Last Name Kimmel

The surname Kimmel is of German origin. It is derived from a variety of place names in Germany that contain the element "Kimme" meaning well or fountain. The name could also have been occupational, referring to someone who tended a well or fountain. It was brought to North America by German immigrants and became widely distributed throughout the United States and Canada.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kimmel

The meaning and origin of the last name Kimmel

The surname Kimmel is of Old German origin, derived from a diminutive form of the given name Kim or Kuno. The name Kim or Kuno was originally a short form of various compound names with the first element 'Kin' or 'Kuno,' meaning "royal" or "noble." Over time, the surname Kimmel spread to other regions, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe due to migration and historical events. The name has multiple variations, including Kiemel, Keimel, Kimmel, and Kymell, reflecting the evolution of spelling as languages changed over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kimmel

The last name Kimmel is predominantly of German and Jewish origin. It is most commonly found in Central Europe, particularly Germany and Austria, due to its early origins in these regions. Over time, individuals with the surname Kimmel have migrated worldwide, leading to its distribution across various countries. In North America, the last name Kimmel is particularly prevalent in the United States and Canada, with significant concentrations in states like Pennsylvania, New York, and California, as well as provinces such as Ontario and Quebec. The name can also be found in Israel, which has a large Jewish population, reflecting the migration of individuals bearing this surname during historical events such as the Holocaust. Additionally, smaller populations can be found in Australia, South Africa, and other countries with significant European immigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kimmel

The surname Kimmel has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants include: Kimmel, Kiemel, Kymell, Kimbal, Kimble, and Kembel. These variations can be found across various regions, with German-speaking countries being one of the origins of the name. The spelling "Kimmel" is commonly associated with families that emigrated from Germany to other parts of the world, such as the United States and Israel. Additionally, there are also similar-sounding surnames like Kemmler, which might sometimes be confused with Kimmel, although they have different roots and origins.

Famous people with the last name Kimmel

Jim Kimmel, best known as Jimmy Kimmel, is a renowned American television host, comedian, and producer. He hosts ABC's late-night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" since 2003. His career began in radio before transitioning to television as a writer for shows like "In Living Color" and "The Man Show." Matt Kimmel, also an American comedian, is a regular on the comedy circuit with appearances on Comedy Central, MTV, and VH1. He has released several stand-up comedy albums and co-hosted the podcast "Cum Town." Another notable figure is Jon Kimmel, a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for teams like the Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox in the 1970s and 1980s. In addition, Maureen McCormick, popularly known as Marcia Brady from the TV series "The Brady Bunch," married Michael Ciminella, originally named Maureen Kimmel, in 1973. Despite sharing the last name, she is not directly related to Jimmy or Matt Kimmel.

Genealogical research on the last name Kimmel

The Kimmel surname, of German origin, is believed to be derived from the Old High German "Kinamail," meaning kin or family servant, possibly related to the occupation of a messenger or herald. Early records show the name appearing in Germany in the late Middle Ages. Some of the earliest known Kimmel ancestors include Konrad Kymmel, who lived in Thuringia, Germany in 1427, and Johann Kimmel, who was born in the same region around 1503. The family migrated to other parts of Europe, such as France, Switzerland, and England, before settling in North America. In the New World, Kimmels can be found among the early German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania in the 18th century, and later, in larger numbers, in the Midwest during the 19th century's agricultural expansion. Today, Kimmel is a relatively common surname, with significant populations found primarily in the United States, Canada, and Germany.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kimmel"
• 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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