Last Name Kunde

The surname "Kunde" is of German origin. It derives from the Middle High German word "kunde," which means "customer" or "buyer." In the Middle Ages, it was often used as an occupational name for a shopkeeper or merchant. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have varied due to regional differences in German dialects.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kunde

The meaning and origin of the last name Kunde

The surname Kunde is of German origin. It derives from the Old High German word "kund," which means 'known' or 'acquaintance.' Originally, it was likely used to identify someone who was well-known within their community. Over time, this name became more widespread and was ultimately adopted by families across Germany, as well as regions that came under its cultural influence such as Denmark and Switzerland. In Scandinavia, the name is sometimes spelled "Kond" or "Cond." The surname Kunde can also be found in various other European countries due to historical migration patterns. Today, it is a relatively common name across much of Europe and North America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kunde

The surname Kunde is primarily found in the German-speaking regions, notably Germany and Switzerland, due to its roots in these countries. It also has a significant presence in Austria, where it originates from the Upper Austrian region. The name can also be found in other Germanic-influenced countries like Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, with varying frequencies. In addition, there are pockets of Kunde families in other parts of Europe, particularly France and the Netherlands, as a result of historical migrations or assimilation. Moreover, due to emigration patterns, the name has spread to other continents, with notable populations in North America (especially the United States), Australia, and New Zealand.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kunde

The surname Kunde, originating from Germany, has several variations and spellings. One common variation is Konde, which can be found predominantly among German speakers. Another variant is Kuende, though this is less common. In English-speaking countries, it may sometimes be spelled as Cundy or Cunning, derived from the Old English word "cunnan," meaning to know or be skilled at something. Furthermore, there are regional variations such as Kunz in Switzerland and Austria, Kunze in Scandinavia, and Koncz in Hungary, all of which have a similar origin but have evolved differently over time. Lastly, the name can also be found in other languages such as French (Conde), Italian (Condé), Spanish (Condé), and Dutch (Konijn or Konijnse), reflecting the global dispersal of Germanic peoples throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Kunde

Notable individuals with the last name Kunde include Hans Kunde (1928-2014), a German mathematician who made significant contributions to number theory and combinatorics; Peter Kunde (born 1963), a retired American football player who played as a center for the Green Bay Packers; and Christoph Kunde (born 1965), a German physicist known for his work in high-energy physics, particularly his contributions to the ATLAS experiment at CERN. Another notable figure is Martina Kunde-Wiedemann (born 1981), a German luger who competed in three Winter Olympics and won two bronze medals. These individuals, through their diverse fields of expertise, have left lasting impacts on mathematics, sports, and physics respectively.

Genealogical research on the last name Kunde

The surname Kunde is of German origin, derived from the Old High German word "kund," meaning 'known' or 'acquaintance.' Historically, it was primarily found among the Rhineland Germanic tribes, with variations such as Konde, Conda, and Kunz appearing in medieval records. The migration of German-speaking peoples during the Middle Ages led to the dispersal of this name across Europe. In Scandinavia, for instance, it was transformed into the Swedish surname "Kondi." The earliest known Kunde ancestors lived in the Rhine-Westphalia region during the High Middle Ages (1050-1250 AD). Notable individuals with the surname include Johann Friedrich Kund (1789-1837), a German philosopher, and Paul Kunde (born 1961), an American football player. Today, the name can be found in various countries, including Germany, America, Canada, Australia, and Scandinavia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kunde"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends