Surname Keppel - Meaning and Origin

Keppel: What does the surname Keppel mean?

The last name Keppel is of Anglo-Saxon and German origin, and is a occupational surname that evolved from the Middle High German word kebel meaning a cup-bearer or waiter. It referred to someone who worked in a public house or tavern, serving beer and other drinks in jugs or cups. Over time, the title of cup-bearer became a knighthood associated with royalty and was a symbol of great honor.

In England, the name Keppel appears as early as the 11th century when Henry I Beaurepaire became Earl of Leicester and granted numerous fiefs to his followers. Among them was William de Keppelden, a servant of Henry I. In the Netherlands, the name is found as early as the 12th century when Willem Keppel of Rees became hereditary cup-bearer to Emperor Frederick Barbarossa.

Today, the last name Keppel is most commonly seen as a surname of Dutch origin. It is also found scattered throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and the United States. Common variations of the surname are Kebel, Kephel, Kebler, Kappel, Kebell, Kabel, Kippel, and Kippenheimer.

The meaning of the last name Keppel refers to someone who held an honorable position as cup-bearer or waiter. Over time, the surname has evolved from one associated with honorable knighthood to an everyday family name.

Keppel: Where does the name Keppel come from?

The Keppel surname is quite common in parts of Europe today. It is most prevalent in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Eastern European countries such as Austria, Hungary, and Czechia.

The Keppel surname originated in Germany in the 13th century. It was first used as a nickname for someone with a bulbous-shaped head. Over time, the nickname evolved into the surname we know today.

The surname is also found in the United States, mainly among descendants of German and Dutch immigrants. It's particularly common in Amish communities in Pennsylvania and Ohio.

In the UK, the name is rare, with only a few hundred Keppel families living in the country. It is believed that those living in the UK are mostly descendants of German immigrants who arrived after World War II.

The Keppel surname also appears in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. There, it is widely believed that the family hails from German and Dutch immigrants who settled in the area in the 19th century.

Overall, the Keppel surname is quite widespread across the world today. It is mainly found in the countries of Germany, the Netherlands, and Eastern Europe, as well as in countries which were once inhabited by German settlers. It is also found in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.

Variations of the surname Keppel

The Keppel surname has several variants, spellings, and related surnames. The most common variants of this surname include Kappel, Kapl, Kaapel, Kapell, Kappell, Kappler, Kapteel, Kaipel, and Keipel. The surname Keppel is believed to be of German origin, and is derived from the Middle High German word "kappel", which meant country chapel.

The variants of the Keppel surname are found in many other countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and Sweden. In the Netherlands, the Keppel surname is spelled as Kapl or Kaapel. In Belgium, the surname is spelled as Kappel, Kappell, Kappl, Kappler, or Kapteel. The related Dutch surname Kaipel is common in the Netherlands.

Variations of the Keppel surname can also be found in Germany, such as Kappel and Kapell, as well as in Luxembourg, where it is spelled as Kappeler. In Denmark, the Keppel surname is spelled as Kappel or Kappelle, and in Sweden, Keppel is spelled as Keipel.

The related surname of Keppeler is also found in Germany, and is thought to be an occupational name for somebody who owned or operated a chapel or a church. This surname is much less common than the original Keppel.

In conclusion, the surname Keppel has many variants, spellings, and related surnames that can be found in many countries throughout Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and Sweden. These include Kappel, Kapl, Kaapel, Kapell, Kappell, Kappler, Kapteel, Kaipel, Keipel, and Keppeler.

Famous people with the name Keppel

• Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands: Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands was born with the last name Keppel in 1911. He was the Vice-Chairman of the Bilderberg Group until 1976, and was a noted philanthropist and conservationist. After his death in 2004, he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Netherlands.
• Sir George Keppel, 6th Earl of Albemarle: Sir George Keppel (1799-1891) was born into the nobility and served as a British soldier and politician. He was also a friend of King William IV, and his private yacht ‘Albemarle’ was used by the King for royal pleasure trips.
• Violet Keppel Trefusis: Violet Keppel Trefusis (1894-1972) was an English writer, socialite, and notable member of the Bloomsbury Group. Her book ‘Novels and Tales’ was well-received and is still read today.
• Professor George Keppel: Professor George Keppel (1910-1998) was a British educationalist and academic who specialized in Psychology and mathematics. He wrote many books, including ‘The Psychology of Teaching and Learning’, which was widely read in academic circles in the 1950’s and 1960’s.
• Gordon Keppel: Gordon Keppel (1941-2007) was an American Country Music singer known for his baritone voice and his hit singles ‘Don’t Worry ’Bout a Thing’, ‘Ring of Fire’, and ‘Each Time You touch Me’. He won numerous awards throughout his career, including induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Other surnames

Keppeler