Surname Kehlhof - Meaning and Origin

Kehlhof: What does the surname Kehlhof mean?

The last name Kehlhof is of German origin and comes from the words "Kelheim" and "Hof," which together mean "farmstead in Kelheim."

The name indicates that the original bearer of the name was from an area known as Kelheim, which lies in the Donau-Isar district in Bavaria, Germany. The area is particularly known for its lively festivals and cultural heritage, which dates back to the Middle Ages.

The farmstead aspect of the name indicates that the last name refers to those who once owned farms in the area, providing a place where crops could be grown and livestock raised. This could indicate that the original surname holder was an agriculturist or worked in the fields in Kelheim.

The use of the last name spread throughout Germany and is still used today by individuals who are distantly related to the original original surname holder. Today, those who carry the last name Kehlhof have a connection to the town of Kelheim and the agricultural traditions of old Bavaria.

Kehlhof: Where does the name Kehlhof come from?

Kehlhof is a surname of German origin. It derives from a place name, as the prefix “Kehl” is German for “ridge” and “hof” for “farmstead” or “court”. Today, this surname is most commonly found in southwestern Germany, including in the states of Baden-Wurttemberg, Bavaria, and Rhineland-Palatinate. Records indicate that the Kehlhof family has deep roots in southwestern Germany spanning back to at least the 1600s.

Though it is primarily a German name, some records indicate the Kehlhof surname also appearing in other nearby European countries, such as Switzerland and Austria. Record-keeping in those countries was not always as thorough so it is difficult to pinpoint the exact frequency of its presence.

In the United States, the Kehlhof surname is most commonly found in the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Immigrant populations from southwestern Germany were the first to bring the name to the US in the 18th and 19th centuries. Records show it becoming more widely used as those families moved out across the US and intermarried, spreading the name further.

Overall, the Kehlhof surname is primarily located in southern Germany, with pockets appearing in other nearby European countries and the US.

Variations of the surname Kehlhof

The surname Kehlhof has several variants, spellings, and associated surnames of the same origin. Common variants of the name Kehlhof include Kehlhoff, Kehloff, Kahlhoff, Kehlhoef, Kahloff, Keelhof, Kalehof, and Keeloff. The German spelling is Kahlhöf, which can also be pronounced ‘Kalehöf’. The Dutch spelling is Keelhof.

In the United States, the surname is commonly spelled "Kehlhoff" or "Kehlhoef". In the Netherlands, it is often spelled "Keelhof". The surname "Kalehof" is an anglicised variation of the Dutch "Keelhof", which is also commonly found in the Netherlands.

In Germany, the surname is often spelled "Kahlhoff" or "Kahlhöf". This variation is also found in the countries of Austria, Switzerland, and Belgium. The spelling "Kalehof" is most commonly found in Germany and the Scandinavian countries.

Other related surnames include Kahlhöfer, Kahlhofer, Kalehöfer, Kalhof, and Kaelhof. These surnames all stem from the same root and are sometimes interchangeable or have slight differences in spelling.

Many of these names can be found on genealogical records, such as census records, birth certificates, naturalization records, and military service records. In addition, some of these names can also be found in records such as wills, marriage licenses, and property deeds.

The surname Kehlhof is also found in countries such as Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. Most of the names spelled in the same way as Kehlhof are of Dutch and German origin, but some can also be found in records of other parts of the world.

Famous people with the name Kehlhof

• Albert Kehlhoff: Novelist, dramatist and writer from Germany.
• Andy Kehlhoff: Former professional American football player who played fullback in the National Football League.
• Gerry Kehlhoff: Former professional American football player who played center in the National Football League.
• Jürgen Kehlhoff: German-born film producer and director who is known for producing documentaries and films, specializing in historical and archeological content.
• Dave Kehlhofer: Former American football player who played wide receiver and defensive back in the National Football League.
• Ralph Kehlhoff: German professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper.
• Sabine Kehlhoff: Retired German athletes who competed in the women's long jump.
• Tom Kehlhof: Former American football player who played wide receiver in the National Football League.
• Émile Kehlhof: French mathematician and engineer specializing in the study of mechanics.
• Vanessa Kehlhofer: German biathlete who competed in the Biathlon World Championships.

Other surnames

Kehlhoffner