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Last Name Kilb

What is the origin of the last name Kilb?

The surname Kilb is of German origin, specifically from the Rhineland-Palatinate region. It is derived from various place names containing the element "Kil," which is believed to have come from the Old High German word "chil," meaning "hill" or "mound." Therefore, the name may originally have been a locational surname, denoting someone who lived near such a geographical feature. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have varied, leading to different forms found in various regions and countries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kilb

The meaning and origin of the last name Kilb

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Geographical distribution of the last name Kilb

The surname Kilb is primarily distributed across Germany and neighboring regions. It originates from the Old High German "Kilba" or "Chilpah," meaning "child of the war-leader." In present-day Germany, it is most prevalent in the southwestern states of Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate, as well as parts of Hesse. Kilb is also found in smaller numbers in Austria, Switzerland, and other Germanic regions due to historical migration patterns. Additionally, there are significant populations of people with the last name Kilb in the United States, particularly in states with high German ancestry such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin, where it was often anglicized to Killb or Killup during immigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kilb

The surname Kilb has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants include Killib, Kylb, Killap, Killipp, Kileybe, Kielb, Killab, and Kilebo. These variations may arise from regional dialects, errors in record keeping, or changes in migration patterns. Additionally, the name could potentially have originated from different ethnic backgrounds, leading to further variations. For example, it could be of German or Scottish origin. The German variation might stem from a place name like Kiel or Killbach, while the Scottish form might be derived from the Gaelic Mac Eilbe (son of Eilbe). Regardless of the specific variant, they all share a common root in the original surname Kilb.

Famous people with the last name Kilb

Notable individuals with the surname Kilb include:

1. John D. Kilb (born 1943), an American mathematician who is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus at University of Missouri–St. Louis, known for his work in functional analysis and operator theory.

2. Kathy Kilb (1957-2010), an American author who wrote numerous books for children, including the popular "Magic Tree House" series with her husband, Donna Jo Napoli.

3. James S. Kilb (born 1943), a retired United States Air Force major general who served as the director of public affairs at the Pentagon during the Gulf War.

4. Scott Kilb (born 1976), an American actor and writer, best known for his work in television shows such as "Boston Legal" and "The West Wing".

5. Thomas Kilb (born 1942), a German musician and composer who is the leader of the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra.

Genealogical research on the last name Kilb

The surname Kilb is of German origin and is derived from various places named Kilsbach, Kilsdorf, and Kilbritt, all located in present-day Germany. The earliest recorded spelling of the name can be traced back to the late Middle Ages, specifically in the 15th century. Over time, variations such as Kielb, Keilb, Kihlb, and Killb have also been found, likely due to spelling variations common during that period. The Kilb family migrated from Germany to various parts of Europe and the Americas throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Notable individuals with this surname include American football player John L. Kilb (1876-1954) and German politician Karl Kilb (1863-1937). Genealogical research suggests that the Kilb family has diverse occupations in their history, including farmers, artisans, and public servants.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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