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Last Name Kemmelmeier

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What is the origin of the last name Kemmelmeier?

The surname Kemmelmeier is of Swiss German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German "kemen" meaning "to come" and "maier" meaning "major, master," indicating that the original bearer may have been a newcomer or someone of high social standing. Variants of this name include Kemmler, Kemmel, and Kemmle. The spelling variations in surnames over the centuries, combined with migration and assimilation, make it difficult to trace the exact origin of every individual bearing this name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kemmelmeier

The meaning and origin of the last name Kemmelmeier

The surname Kemmelmeier is of Swiss-German origin, derived from a topographical name for someone who lived near a small stream or brook. The name is formed by combining two Old High German words: "Kemme" which means small stream or brook, and "Meier" meaning mayor or landlord. This surname is particularly common in the German-speaking regions of Switzerland. Over time, various spelling variations have arisen due to differences in transliteration and linguistic changes, such as Kämmermeyer, Kämmelmeier, and Kemmelmeir. The name Kemmelmeier has been recorded in various historical documents dating back to the Middle Ages, showcasing its long history and Swiss heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kemmelmeier

The surname Kemmelmeier is primarily distributed within German-speaking regions, with a significant concentration in Switzerland, particularly in the cantons of Aargau, Bern, and Zurich. It also has a presence in neighboring Germany, specifically in the southwestern state of Baden-Württemberg. The name's frequency suggests it originated from these areas, although there may be dispersals due to migration over time. In addition, smaller clusters of Kemmelmeier descendants can be found in other countries with Swiss or German immigrant populations, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. The name's distribution reflects historical patterns of population movement within Central Europe and the diaspora of European immigrants to various parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kemmelmeier

The surname Kemmelmeier has several variations and spellings due to differences in pronunciation, transcription errors, and regional dialects over time. Some common variations include Kemmler, Kimmel, Kämmerer, Kämmler, Kämmlert, Kaemmel, Kaemmler, Kämmel, and Cämmerer. These variations may arise due to differences in the way names are written in different languages or regions, and changes in spelling conventions over time. Additionally, some individuals may intentionally change their surnames upon immigration to other countries, which can result in further variations of the name Kemmelmeier.

Famous people with the last name Kemmelmeier

Notable individuals with the surname Kemmelmeier include:

1. Thomas Kemmelmeier (born 1962), a Swiss philosopher and professor at the University of Geneva, known for his work on epistemology, philosophy of mind, and metaphysics.

2. Hansruedi Kemmelmeier (born 1943), a Swiss bobsledder who won a gold medal in the four-man event at the 1976 Winter Olympics.

3. Christoph Kemmelmeier (born 1980), a Swiss football player who played as a defender for clubs such as FC Thun and FC Sion, as well as the Switzerland national team.

4. Marc Kemmelmeier (born 1967), a Swiss musician and songwriter, best known as the founder of the band Schaffner & Steiner.

5. Andreas Kemmelmeier (born 1982), a Swiss professional ice hockey player who has played for various teams in the National League (NL).

Genealogical research on the last name Kemmelmeier

The Kemmelmeier surname originates from Switzerland, specifically the canton of Aargau. The name is an occupational surname derived from the Middle High German word "Kämmel," meaning comb maker or comber, and "Meier," which means farmer or landlord. This suggests that early bearers of this name may have been involved in both agriculture and the craft of making combs. The name spread to other parts of Europe, notably Germany and Austria, due to migration waves during the Middle Ages. Notable figures with this surname include Swiss economist Hans Kemmelmeier (1892-1965) and German ski jumper Andreas Kühn, who was born Hans-Peter Kemmelmeier in 1937. The name is less common outside of Switzerland and its neighboring countries but remains a significant surname within those regions.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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