Surname Kinter - Meaning and Origin
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Kinter: What does the surname Kinter mean?
The surname Kinter is of German origin. It is believed to be a derivative of the name Kuentzer or Kuenzer, which itself is said to be derived from the Middle High German word "kuntz," a word denoting boldness or a daring person. Therefore, one might see it as representing an ancestor who was known for their courage or audacity. Like many European surnames, it was likely first used as a way of differentiating individuals with the same first name in small communities. The surname has spread across many countries, and variants of it can be found around the world. As with most surnames, specific meanings can also depend on regional dialects and historical contexts.
Order DNA origin analysisKinter: Where does the name Kinter come from?
The surname Kinter is of German origin, specifically from the southern region of Germany. The name is derived from "Künter", a diminutive of the Germanic personal name "Konrad". Konrad combines the old Germanic elements "kuoni", meaning brave, and "rad", meaning counsel or advice.
The Kinter surname might have initially been used as a nickname for someone who was known to be brave or advisory, before it became standardized as a family name during the Medieval period. Family surnames, as we understand them today, began to be used in Germany from the 12th century onwards.
Kinter, like many German surnames, would have spread across the world through emigration, especially during the 19th and 20th centuries when large numbers of Germans emigrated to the United States.
Today, the surname Kinter can be found in several countries, particularly in the United States and Canada, and to a lesser extent in Germany. The name is not particularly common, but its presence in these places reflects the patterns of historic German emigration.
Variations of the surname Kinter
The surname Kinter is of German origin, possibly deriving from the name "Künter," a variant of Konrad, which means 'bold counsellor'.
There are several spelling variations and surnames of the same origin, which might include Kunter, Kenter, Koenter, Kiinter, Kenner, and Kuenzer. Surnames derived from Konrad, such as Conner, Konnor, or Connors, might also have the same origins.
Variations of the same names can often be the result of a mistake in recording the name either when an immigrant landed in a new country or during census tallying. Since many scribes and clerks wrote names phonetically, one person's name could be recorded in different forms.
Genealogical research further suggests that Kinter could be a variant of the name Kindt, which is diminutive of the personal name Konrad. Dialectical variants include Kühndert, Köndert, and Kändert.
Remember, the surname can be specific to each family, and in genealogical research, variations of spelling should be considered.
Famous people with the name Kinter
- Kimya Dawson, American singer-songwriter
- Kyle Kinter, American politician
- Elizabeth Kinter, American lawyer
- Troy Kinter, American actor
- Bruce Kinter, American author
- Diane Kinter, American teacher
- Carol Kinter, American artist
- Diana Kinter, American photographer
- Jay Kinter, American filmmaker
- David Kinter, American cinematographer
- Mika Kinter, Canadian exercise physiology professor
- Caleb Kinter, American school director
- Mark Kinter, American historian
- Pierre Kinter, French poet
- Mark Kinter, American entrepreneur
- Robert Kinter, German chess grandmaster
- Elliott Kinter, American wildlife photographer
- Rachel Kinter, American visual artist
- Stirling Kinter, American movie producer
- Patrick Kinter, American journalist