Last Name Keiflin

The surname Keiflin is of German origin. It is derived from a variety of place names in Germany, particularly those ending with "-keiff" or "-kevel". These placenames often refer to wetlands or marshy areas. The word "Keife" in Middle High German means "marsh" or "moor", hence the name Keiflin could have originated from someone who lived near such a place. However, it's important to note that surnames did not become common until the late Middle Ages, and their origins can be complex and multifaceted, often involving migration, historical events, and local traditions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Keiflin

The meaning and origin of the last name Keiflin

The surname Keiflin is a German name, derived from a place name or occupational name. It is believed to have originated from a location called Kiefflen, which is situated near Hagenau in the Rhine province of Germany. Alternatively, it could be a variation of the medieval German occupation name "Küferlin," meaning 'little cooper.' The surname Keiflin may have been given to someone who lived near or worked at such a location, or was perhaps named after an ancestor who hailed from there. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation of the name have arisen as families migrated to different regions, leading to numerous spellings such as Keifelin, Kiefflen, and others.

Geographical distribution of the last name Keiflin

The surname Keiflin is predominantly found in Germany and its neighboring regions with strong German-speaking populations, such as Austria and Switzerland. This name is a variant of Kieffer, which originates from the Middle High German word "Kiefer" meaning 'oak' or 'oak tree'. The highest concentration of individuals bearing this last name can be found in the Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden-Württemberg regions of Germany. However, due to historical migration patterns, the Keiflin surname is also present in smaller numbers in other European countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, as a result of German immigration during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Keiflin

The surname Keiflin has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants include Kieflin, Keiflen, Keyflin, Keiffelin, and Keefflin. These variations may arise from differences in spelling conventions, phonetic interpretations, or even errors in recording or transcribing names. The name is likely of German origin, derived from a place name or occupational surname. For instance, "Kiefer" is a common German surname meaning 'oak,' while "Lin" could indicate a person who lived near a flax field or worked with linen. However, the specific etymology and historical context of the Keiflin surname may vary among individual families.

Famous people with the last name Keiflin

The Keiflin family has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most prominent is Michael Keiflin, an American mathematician who made significant contributions to algebraic geometry and was awarded the Steele Prize for Lifetime Achievement from the American Mathematical Society in 2014. In the world of television, Tara Keirstead-Keiflin, a news anchor for CBS 58 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has been recognized for her journalistic work. On the musical front, guitarist and songwriter David Kessel Keiflin, also known as Davey Keiff, is renowned for his work with the band The Rural Alberta Advantage. Lastly, in the realm of literature, Lydia Keiffer, a German-American author, is recognized for her poetry and novels that often explore themes of femininity, identity, and the human condition. These individuals exemplify the diverse talents and achievements of those bearing the surname Keiflin.

Genealogical research on the last name Keiflin

The Keiflin surname is of German origin and is derived from the Old High German "Kiebelin," meaning "round-headed." Historical records indicate that the Keiflin family originated from the Rhine region, particularly in the Palatinate, a historic territory along the middle Rhine in modern-day Germany. The name began to appear frequently in records during the late Middle Ages, with notable bearers appearing throughout the 16th and 17th centuries.

Over time, various branches of the Keiflin family migrated to other regions, including Switzerland, France, and the United States. In the New World, Keiflins settled primarily in Pennsylvania during the 18th century, attracted by religious freedom and economic opportunities. The Keiflin name has since spread throughout North America, with notable bearers contributing to various fields, including business, politics, and academia.

Research on the genealogy of the Keiflin family continues to uncover more about their history and connections, offering a rich exploration into the experiences and achievements of those who share this ancestral name.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "keiflin"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 25 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends