is a Canadian professional snowboarder and member of the Canadian Olympic team.