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Last Name Kinkel

What is the origin of the last name Kinkel?

The last name Kinkel is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "kinkel," which means "channel" or "gutter," and likely originally referred to someone who lived near a canal or waterway. This surname is thought to have originated in the southern region of Germany. Over time, the name Kinkel may have also been used as a nickname for someone who was perceived as cunning or shrewd.

origin of the last name Kinkel

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kinkel

The meaning and origin of the last name Kinkel

The surname Kinkel is of German origin and is a habitational name for someone from any of the various places called Königswalde and Königsberg. The name is derived from the Old High German word "kunni" meaning "royalty" or "king" and "berg" meaning "mountain," indicating someone who lived near a royal mountain or in a royal forest. Alternatively, the name may also be of Slavic origin, derived from the Polish word "kinkiel" meaning "crutch" or "staff," suggesting an occupational name for a producer or user of such objects. The surname Kinkel has variations like Kinkelmann or Kinkelstein and can be found in Germany, Poland, and other Eastern European countries. Today, it is a relatively rare surname but holds historical significance as the surname of German political activist and writer Gottfried Kinkel.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kinkel

The last name Kinkel is of German origin, and as a result, it is most prevalent in Germany. It is a fairly uncommon surname, with a concentration in the southwestern region of the country, particularly in the states of Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate. Additionally, there are small pockets of individuals with the last name Kinkel scattered throughout other parts of Germany. Outside of Germany, the surname Kinkel can also be found in the United States, where the largest populations of individuals with this surname reside in the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and California. There are also some individuals with the last name Kinkel in the Netherlands and other parts of Europe, but the surname is significantly less common in these regions compared to Germany and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kinkel

Variations and spellings of the last name Kinkel may include Kinkell, Kinckel, Kinkl, Kunkel, Kunkle, Kunkell, Kinkle, Kincle, and Kinckell. These variations may occur due to different pronunciation or spelling of the name over time or in different regions. The name Kinkel is of German origin and typically means someone who lived near a bend in a river. It is possible that the variations of the name have evolved as people moved to different countries or as scribes recorded the name phonetically. Despite the different spellings, the name Kinkel still retains its German roots and may be found in various countries around the world.

Famous people with the last name Kinkel

One famous person with the last name Kinkel is Kip Kinkel, a notorious American mass murderer who committed the Thurston High School shooting in Springfield, Oregon in 1998. Kip Kinkel killed his parents before carrying out the shooting at his high school, resulting in the deaths of two students and the injury of 25 others. He was ultimately sentenced to 111 years in prison without the possibility of parole. Another well-known individual with the last name Kinkel is John "Lawton" Kinkel, a former American football player who played for the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1960s. Kinkel was a defensive tackle and played a key role in the Eagles' defense during his time with the team. Despite their different paths and legacies, both Kip and Lawton Kinkel have left a lasting impact on their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Kinkel

The surname Kinkel has German origins and is derived from the Middle High German word "kinkel" meaning "little bell." It is thought to have started as a nickname for someone who worked as a bell ringer or lived near a bell tower. The Kinkel family can be traced back to the medieval times in Germany, with records showing individuals with this surname residing in various regions of the country. Over the centuries, the Kinkel name may have spread to neighboring countries and beyond as individuals migrated for opportunities or to escape persecution. Today, individuals with the last name Kinkel can be found across the world, with descendants carrying on the family name and history through genealogical research and family traditions.

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