Last Name Kiel

The surname Kiel is of German and Polish origin. It is derived from various places named Kiel, particularly the city in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, as well as the town in West Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland. In both cases, the name derives from the Old Norse word "kjöll" meaning "cellar" or "cistern," which was used to describe a place with such a feature. The surname also has some similarities with the Dutch and Flemish surname Kiel, which is derived from the Middle Dutch word "kiele" meaning "keel" or "central beam of a ship." However, it's important to note that both origins are plausible, and it's difficult to determine for certain the specific origin for every individual with the last name Kiel.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kiel

The meaning and origin of the last name Kiel

The surname Kiel is of German origin, derived from various places named Kiel in Germany. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name dates back to the late Middle Ages, specifically in the region of Holstein. The town of Kiel, now one of the major ports in Germany, was first mentioned in 1234 as "Chyl" or "Chile". Over time, the name evolved to its modern form. In the context of surnames, Kiel often represents a place of origin for individuals or their ancestors. Throughout history, many people with the surname Kiel have migrated and settled in various parts of the world, contributing to the dispersal and diversification of this family name globally.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kiel

The surname Kiel, of German origin, is predominantly distributed across Northern and Central Europe, with significant concentrations in Germany, particularly in the northern states such as Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Lower Saxony. It's also found in other regions of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, and Poland. In addition, a notable number of individuals with the last name Kiel can be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other English-speaking countries, primarily due to immigration from Europe during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kiel

The surname Kiel has various spelling and pronunciation variations across different regions and languages. Some common versions include:

1. Keil: This is an alternative spelling that is more commonly used in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States.
2. Kiehl: A variant often found in German-speaking regions.
3. Kiell: This form can be encountered in Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Norway where it has its roots in old Norse language.
4. Kjel: Pronounced as "khel," this spelling is less common but may appear in genealogical records or immigrant databases.
5. Kjell: Another Scandinavian variant, more common in Norway, pronounced as "chyel."
6. Keyl/Kayl: These are rare variants that can be found among families with a long history of name changes or misspellings.
7. Kiehle: A German variation that may have originated from the occupation-name for a miller or a person who lived near a mill (from Middle High German "kiene" or "kele," meaning "mill").
8. Keilhau: This is a Norwegian name, often seen in the form of Keihlau, that is derived from the Old Norse word "keili," meaning "to strike" or "hit."

Famous people with the last name Kiel

Notable individuals with the surname Kiel include:

1. Günter Kiel (1936-2017), a German film actor known for his role in the films "The Tin Drum" and "The Lost Honour of Katharina Blum."

2. Horst Kiel (born 1942), a former East German discus thrower who won a gold medal at the 1968 Summer Olympics.

3. Klaus Kiel (born 1950), a retired German football goalkeeper who played for teams such as Borussia Mönchengladbach and FC Bayern Munich.

4. Dirk Kutscher (born 1976), a computer scientist known for his work on the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) and co-author of the QUIC protocol.

5. Kurt Kiel (1886-1951), an American sailor who won gold medals at the 1908 and 1920 Summer Olympics in yachting events.

6. Robert E. Kiel, Jr. (born 1947), a retired United States Navy admiral who served as the Commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet from 2003 to 2005.

Genealogical research on the last name Kiel

The surname Kiel originates from Germany and is derived from various places named Kiel in different regions. One of the earliest recorded occurrences of the name can be traced back to the 13th century, in the city of Kiel, Holstein, Schleswig-Holstein, a port city on the Baltic Sea. The name is also associated with other localities named Kiel in Lower Saxony and Bavaria. It is believed that those who bear the surname Kiel originally lived in or near one of these places. Over time, the family migrated to other parts of Europe, including Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Poland, due to various historical events such as wars and religious conflicts. Later, some descendants immigrated to North America, particularly to the United States, in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the Kiel family name is found worldwide, with a significant number of bearers residing in Germany, the United States, and other English-speaking countries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kiel"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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