Last Name Kol

The last name "Kol" is of German and Jewish (Ashkenazic) origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "kolle," meaning "cabbage" or "cabbage grower." This occupational surname likely referred to someone who cultivated or sold cabbages. The Jewish version of the surname may have been adopted by Ashkenazi Jews from the German community at some point in history. Today, the last name "Kol" is found in various countries around the world, including Germany, Israel, and the United States.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kol

The meaning and origin of the last name Kol

The surname "Kol" is of German and Jewish origin, derived from the Middle High German word "kol," meaning "cabbage." It is believed to have been used as a metonymic occupational name for someone who grew or sold cabbages or possibly as a nickname for someone with a round and compact physique, resembling a cabbage. The surname may also have originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near a cabbage patch or a place where cabbages were grown. Over time, the surname "Kol" has been adopted by families of German and Jewish descent, with variations in spelling such as "Kohl" or "Kohler" also being common. Today, individuals with the surname "Kol" can be found worldwide, particularly in countries with significant German or Jewish populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kol

The last name Kol is most commonly found in countries with a prevalence of Jewish populations such as Israel, Poland, and Germany. In Israel, the name Kol is relatively widespread due to its Hebrew origins and cultural significance. In Poland, Kol is more commonly found in regions with historic Jewish communities such as Warsaw and Krakow. Similarly, in Germany, the surname Kol is often associated with Jewish families and can be found in areas with historical Jewish settlements. In more recent years, the name has also spread to other countries with Jewish populations, such as the United States and Canada, where descendants of immigrants have retained the surname. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Kol reflects its roots in Jewish communities across Europe and beyond.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kol

The last name Kol has several variations and spellings, depending on different regions and languages. Some common variations of Kol include Kohl, Kole, Cole, Khol, and Koll. Each variation may be derived from different linguistic origins or historical changes over time. For example, the spelling Kohl is more commonly found in German and Jewish communities, while Kole may be a simplified or anglicized version of the name. The variations in spelling can also be influenced by immigration patterns and phonetic differences. Regardless of the specific spelling, the surname Kol likely has a shared ancestry and history among individuals who bear it. Overall, the variations and spellings of the last name Kol illustrate the wide range of ways in which names can evolve and adapt within different cultural contexts.

Famous people with the last name Kol

One famous person with the last name Kol is Arielle Kebbel, an American actress known for her roles in the film "John Tucker Must Die" and the television series "The Vampire Diaries." Another notable figure with the last name Kol is Maya Koliada, a Belarusian figure skater who has competed at the international level. Additionally, Doron Kol is a prominent Israeli choreographer and dancer who has worked with various dance companies and performed around the world. All three individuals have achieved success in their respective fields and have made significant contributions to the entertainment industry.

Genealogical research on the last name Kol

The last name Kol is believed to have originated in Germany, where it is derived from the Middle High German word "kol," meaning cabbage. It is thought to have been used as a nickname for someone who grew or sold cabbage, or perhaps as a topographic name for someone who lived near a cabbage patch. The earliest records of the Kol surname date back to the 14th century in the region of Bavaria, Germany. Over time, the name spread to other parts of Europe, including Poland and Russia. Today, individuals with the last name Kol can be found in various countries around the world, with notable concentrations in Germany, Poland, the United States, and Israel. The genealogical research of the Kol surname is ongoing, with many individuals tracing their ancestry back to their German roots.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kol"
• 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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