Last Name Kuehl

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kuehl

The meaning and origin of the last name Kuehl

The surname Kuehl is of German origin and derived from the Middle High German word "kuol" or "kühl," which means "cool" or "calm." It is believed to have originated as a nickname for someone who possessed a calm and composed demeanor or worked in a cooler environment. Alternatively, the name may have been given to someone who inhabited a place with a cool climate or was associated with a cool stream or spring. The surname Kuehl is commonly found in Germany and can be traced back to medieval times. Over the centuries, individuals with the surname Kuehl may have migrated to different regions, spreading the name across various parts of the world. Today, individuals with the surname Kuehl can be found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and others, predominantly descendants of German immigrants.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kuehl

The last name Kuehl is predominantly found in the German-speaking regions of Europe, particularly in Germany itself. It is derived from the Old High German word "kuoh" which means cool or calm, and was likely used as a nickname for someone with a calm and composed disposition. Consequently, the surname Kuehl is not as common in other parts of the world, with a relatively limited geographical distribution.

In Germany, the name Kuehl can be found throughout the country, but is particularly concentrated in regions such as Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, and Hamburg. These areas are in the northern part of the country, near the coastline. It is also worth noting that variations of the name, such as Kuhl or Kühl, may exist in these regions as well.

Outside of Germany, the surname Kuehl may be found in small numbers in other German-speaking regions, such as Austria and Switzerland, due to historical migrations and cultural connections. However, it is not as prevalent or widespread as in Germany itself.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kuehl

The last name Kuehl may have various alternative spellings and variations, partly due to historical linguistic changes, regional influences, and individual family preferences. Some alternate spellings of Kuehl include Kuhl, Kuhlman, Koehl, Koehle, Koehly, Kehl, Keel, Keil, Kühl, and Küehl. These variations may occur as descendants migrated to different regions or anglicized their names for pronunciation ease. Additionally, variations may exist across different languages such as German, Dutch, and Scandinavian, where the pronunciation and spelling of names can also differ. Over time, families may choose to adapt or change the spelling of their surname for personal or practical reasons, leading to further diversification. It is important to note that the variations of the last name Kuehl can greatly depend on the specific family lineage, historical context, and geographical region involved.

Famous people with the last name Kuehl

One famous individual with the last name Kuehl is Sheila Kuehl, an American politician and former actress. Born in 1941, Kuehl gained fame for her role as Zelda Gilroy in the TV series "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis" during the late 1950s and early 1960s. However, she eventually transitioned from her acting career to pursue a new path in politics. In 1994, she became the first openly gay individual to be elected to the California State Legislature, serving as a member of the State Assembly and later the State Senate. Throughout her political career, Kuehl has been an advocate for social justice and LGBTQ+ rights. Her contributions to politics have made her an influential figure in championing equality and fairness, leaving a lasting impact on California's legislative landscape.

Genealogical research on the last name Kuehl

The research on the last name Kuehl traces back to Germany. The surname Kuehl is of German origin, derived from the word "kühl" meaning "cool" or "calm" in English. The Kuehl family can be found primarily in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony in Germany. The earliest documented record of the Kuehl surname dates back to the 16th century in the town of Minden, Germany. Over the years, the Kuehl family has spread across different regions in Germany, and some branches have migrated to other countries, including the United States. Immigration records indicate that Kuehl individuals began arriving in America in the late 19th century, primarily settling in states like Wisconsin and Texas. Today, individuals with the surname Kuehl can be found worldwide, primarily in the United States and Germany, as well as other countries where Kuehl descendants have established roots.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kuehl"
• 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