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Last Name Kuhfeld

What is the origin of the last name Kuhfeld?

The surname Kuhfeld has German origins. It is derived from the Middle High German "kuh" meaning cow and "velt" meaning field. Thus, a literal translation would be "cow field". The name may have originally been occupational for someone who worked with cattle on a farm or topographical, indicating someone living near a pasture where cows were kept.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kuhfeld

The meaning and origin of the last name Kuhfeld

The surname Kuhfeld is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German term "Kuhvogel," which translates to 'cow bird' or 'calf bird.' It is a topographical name that may have been originally used for someone who lived near a place where these birds were found in abundance. In some cases, it could also be an occupational name for a bird trapper or a nickname for someone thought to resemble a cow bird due to physical characteristics or behavior. The surname Kuhfeld has several variations, such as Kuhfelt, Kufeld, and Kuelfel, which are also of German origin and share the same meaning and origin.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kuhfeld

The surname Kuhfeld is predominantly found in Germany, with significant concentrations in regions such as North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg, and Lower Saxony. It also has a presence in other German-speaking countries like Austria and Switzerland. Additionally, there are notable populations of Kuhfelds in the United States, particularly in states with high German ancestry such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. In Canada, Ontario and Manitoba show a considerable number of individuals bearing this last name. Furthermore, South America also hosts a smaller but discernible Kuhfeld community, primarily in Brazil.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kuhfeld

The surname Kuhfeld has various spellings and variations due to differences in spelling conventions, regional pronunciations, and transcription errors over time. Some common variations include Kufeld, Kuefeld, Kuefeld, Koehfeld, Koefeld, and Kuhlfeld. These variations stem from changes in the way "ch" and "h" were pronounced in German-speaking regions, as well as differences in spelling conventions between English and German. Additionally, some individuals may have intentionally or unintentionally altered their name's spelling upon immigration to different countries, leading to further variations. Despite these variations, all of these surnames share a common origin, being derived from the Old High German word "kuh" meaning cow and "veld" meaning field, indicating that the original bearer may have lived near a cow pasture or farm.

Famous people with the last name Kuhfeld

One of the most renowned individuals with the surname Kuhfeld is Dr. Robert A. Kuhfeld, an American scientist and climatologist. He has made significant contributions to understanding climate variability and change, particularly in the Arctic region. Kuhfeld worked at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) for over 30 years before retiring in 2016. Another notable figure is Lorelei Kuhfeld, an American researcher specializing in child development and education. She is known for her work on early childhood cognitive development and the role of parent-child interactions in this process. In the realm of sports, Jeff Kuhfeld played professional football as a tight end for teams such as the Miami Dolphins and Houston Oilers during the 1980s. Lastly, there is artist William Kuhfeld, known for his contributions to modern art, particularly for his paintings that combined elements of abstraction and surrealism in the mid-20th century.

Genealogical research on the last name Kuhfeld

The surname Kuhfeld originated in Germany and is derived from an occupational name for a cowherd, or a topographic name for someone who lived near a cow pasture. The name is composed of two Old High German elements: "kuh," meaning cow, and "wald," meaning forest or pasture.

The earliest recorded instance of the Kuhfeld surname can be traced back to the 14th century in Germany. Notable individuals with the last name include Ernst Wilhelm Kuhfeld (1839-1905), a German painter known for his portraits and landscapes, and Hermann Kuhfeld (1866-1947), a German botanist who specialized in tropical plants.

The surname has also been spelled variantly as Kuefeld, Kuefelt, and Kufeld due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across borders. The distribution of the Kuhfeld name is primarily concentrated within Germany, with smaller populations found in other Germanic-speaking countries such as Austria and Switzerland. In the United States, the Kuhfeld family can be traced back to German immigrants who arrived during the 19th century.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 30 July 2025

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