Surname Koegel - Meaning and Origin

Koegel: What does the surname Koegel mean?

The last name Koegel is an occupational surname derived from the Middle High German word "Kögel" which translates to "keg." This term was often used to refer to a carrier of beer and other liquids in barrels, and those who bore this surname were likely to be tradesmen transporting and delivering such goods.

The surname can also be found in various spelling variations such as Kögel, Kögle, Keck, Koeck, and more. It is mostly concentrated in central and southern Germany, Austria, and the neighboring countries, although it is also found in the United States, Canada, and other countries with German immigrants. Notable people bearing the name of Koegel include the noted German psychologist Kurt Koegel, American baseball player Red Koegel, and the prominent 19th century general Gustav von Koegell.

The last name Koegel is indicative of an ancestral heritage steeped in workmanship, trade, and commerce. It also speaks to the perseverance and ruggedness demanded to carry out these trades in days gone by - a reminder of an era of labor-intensive effort and determination that continues to be honored by those who proudly bear the Koegel name.

Koegel: Where does the name Koegel come from?

The last name Koegel is most frequently found in Germany, especially in Bavaria and the Rhineland region. It is also common in the Dutch-speaking parts of Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as in Austria. The name can also be found in Denmark, Sweden, and the Czech Republic.

The name Koegel is thought to have been derived from the Middle High German word “kugel,” which means “ball” or “sphere.” This suggests that the name may have originally referred to someone who was either firm and well-rounded in body, or who was skilled in playing ball games.

Today, the surname is particularly common in the Midwestern United States, particularly in the state of Ohio. According to Ohio genealogy records, by the early twentieth century there were many Koegel families living in the state. Migration records suggest that the name had been carried over from Germany by German-speaking settlers.

The Koegels of Ohio have had a long history in the state. The name was among those of soldiers who served in the Civil War and left records of their service. There were also members of the Koegel family who became prominent business people, including a cannonball maker and an owner of a stove foundry.

Today, the name Koegel remains largely concentrated in Ohio and other Midwestern states, though there are still many people with the name scattered throughout the United States and other parts of the world.

Variations of the surname Koegel

Koegel is a surname of German origins, traditionally spelled Kögel. Variants include Kogl, Kogel, Koekel, Kogeler, Kugel, Kiguell, Kokel, Kugler and Koegler. Dative and prepositional forms of the name include Kögeler and Kögler.

Koegel is also found in various spelling variations in other languages. In Dutch, spellings include Koogel, Koegel, Kogel, Koekel, Kogeler, Kugel and Kiguell. In English, the name Koegel is occasionally found, as well as Koekel, Kogel, Kugel and Kogler. In Swedish, the name is often spelled Kogl or Kokel.

The prefix of the Koegel surname is known to be derived from the Middle High German word "kuogel" meaning ball. Commonly used as a nickname to describe a round fellow or someone who was rotund. Variations of this name such as Koekel and Kugel make frequent reference to this trait.

Surnames derived from the Koegel root may be found in Germany and across Europe, such as the Russian Kuglov. Others surnames of the same origin are found in the United States, such as Koegelmann, Koogle, Koegee and Kuggle.

In some cases the name may have evolved from other similar sounding names. For example, the German surnames Köhler, Köhlers, Köhlerman and Koehlerman may have evolved from the root Kögeler. Similarly, the surnames Ködder, Keddar and Keeter may have also evolved from the root spelling.

Overall, the Koegel surname is found in various regions of the world in multiple spellings and variants, and is a testament to the movement and cross-cultural mingling of Germanic peoples over the centuries.

Famous people with the name Koegel

• Adam Koegel: American professional basketball player who played power forward and center in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
• Bruce Koegel: American chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author who has appeared on multiple Food Network programs, such as “Throwdown with Bobby Flay” and “Iron Chef America."
• Gina Koegel: American figure skater who represented the United States at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan.
• Jason Koegel: American baseball player who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1996 to 2003.
• Don Koegel: American former professional basketball player and head coach, best known as the head coach of Georgia's men's basketball team from 1984 to 1995.
• Ken Koegel: American former Major League Baseball outfielder who played for the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago White Sox.
• Mike Koegel: American former professional baseball player who pitched four seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies.
• Paul Koegel: American actor, voice actor, and stuntman best known for his work in films such as Dawn of the Dead and Serenity.
• Ron Koegel: American former Major League Baseball third baseman, who played for five teams in his seven-year career.
• Stephanie Koegel: American former synchronized swimmer who competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.

Other surnames

Koegeler