Last Name Kiel

The last name "Kiel" is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "kiele" which means "a small ship" or "keel." The name likely originated as an occupational surname for someone who worked as a shipbuilder or sailor. It may also have been given as a nickname to someone who had a connection to ships or exhibited characteristics associated with sailing or the sea.

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 and has several possible meanings and origins. One possible origin is from the Middle High German word "kil," which means "wedge" or "peg," suggesting that the original bearer of the name may have been a carpenter or someone who worked with wood. Another possibility is that it is a variant of the name Kilian, which is derived from the Latin name "Cillianus." Kilian was the name of an Irish saint who went to Germany during the 7th century, and thus, it is plausible that the name Kiel may have derived from Kilian. Lastly, it could also be a habitational name derived from the city of Kiel in northern Germany. As with many surnames, the exact meaning and origin of Kiel may vary depending on regional and historical factors.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kiel

The surname Kiel is primarily found in Germany, where it originated. Within Germany, it is most concentrated in the states of Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, and Saarland. Schleswig-Holstein, as the northernmost state, has the highest number of individuals with the surname Kiel. This may be due to historical factors or migration patterns in the region. The name Kiel is also present in other parts of Europe, such as Poland, where it is relatively common. Outside of Europe, the surname Kiel can be found in countries with significant German immigrant populations, such as the United States and Canada. It is worth noting that the distribution of the name Kiel may vary over time due to factors such as migration, marriage, and social trends.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kiel

The last name Kiel may have several variations and spellings. One common variation is Kiehl, which drops the final "l" but retains the "ei" sound. Another variation is Keil, which replaces the "ei" with "ei." There might also be an added "e" at the end, resulting in Keile or Kiele. In some cases, the "ei" sound may be replaced by "ie," producing Kie, Kiell, or Kiele. Additionally, the spelling Kiel could be anglicized to Keel, Keele, or Keels. Other potential variations may include Kielman, Kieler, or Kieles. It is important to remember that surnames can evolve over time due to geographic, cultural, or historical influences. As a result, the variations mentioned might not exhaust all possible spellings and variations of the last name Kiel.

Famous people with the last name Kiel

One famous individual with the last name Kiel is Richard Kiel (1939-2014), an American actor best known for his role as Jaws in two James Bond films, "The Spy Who Loved Me" (1977) and "Moonraker" (1979). Standing at an imposing height of 7 feet 2 inches (218 cm) and possessing a distinctive metal-encased set of teeth, Kiel's portrayal of Jaws made him an iconic Bond villain. His towering presence and unique physical features became synonymous with the role, earning him a place in cinematic history. Richard Kiel's memorable portrayal of Jaws contributed significantly to the success of the Bond films, establishing him as one of the most recognizable actors in the franchise. Beyond his role as Jaws, Kiel continued to have an extensive acting career, making appearances in various television shows and films.

Genealogical research on the last name Kiel

The name Kiel is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "küle," meaning "cool" or "temperate." It is most commonly found in Germany, particularly in the regions of Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony. Genealogical research on the surname Kiel reveals several notable individuals throughout history bearing this name, including Heinrich Kiel (1812-1883), a prominent German composer known for his choral and orchestral works. Other notable individuals with the surname include Michael Kiel (born 1970), an American former professional basketball player, and Scott Kiel (born 1963), an accomplished American sailor who competed in the Olympic Games. Genealogical records suggest that the Kiel family has branched out to various countries across the world as a result of migration and emigration, with individuals of this surname now found in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Australia, and other nations.

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 : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends