Last Name Kiefer

The origin of the last name "Kiefer" can be traced back to Germany. "Kiefer" is a German occupational surname derived from the Middle High German word "kiefer," meaning "pinewood" or "pine tree." It was commonly used to refer to someone who worked with or lived near pine trees, such as a lumberjack or a forest dweller. The name could have also been a nickname for someone with a physical resemblance to a pine tree, such as having tall and slender characteristics. Over time, individuals with the surname "Kiefer" may have migrated to various countries, leading to its presence in different parts of the world.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kiefer

The meaning and origin of the last name Kiefer

The surname Kiefer is of German origin and is primarily derived from the Middle High German term "küefer," meaning "cooper" or "barrel maker." The name originated from the occupation of a person involved in the trade of crafting barrels, casks, and other wooden containers. As this occupation played a prominent role in medieval society, the surname Kiefer spread among craftsmen in German-speaking regions. Alternatively, the surname Kiefer could also be a habitational name derived from various places called Kiefer or Kiefersfelden in Germany. These places may have been named after the German word "Kiefer," meaning "pine tree," as they were located near pine forests. Over time, those with the surname Kiefer migrated to different parts of the world, including America, where they continued with their craftsmanship or pursued other professions. Today, individuals with the surname Kiefer can be found globally, maintaining historical ties to their German origins.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kiefer

The last name Kiefer is primarily found in Germany and Austria, with a significant presence in other German-speaking regions such as Switzerland and Luxemburg. It is a relatively common surname in these countries, often ranking among the top 100 surnames. In Germany, the distribution of the name is widespread, with concentrations in various states including Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and Hesse. Austria also has a notable concentration of individuals with the last name Kiefer, particularly in the eastern regions of the country. Outside of German-speaking territories, some individuals with the surname Kiefer can be found in countries like the United States, Canada, France, and Poland, often reflecting migratory patterns from the German-speaking regions. The geographical distribution of the last name Kiefer suggests a strong association with German heritage and reflects the historical migration patterns of German-speaking populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kiefer

The last name Kiefer can be spelled and pronounced differently across various regions and cultures, resulting in a range of variations. One common spelling variation is "Keifer," with the letter "i" replaced by "ei." Another variation includes the addition of an umlaut, transforming it into "Kiefër" or "Kïefer," whereby the umlaut accentuates the pronunciation of the "e" sound. Additionally, in some European countries where diacritical marks are not common, the name may be written as "Kifer" or "Keefer." People with the last name Kiefer might also decide to simplify the spelling, resulting in variations like "Kifer" or "Keefer." These spelling variations could be influenced by individual family preferences, historical phonetic transformations, or even immigration-related changes. Nonetheless, whatever the variation may be, it remains the same family name, representing the heritage and ancestry of those who bear it.

Famous people with the last name Kiefer

One famous individual with the last name Kiefer is Kiefer Sutherland. He is a Canadian actor, producer, and director known for his versatile performances in film and television. Sutherland gained great recognition in the role of Jack Bauer, a counter-terrorism agent, in the long-running series "24," for which he received numerous accolades including a Golden Globe Award. His charismatic and intense portrayal of Bauer made him an iconic figure in the world of television. In addition to his role in "24," Sutherland has also appeared in several successful films, such as "Stand by Me," "A Few Good Men," and "Flatliners." Beyond his acting career, he is also known for his musical endeavors, having released multiple country music albums. With his talent and long-standing success, Kiefer Sutherland has become a truly well-known figure in the entertainment industry.

Genealogical research on the last name Kiefer

The surname Kiefer has German origins and is derived from the Middle High German word "kiefer" meaning "pine tree." It was likely initially used as a topographic name for someone who lived by a pine tree or perhaps an occupational name for someone who worked with pine trees or made products from pine wood. The name Kiefer has been found to have variations such as Küfer, Kieffer, and Keifer. Genealogical research shows that the Kiefer name is predominantly found in Germany, specifically in the regions of Bavaria, Rhineland, and Baden-Württemberg. It can also be traced to Austria and Switzerland. In the United States, the name Kiefer is common among German immigrants and their descendants. Notable individuals with the surname Kiefer include German actor and filmmaker Christian Kiefer and American actor Kiefer Sutherland, who is known for his role in the TV series "24."

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kiefer"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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