Last Name Kuhl

The surname Kuhl is of German origin. It is derived from a variety of sources, including occupational, geographical, and nickname origins. 1. Occupationally, Kuhl may have been an occupational name for a farmer or someone who worked with cattle (kühe in German means cows). In some regions, it could have also referred to a miller as the Old High German word for mill is kuhla. 2. Geographically, there are several places named Kuhl or similar variations in Germany, such as Kuhlstedt, Kuhlbrodt, and Kühlsheim, which might have served as surnames. 3. Nickname origins suggest that the name could have been given to someone with a cold, bleak, or severe demeanor (kühl meaning cool in German). As with many surnames, the exact origin of Kuhl can vary based on different families and regions within Germany.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kuhl

The meaning and origin of the last name Kuhl

The surname Kuhl is of German origin and is derived from several possible sources. One of the most common origins is from the Middle High German word "kuhle," which means "pond" or "swamp." This name was often given to individuals who lived near a body of water or to those who worked as fishers in such areas. Another possibility is that the surname Kuhl may have originated from the Old High German word "chuol," meaning "cellar" or "vault." This name could have been used to identify someone who lived in or worked near a cellar or storage facility. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved, with variations including Kuhle and Kuhlmann. The name is most prevalent in Germany and Austria, but has also spread to other parts of Europe and North America due to migration.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kuhl

The surname Kuhl has a significant presence primarily in Germany and neighboring countries due to its Germanic origins. It is most frequent in regions such as North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, and Bavaria. Outside Germany, the name can also be found in other German-speaking countries like Austria, Switzerland, and Luxembourg, as well as in Denmark and the United States, due to immigration waves from Germany. The name is less common but still present in other European nations such as the Netherlands, Belgium, and Scandinavian countries. In the United States, it is predominantly concentrated in states with a high German-American population, particularly Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kuhl

The surname Kuhl has several variations and spellings in different regions and historical contexts. Some common variations include Kuhle, Kühle, Kuhlé, Kuehle, Kuehl, Cuel, Keul, and Kühl. These variations may arise due to differences in spelling conventions over time or regional dialects. In German-speaking countries, the name Kuhl is typically pronounced [kʊl] with a short 'u' sound. In English, it is often pronounced as [kuːl] with a long 'oo' sound, similar to the word "ool" in "school". The variation Kuehle, for example, may be found among German-American families who anglicized their names during immigration. Similarly, Cuel might be encountered among Spanish speakers with ancestral origins in Germany. It is essential to note that these variations can lead to confusion when researching family history or genealogy.

Famous people with the last name Kuhl

Notable individuals with the surname Kuhl include:

1. Karl Otto Kuhl (1927-1984), an American zoologist and malacologist, best known for his work on marine mollusks, particularly mussels. He also contributed to the study of systematics, biogeography, and evolutionary biology.

2. Ernst Kuhl (born 1930), a German mathematician who made significant contributions in the field of functional analysis and operator theory. His work on ultraspherical functions is notable.

3. Adolf Kuhl (1865-1924), a German psychiatrist who introduced the term "schizophrenia" in 1910, as part of his effort to classify and categorize mental illnesses.

4. Christa Kuhl (born 1947), a West German sprint canoeist who competed in the late 1960s and early 1970s. She won two silver medals at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich.

5. Mark Kuhl (born 1983), an American professional baseball player who played for several Major League Baseball teams from 2006 to 2017. He primarily played as a third baseman and first baseman.

Genealogical research on the last name Kuhl

The surname Kuhl originates from Germany and is derived from the occupational name for a butcher or a fishmonger, from Middle High German 'kuh' meaning cow or calf, and low German 'kul' meaning herring. The name was also used as a nickname for someone with a stout or round appearance.

The earliest recorded instance of the Kuhl surname can be traced back to the 13th century in Germany. Some notable figures bearing the last name include Johann Konrad Kuhl, a German physician and botanist who made significant contributions to the study of medicinal plants in the 18th century. Another prominent individual was Wilhelm Kuhl-Goldschmidt, a German chemist known for his work on crystallography and X-ray analysis.

The Kuhl family migrated to North America in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, with many settling in Pennsylvania. From there, branches of the family spread across the United States and Canada, with significant populations found in Illinois, Michigan, and Ontario today. Genealogical research continues to uncover more about the origins, migrations, and notable descendants of the Kuhl family worldwide.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kuhl"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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