Last Name Kunkel

The last name "Kunkel" has German origins. It is derived from the Middle High German word "kunne" meaning "kin" or "relative" and "kel" meaning "bald," "calm," or "smooth." Therefore, "Kunkel" can be interpreted as "bald relative" or "smooth-tempered kin." The name was likely originally used to distinguish a family member who was bald or possessed a calm and tranquil nature. Over time, various branches of the Kunkel family migrated to different regions, particularly the United States, where the name has become somewhat common.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Kunkel

Regarding the ethnic identity among those with the Kunkel surname, there has been some shift from 2000 to 2010 according to the Decennial U.S. Census. The largest group remains those who identify as White, although their proportion decreased slightly from 97.21% in 2000 to 95.73% in 2010. The percentage of individuals identifying as Hispanic saw the greatest increase, rising from 1.10% to 1.99%. Those identifying as Black also more than doubled, albeit from a smaller base (0.22% to 0.45%). The proportion of those identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander and American Indian and Alaskan Native also increased, while the category of Two or More Races remained relatively stable.

	2000	2010	Change
White	97.21%	95.73%	-1.52%
Hispanic	1.1%	1.99%	80.91%
Two or More Races	0.85%	1%	17.65%
Asian/Pacific Islander	0.38%	0.56%	47.37%
Black	0.22%	0.45%	104.55%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	0.23%	0.26%	13.04%

Kunkel ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Kunkel is French & German, which comprises 44.1% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are British & Irish (33.8%) and Eastern European (6.4%). Additional ancestries include Scandinavian, Italian, Spanish & Portuguese, Indigenous American, and Ashkenazi Jewish.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
French & German	44.1%
British & Irish	33.8%
Eastern European	6.4%
Other	15.8%

Your paternal lineage may be linked to King Louis XVI

The rule of France by men of the House of Bourbon began with King Henri IV in 1589 C.E. and continued until the beheading of his direct paternal descendant King Louis XVI in 1793. Several years ago, researchers analyzed a mummified head and a blood-soaked cloth that they believed might belong to the two kings, and concluded that the royal paternal line belonged to haplogroup G. In a more recent study, however, a different set of researchers tested three living men who are direct descendants of the Bourbon kings. Their efforts revealed that the male lineage of the House of Bourbon is actually a branch of haplogroup R-M405.

Your maternal lineage may be linked to Marie Antoinette

Because it is so dominant in the general European population, haplogroup H also appears quite frequently in the continent's royal houses. Marie Antoinette, an Austrian Hapsburg who married into the French royal family, inherited the haplogroup from her maternal ancestors. So did Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, whose recorded genealogy traces his female line to Bavaria. Scientists also discovered that famed 16th century astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus traced his maternal lineages to haplogroup H.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kunkel

The meaning and origin of the last name Kunkel

The surname Kunkel is of German origin and has a diverse range of meanings associated with it. One possible interpretation is that it is derived from the Middle High German word "kunkele," which means "diminutive, small kin." This could suggest that the name was originally used as a nickname for someone who belonged to a small or tight-knit family. Another possible origin is from the medieval German word "kunzel," which refers to a type of plant or grain that was commonly used in brewing beer. In this context, the surname Kunkel could have been a name given to a brewer or someone involved in the beer-making industry. Additionally, Kunkel could also come from the personal name "Kunz" which is a diminutive of Konrad, a German given name. As surnames often evolved over time and were influenced by various factors, it is important to note that different branches of the Kunkel family might have different origins and meanings attached to their surname.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kunkel

The last name Kunkel has a predominantly German origin. It is most commonly found in Germany, where it originated, and is highly concentrated in the states of Rhineland-Palatinate, Hessen, and Bavaria. Additionally, a significant number of individuals with the surname Kunkel can be found in the neighboring countries of Switzerland and Austria, as well as in the Alsace region of France, which shares a border with Germany. As a result of migration and emigration, the name has also spread to other parts of the world. In the United States, the surname Kunkel is relatively common, particularly in states with significant German-American populations such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Furthermore, smaller populations of individuals with the last name Kunkel can be found in Canada, Australia, and various countries in South America, reflecting the global dispersion of German immigrants throughout history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kunkel

The last name Kunkel has several variations and spellings. One commonly seen variation is "Kunkle." This variation drops the second "l" and is often used interchangeably with the original spelling. Another variation is "Kuenkel," which reflects a German pronunciation of the name. Similarly, the spelling "Kuenkle" is also occasionally observed. In some cases, the name may appear as "Kunkell," where an additional "l" is added. It is worth noting that these variations can occur due to different regional pronunciations or transcription errors over time. Additionally, the surname may have been subject to further alterations when certain individuals migrated to different countries and adapted their name to fit new languages or writing systems. Regardless of the specific spelling or variation, all these forms of the last name Kunkel are ultimately derived from the same ancestral origin.

Famous people with the last name Kunkel

One famous individual with the last name Kunkel is Don Kunkel, an accomplished American songwriter, guitarist, and record producer. As a member of the band "Bread," which rose to prominence in the 1970s, Kunkel contributed significantly to their success. He co-wrote numerous hit songs like "Everything I Own" and "Sweet Surrender," both of which topped the charts during that era. Don Kunkel's melodies and guitar skills provided the backbone for many of Bread's memorable tracks, solidifying his reputation as a talented musician. Additionally, another well-known figure with the last name Kunkel is Bill Kunkel, an influential figure in the world of video game journalism. He co-founded the first video game-focused magazine, "Electronic Games," back in 1981. Bill Kunkel, along with his colleagues, played a vital role in establishing video games as a legitimate form of entertainment and journalism. Through his work, Kunkel shaped the landscape of video game reporting, leaving a lasting impact on a rapidly-growing industry.

Genealogical research on the last name Kunkel

The research into the genealogy of the Kunkel surname reveals a rich history dating back several centuries. The name Kunkel originated in Germany, specifically in the region of Bavaria. It is believed to be a variant of the name Kunkler, which itself is derived from the Middle High German word "kunkele," meaning "guts" or "intestines." The Kunkel family migrated to various parts of Europe and later North America, particularly Pennsylvania, during the 18th and 19th centuries. They were often involved in occupations such as farming, blacksmithing, and woodworking. Over time, the Kunkel name spread across the United States, and many branches of the family have established themselves in different states and regions. Today, Kunkels can be found across the United States, and their genealogy is a testament to their resilience and contributions to the communities they have called home.

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