Last Name Kind

The last name "Kind" is of Old German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word 'kint' which means 'kin', 'family', or 'descendant'. This surname was often given to someone who belonged to a family of kindred, indicating kinship. It has also been found in some records as a nickname for a person known for being friendly and generous. The name is common among Germanic people, particularly in Germany, England, and the United States.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Kind

The surname Kind originates from Germany, specifically from regions such as Westphalia, where it was initially a nickname for someone who was generous, kind-hearted, or compassionate. In Old High German, "kind" means "kin," which can refer to family or children, but over time, the term also came to signify gentleness and benevolence. It is possible that the name may have originated as a byname for someone who was exceptionally kind to their kin or community. Throughout history, the Kind surname has been found in various German-speaking regions, including Westphalia, Bavaria, and Swabia, and it eventually spread across Europe due to migration and the expansion of the Holy Roman Empire. Today, people with the surname Kind can be found worldwide, particularly in Germany, the United States, and other English-speaking countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kind

The surname "Kind" has its origins in various regions across Europe and North America. Historically, it is most prevalent in Germany, where it is a common surname derived from the Middle High German word 'kind' meaning 'child.' This surname can also be found among the Germanic populations of Scandinavia, particularly Sweden and Denmark, due to historical migration patterns. The name is less frequently found in England and Scotland but may have been brought there by German immigrants. In North America, significant numbers of people with the surname Kind are of German descent, particularly in states like Illinois, Michigan, Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Additionally, smaller groups can be found in countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Austria, reflecting the diaspora of German-speaking peoples over centuries. Overall, the distribution of the surname Kind is broadly centered in regions with historical Germanic influence.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kind

The surname Kind possesses multiple variations and spellings worldwide. These include Kinde, Kinde, Kynd, Kynde, and Kjende, which are found primarily among Scandinavian populations. The name may also appear as Cind, Cinde, or Cynd in some English-speaking countries, while it could be written as Kindt, Kindtz or Kindts in Germanic regions. In Dutch, it might be spelled as Kint, Kinte, Kynt, or Kynte. The name's origins can be traced back to Old Norse and Old English roots, where "kin" means family or clan. Over time, this surname has evolved through various regional dialects and orthographic conventions, yielding the numerous spellings found today.

Famous people with the last name Kind

Notable individuals bearing the surname Kind include:

1. Jules Richard Kind (born 1960), an American actor known for his roles on television shows such as "Spin City" and "Tales from the Crypt". He won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as Mark Linn-Baker in "Spin City".
2. George Kind (1869–1935), a Canadian-American mining engineer who made significant contributions to the development of the copper industry in Arizona and Utah, including discovering the Morenci mine, one of the world's largest open pit copper mines.
3. Dirk Kind (born 1970), a Dutch former footballer who played as a defender for clubs such as Ajax Amsterdam, Feyenoord Rotterdam, and FC Groningen, and represented the Netherlands national team in international competitions. He won two Eredivisie titles with Ajax.
4. Paul Kind (1907–1983), an American photographer and photojournalist who worked for Life magazine from 1941 to 1968, covering stories such as World War II, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Space Race. He won two Pulitzer Prizes for his work.
5. Rory Kind (born 1972), an American politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Wisconsin's 3rd congressional district since 2013. A member of the Democratic Party, he is a cousin of former Senator Russ Feingold.

Genealogical research on the last name Kind

The surname Kind is of Germanic origin, derived from the Old High German "kind" meaning child or kin. It is an occupational name for a children's nurse or caretaker, or a nickname for a kind and loving person. The first recorded spelling of the name was in Germany around the 13th century, with variations including Kindt, Kint, and Kinde.

Early bearers of this surname include Heinrich Kind (circa 1250) in Saxony, Germany, and Johannes Kint who was recorded in the town of Bremen in 1404. The family expanded throughout Europe during the Middle Ages, with notable Kind families found in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Russia by the 16th century.

In modern times, the Kind name is most prevalent in Germany, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Notable individuals bearing this surname include the German philosopher Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Schelling (1775-1854), who was a key figure of Transcendental Idealism; J.C. Kind, a Dutch architect known for designing several prominent buildings in the Netherlands during the 19th century; and David G. Kind, an American biologist and genetics professor at the University of California, Davis.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kind"
• 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 June 2025

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