Surname Kisling - Meaning and Origin

Kisling: What does the surname Kisling mean?

The last name Kisling is generally of German origin and typically derives from the Old German personal name "Kezilo," meaning "brave in battle" or "goblin." It is believed that the name was first brought to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. Over time, it spread across Europe and was adopted by many different families.

In its earliest recorded forms, the last name Kisling was seen spelled as “Keseling,” “Kezeling,” “Kiselinc,” and “Kisiing.” Each of these forms is likely derived from the same Old German root, suggesting a common origin.

Throughout history, people bearing the last name Kisling have been found in various countries including England, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, and even Malta - where the last name is frequently found today. In England, people with the last name Kisling were initially found in the counties of East Sussex, Westmorland, Lancashire, Worcestershire, Huntingdonshire, and Oxfordshire.

Kisling is a uncommon but enduring last name that evokes images of bravery and strength. It is often associated with the medieval Germanic root, and the Kisling family has a long, proud heritage that is still visible today in many families who share the surname.

Kisling: Where does the name Kisling come from?

The last name Kisling is most commonly found in countries and regions with strong Germanic or Jewish heritage. Specifically, Kisling can be found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Central and Eastern Europe, and the Netherlands. It can also be found in the United States, particularly in states with a strong German or Jewish history, such as New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Louisiana, and California. It is also widespread throughout Australia and New Zealand.

The roots of the last name Kisling can be traced back to Jewish Ashkenazim, who trace their ancestry to an early medieval Jewish tribe originating from a northern and central European tribe. The Kisling surname was first recorded in Germany in the 1400s. Though the meaning of the name is not known for certain, it is thought to have roots in the Hebrew language, translating to “protected.” Thus, people who bear the Kisling name are thought to be protected by God and blessed with good fortune.

Kisling is a fairly uncommon name today, though it is slightly more common in the United States than other parts of the world. This is likely due to large waves of German and Jewish immigrants who came to the United States in the mid 19th century and early 20th century, many of whom carried the Kisling name with them.

Overall, the Kisling surname can be found in a variety of countries around the world, particularly those with strong Germanic or Jewish heritage. The Kisling family is thought to be blessed with good fortune and protection from God, and their name is still somewhat common in the United States today.

Variations of the surname Kisling

Kisling is an old German surname. It likely originated from the personal name Kiesl, which is derived from the Germanic word kisa, meaning ‘basket'. Variations of this surname include Kiesling, Kieslinger, Kiesel, Kieser, Kessel, Kießling, Kissle, Kiesl and Kies.

Kisling is particularly common in Germany, Poland and Austria. In the United States, it is most common in Pennsylvania, according to the 1990 Federal Census.

Variants of Kisling that have developed throughout history generally stemmed from regional language differences and preferences. For example, the German ‘K’ sound is often traditionally pronounced as a ‘K’ in the U.S., while in the Netherlands, Germany and Hungary, it can often be pronounced as an ‘S’. This could have led to the development of Kisling variants such as Kislig, Kessling and Kishling.

Kisling is also a Jewish surname. It is likely that this form of the surname was adopted by Ashkenazi Jews, who often adopted Germanic surnames to blend more easily into the local communities during the Middle Ages. Variants of the Kisling surname with Jewish origins include Kissel, Kessel, Kezler, Kesel, Kaczler and Kaesel.

Since its origins, Kisling has evolved and splintered into many different variants. Regardless of the variation, it can be traced back to its Germanic roots.

Famous people with the name Kisling

• Manny Kisling, American screenwriter and film producer.
• Frank Kisling, Austrian painter.
• Max Kisling, German painter.
• Fritz Buttenstedt a.k.a. "Kisling", German cyclist.
• Bill Kisling, former American football player.
• Otilia Kisling, Romanian-born French film producer and cinematographer.
• Joe Kisling, former American football player.
• Val Kisling, American musician.
• Don Kisling, American cartoonist.
• Jenny Kisling, American high jumper.
• Lawrence Kisling, Danish architect.
• Eileene Kisling, American football player.
• Janice Kisling, American photographer.
• Adolf Kisling, German swimmer.
• August Kisling, German painter.
• Max Kisling, German composer and pianist.
• Fritz Kisling, German inventor.
• Eric Kisling, American Cinematographer.
• Richard Kisling, American guitar maker.
• Ramon Kisling, Spanish-born American illustrator.

Other surnames

KislichKislinger