Surname Kirchgäßner - Meaning and Origin
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Kirchgäßner: What does the surname Kirchgäßner mean?
Kirchgäßner is a German surname, derived from the German words 'Kirche' (church) and 'Gasse' (alley). The name literally translates to 'church alley', and is believed to have originated as a locational name identifying someone who lived near a street or alley leading to a church. The surname may also have been used to indicate that a person was related to individuals who lived in a particular church alley.
Beginning in the 16th century, people were increasingly using surnames to differentiate between branches of families. The surname Kirchgäßner could have been given to several people within the same family who resided near the same church alley, or to descendants of someone who lived in a church alley.
Kirchgäßner may also be used as an occupational surname, given to someone who worked at or near a church alley, such as a church custodian or church messenger. During the medieval and early modern period, the alleys and streets outside of churches were often filled with vendors and peddlers selling religious artifacts and other items, and it is possible that someone with the surname Kirchgäßner was associated with this type of trade.
Kirchgäßner is still found in Germany today, although its spelling varies in different regions. It is also found in Austria, Switzerland, and other German-speaking countries.
Order DNA origin analysisKirchgäßner: Where does the name Kirchgäßner come from?
Kirchgäßner is a German surname mainly found today in the southern German states, particularly Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. Since the 19th century, many families bearing the name have emigrated to other countries, such as Austria, Switzerland, and the United States.
Given the name’s origin, one can assume that Kirchgäßner first came into use in the late Middle Ages, as it directly translates to 'churchgoer', essentially meaning 'one who visits the church regularly'. This is consistent with the fact that various families bearing it today originate from rural areas of Germany.
Though the surname does not have a coat of arms, the International Civic Heraldry website does show that there is a seal displaying devices of the type that were once used to authenticate important documents. The symbols on the seal are a gatekeeper and a dragon.
Due to its relative popularity and consistent presence in Germany over many centuries, it’s easy to find stories and accounts related to the surname. This includes personal family records, details of the familial lines in various regions, and of course, photos of people from all around the world today who still bear the Kirchgäßner last name.
Variations of the surname Kirchgäßner
The surname Kirchgäßner is of German origin. It can be spelled in various ways including Kirchgessner, Kirchgeßner and Kirchgaessner. Variants of the surname include Kirchessner, Kirchessnaar, Kirchgessner, Kirchgeßer, Kirchgässner, Kirchgasser, Kirchgaesser, Kirchgässer, Kirchgasser, Kirchgäser and Kirchgaser.
The surname is derived from the Middle High German word kirche meaning “church” and gaesen meaning “go in” or “access”. In the German language, the g character is usually pronounced with a hard "g" sound, however, when it is followed by a double "s" or ess it is often pronounced with a "ch" sound. Therefore, the surname Kirchgässner translates to “one who goes into the church”.
The surname Kirchgäßner is found mainly in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and South Africa. It is known to have derived from a “church goer”, and could be used to refer to either the actual visitor to a church or another name given to a resident who lived close vicinity to the church.
In some cases, individuals with the surname Kirchgäßner have taken on other surname variants over the years through different spellings or by marrying someone with a different surname or by emigrating to another country. Examples include Kirchgaessler, Kirchgasser, Kirchgässer, Kirchgaeser and Kirchgaser.
Famous people with the name Kirchgäßner
- Lene Kirchgäßner: Lene Kirchgäßner is a German comedian, actress and author. She is one of the most successful solo performers in German theaters and has been the face of several television shows.
- Lieselotte Kirchgäßner: Lieselotte Kirchgäßner is a German actress, best known for her performance in the 1989 film 'Die Ewigkeit der Liebe'.
- Petra Kirchgäßner: Petra Kirchgäßner is a German politician who serves as Mayor of Würzburg and is a member of the SPD.
- Jochen Kirchgäßner: Jochen Kirchgäßner is a German pediatric cardiologist and has held various important positions in the medical field, both in Germany and abroad.
- Romea Kirchgäßner: Romea Kirchgäßner is a German opera singer and actress, best known for her roles in the 'Christmas Oratorio' by Bach and in operatic productions of Mozart, Strauss, and Wagner.
- Manfred Kirchgäßner: Manfred Kirchgäßner is a German journalist, author, and historian. He has written several books on the history of Germany, including 'Vor Sodom: Deutschland und seine Rassen', and 'Deutscher Trauerweg'.
- Margareta Kirchgäßner: Margareta Kirchgäßner is a German classical violinist and has been the concertmistress of the Gewandhaus Orchestra in Leipzig for several years.
- Thomas Kirchgäßner: Thomas Kirchgäßner is a German lawyer and political scientist. He is the author of several books, including 'Die Geschichte der modernen Politik' and 'Grundlagen der Demokratie'.