Last Name Kohl

The last name "Kohl" has multiple possible origins. It can be of German, Jewish, or Ashkenazi Jewish origin. 1. German Origin: In Germany, the surname "Kohl" is derived from the Middle High German word "kol" or "kohl," which means "cabbage." It is likely an occupational surname given to someone who was a cabbage farmer or seller. 2. Jewish Origin: "Kohl" is also a Jewish surname with a possible origin in Eastern Europe. It could be derived from the Yiddish word "kohlen," meaning "charcoal." This suggests that the name could have been given to individuals who produced or traded charcoal. 3. Ashkenazi Jewish Origin: Another possibility is that "Kohl" is an Ashkenazi Jewish surname. It could be a variant of the Hebrew name "Kagan," which means "priest" or "leader" in Hebrew. This indicates that individuals with this name might have held religious or leadership positions within the Jewish community. It is important to note that surnames can have various origins and meanings, and individual family histories can differ. Further research into specific family genealogy and historical records could provide more detailed insights into the origin of the last name "Kohl" for a particular individual or family.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kohl

The meaning and origin of the last name Kohl

The surname Kohl has German origins and is derived from the Middle High German word "kohle," which means "coal." The name originated as an occupational surname, given to those who worked in or were associated with the coal industry. It is likely that the name was initially assigned to people who were coal miners or merchants dealing in coal. The surname Kohl can also be traced back to Jewish communities, particularly in Germany and Eastern Europe, where it may have been adopted by families engaged in charcoal burning, coal trading, or occupations related to the coal industry. Over time, variations of the name Kohl have emerged, such as Kuehl, Kuhl, Kollen, or Kohler, reflecting regional dialects and spelling changes. Today, individuals with the surname Kohl can be found in various parts of the world, particularly in areas influenced by German and Jewish diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kohl

The last name Kohl has a relatively widespread geographical distribution. It is most commonly found in Germany, with a significant concentration in the southwestern part of the country, particularly in the states of Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate. The name has historical roots in Germanic culture and has likely spread throughout different regions over time. Additionally, there are communities of Kohl families in Austria, Switzerland, and other German-speaking regions of Europe. Outside of Europe, the name has also made its way to countries with German immigrant populations, such as the United States, Canada, and Brazil. In these countries, Kohl can be found among individuals with German ancestry or those who descended from German immigrants. Overall, while the name Kohl has its strongest presence in Germany, it has also spread across various regions due to historical migrations and the movement of German-speaking populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kohl

The last name Kohl has a few variations and spellings depending on geographical location and historical context. One variation of the surname is Khol, which could be considered an alternative spelling. Another variation is spelled Kuhl, which is a more phonetic rendering of the name. Additionally, in some regions, the name can be spelled Cole, which is an anglicized version of Kohl. Other variations include Koel and Kool, which might be influenced by different dialects or accents. It is important to note that these variations are not exhaustive and may vary further depending on local customs and personal preferences. The name Kohl, and its variations, is of Germanic origin and can be traced back to the Middle Ages.

Famous people with the last name Kohl

Helmut Kohl was a prominent German statesman and politician who served as Chancellor of Germany from 1982 to 1998. Known for his leadership during the reunification of East and West Germany, Kohl played a crucial role in shaping modern Germany. His commitment to European integration, especially through the Maastricht Treaty, earned him the nickname "Chancellor of Unity." Another famous figure with the last name Kohl is Walter Kohl, the son of Helmut Kohl and Hannelore. Although not a political leader like his father, Walter has become a renowned author and public speaker, offering insight into his family's personal and political history. Overall, the name Kohl is widely known in Germany and beyond due to the contributions and legacy of these influential figures.

Genealogical research on the last name Kohl

The last name Kohl is of German origin and has a rich history in genealogical research. The surname can be traced back to the medieval period, specifically to the region of Bavaria in Germany. It is derived from the Old German word "kol," meaning "coal," possibly indicating that the early bearers of this name were associated with charcoal-making or the coal trade. Over the centuries, the Kohl family expanded and migrated to various parts of Germany, resulting in different branches of the surname. Genealogical research reveals that the Kohl family played an influential role in society, with individuals occupying positions such as merchants, craftsmen, and even nobility. As German immigration occurred globally, many Kohl descendants settled in other countries, particularly the United States. Today, the Kohl name can still be found worldwide, with individuals proudly carrying on their ancestral heritage. Overall, the genealogical research on the last name Kohl shows a remarkable journey across generations and continents.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kohl"
• 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 April 2025

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