Last Name Kissel

The last name "Kissel" is of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "kisel", which means "cabbage". This surname was originally an occupational name for a gardener or someone who cultivated cabbages. During the Middle Ages, when most people lived and worked on the land, occupational names were very common. The use of such names allowed people to identify each other based on their profession or occupation. Over time, as families migrated from one area to another, these occupational names often became hereditary, so that they continued to be used even after the original profession had been abandoned. In some cases, the name may also have Jewish origins, derived from the Hebrew word "kezil" meaning "red". However, it is important to note that surnames were not standardized across Europe until the late Middle Ages, so the exact origin of a particular name can sometimes be difficult to determine with certainty.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kissel

The meaning and origin of the last name Kissel

The surname Kissel is primarily of Germanic origin. It derives from the Middle High German word "kissel," which means "jelly" or "custard." This name may have been given to someone who made or sold jelly, reflecting their occupation in the medieval period. Alternatively, it could have been a nickname for someone with plump or rounded features, as the German word "Kiss" also means "kiss." The surname Kissel has been recorded in various spellings and dialects over centuries, including Kiszel, Kischel, and Kischkel. Today, it is most common among Germans, although it can be found in other Central European countries as well.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kissel

The surname Kissel is primarily concentrated in Eastern Europe, particularly within Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia. A significant number of individuals with this last name can also be found in Poland, Lithuania, and the Czech Republic. In addition to its prevalence in Eastern Europe, the Kissel family name is also present in smaller numbers in other countries such as Germany, the United States, Canada, and Australia, due to historical migration patterns and diaspora. The distribution of the Kissel surname reflects the cultural and historic ties between these regions, with many families tracing their roots back to common ancestors or shared migration routes.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kissel

The surname Kissel has various spellings and pronunciations across different regions. Some common variations include Kissele, Kissell, Kissal, Kiszel, and Kysel. The name is believed to have origins in several countries including Germany, Russia, Ukraine, and Czech Republic. It is derived from the German word "Kiesel" which means 'gravel' or 'small pebbles'. Additionally, there may be some variations due to phonetic changes during migration and assimilation into other cultures. For instance, a family with this surname in the United States might spell it as Kissell while another family in the UK could spell it as Kiszel. These spelling differences should not affect genealogical research or family connections, as the underlying root is often the same.

Famous people with the last name Kissel

The Kissel family has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned is Natasha Kisseloff, a British television producer who has worked on numerous popular shows such as "The South Bank Show," "This Life," and "Cold Feet." In the world of science, Anatolius Kisselgoff, also known as Tony Kisselgoff, made significant contributions to the field of genetics, serving as a leading researcher at the National Institutes of Health and authoring several influential papers. In the realm of art, Luba Kisselgoff is a renowned Russian-American sculptor whose works are held in prestigious collections worldwide. Lastly, Mark Kissel, an American entrepreneur, founded Coinstar, the popular coin-counting machine company that transformed the way people manage their spare change. These individuals exemplify the diverse achievements of those bearing the surname Kissel.

Genealogical research on the last name Kissel

The surname Kissel originates from Eastern Europe, primarily Poland and Russia. It is derived from the Germanic given name Kiszelew or Kiszela, which is thought to have meant "little chest" in Slavic languages. The first known record of the name dates back to the 17th century in Poland. Over time, families with this surname migrated across Europe and later to America. In the United States, the most significant concentration of Kissel descendants can be found in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Wisconsin, due to the large wave of immigration from Germany and Russia during the 19th century. Notable individuals with the last name Kissel include Charles L. Kissel, a U.S. Congressman from Illinois, and David Kissel, a Canadian journalist and author. The Kissel family history reflects a rich tapestry of migration, adaptation, and achievement across continents.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kissel"
• 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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