Last Name Kilar

The surname Kilar is of uncertain origin. It may be derived from various sources. One possible origin is a locational name from a place called Kil-ar in County Down, Ireland. This name means "Church of the field." Another possible origin is from a nickname for a skilled worker, specifically a mason or builder, deriving from the Old Norse word 'gil' meaning ridge, and 'arr' meaning shore, indicating someone who built structures on or near a rocky shore. However, it's important to note that surnames did not become common in England until the 12th century, and their origins can often be difficult to trace with certainty due to changes in spelling over time and variations in regional dialects.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kilar

The meaning and origin of the last name Kilar

The surname Kilar is primarily of Scandinavian origin, specifically Norwegian and Swedish. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name "Ketil," which means "kettle" or "boiler." This name was popular among the Vikings and Norse mythology, where Ketil was known as a dwarf blacksmith who crafted Thor's hammer. Over time, the surname has undergone variations such as Kjelar, Kjellar, and Kjelarheimr in Norway, and Kjeller, Kjallare, and Kjälåre in Sweden. The spelling "Kilar" may represent a phonetic or typographical variant of these original forms.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kilar

The surname Kilar is primarily found in countries with historical connections to Scandinavia and Germany, including Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Germany itself. However, significant diaspora communities can also be traced in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, as a result of migration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In these countries, Kilar is predominantly found in urban centers with high concentrations of Scandinavian immigrants, such as Minneapolis, Toronto, Sydney, and Auckland. Smaller numbers of individuals with this surname can also be found in other parts of the world, particularly in areas with a strong presence of Scandinavian business or cultural ties, such as London and Singapore.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kilar

The surname Kilar can have various spelling variations due to differences in transcription, phonetic interpretation, and cultural influences over time. Some common variants include Kilar, Kylar, Keylar, Kieler, Keeler, Kiellar, Kjeller, and Kyler. These variations may arise from changes in spelling conventions, regional dialects, or errors in recording or transcribing names. Despite these differences, they are all derivatives of the same original surname, which likely originated from a place name or an occupational title.

Famous people with the last name Kilar

The Kilar family is not widely recognized for having numerous globally famous members, but there are significant individuals who share this surname.

One notable figure is Alex Kilar, an American musician known for his work as a violinist and conductor. He has performed with various orchestras, including the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and served as the Conductor of the Southwest Minnesota Orchestra.

In technology, Vijay Kilar is a well-known venture capitalist who co-founded the Silicon Valley investment firm Norwest Venture Partners. He has invested in numerous successful companies such as Pinterest, RingCentral, and Twitter, and was recognized by Forbes magazine as one of the most influential venture capitalists in the world.

Lastly, in the field of academia, Dr. David Kilar is a professor of chemistry at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He has made significant contributions to the understanding of carbene chemistry and is the recipient of several research awards, including the Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award.

These individuals represent some of the most notable figures with the surname Kilar across various fields such as music, technology, and academia.

Genealogical research on the last name Kilar

The Kilar surname originates from Scandinavia, specifically Norway and Sweden. It is derived from the Old Norse "kjölr" or "kjell," meaning "cellar" or "vault." In the Middle Ages, it was a common practice for occupational names to arise from various roles within society, such as farmers, blacksmiths, or in this case, cellar workers. The name Kilar is believed to have been brought to other regions of Europe during the Viking Age and later migrations. In Scotland, Ireland, and England, it is often spelled Kilar, Killar, or Keillor due to Gaelic and Anglicization processes. Notable figures with the Kilar surname include Norwegian politician Rolf Kilar (1865-1934) and Swedish actress Agnes Kilar (born 1970). The Kilar family is spread across various countries, including Norway, Sweden, Scotland, Ireland, England, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "kilar"
• 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 : 31 July 2025

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