Surname Koegeler - Meaning and Origin

Koegeler: What does the surname Koegeler mean?

The last name Koegeler is an old German surname with a long history. According to genealogy records, the Koegeler surname first appeared in the 14th century in the German state of Hesse. The name is derived from the Old German word kugi-liner, which translates to “cupbearer”, and likely referred to the profession of a tavern keeper.

This hypothesis is bolstered by the fact that Koegeler is also commonly spelled “Kögl” or “Kögler”, both of which are variations on the German word for “roasted chicken”, which could have been served in taverns.

The earliest recorded instance of the name was “Engelbrecht Koegeler” in 1306 in Hokeheide, Germany. Since then, the surname has spread throughout Europe, especially to regions such as Switzerland, Austria, and the Czech Republic.

Today, Koegeler is still quite common in Germany, with over 2,500 current holders of the name. It is also fairly popular in other areas of Europe and America, with over 664 in the United States alone.

Though no single meaning or origin story is definitive, it appears that the last name Koegeler derives from the profession of running taverns in rural Germany during the Middle Ages. This legacy lives on today, with many Koegelers living across Europe and abroad.

Koegeler: Where does the name Koegeler come from?

The last name Koegeler is most commonly found in Germany today, particularly in the state of Lower Saxony. This is likely due to the fact that the name originated there in the 13th century, when the Koegeler family settled in the eastern parts of the state. It remained there, with family members typically marrying other German families in the area for hundreds of years. This is likely why there is an overwhelming concentration of the name in the eastern parts of Lower Saxony, including the cities of Hannover, Nienberge, and Ratio.

Beyond these specific areas, the Koegeler name can also be found scattered across Germany, particularly in the states that border Lower Saxony. It is also common in North America, as many Koegelers left Germany around the turn of the twentieth century and arrived in the United States and Canada, settling in various states and provinces. Their descendants still reside there, often carrying the original Koegeler family name.

Overall, today the Koegeler name is most numerous in Germany, and specifically in Lower Saxony, where it originated more than eight-hundred years ago. Outside of the country, it is still seen in Germany's neighboring countries, and in North America where many descendants live today.

Variations of the surname Koegeler

The surname Koegeler is derived from a German word meaning "one who lives near or upon a hill". Variations of this surname include Koegel, Koegler, Koegelmann, Koegelin, Kuegeler, Kuegelmann, Kuegler, Kuggeler, Kuggelmann, Kuegel, Kugeler and Kuigelman. All of these spellings are indicative of a surname that originates in Germany, although there are variations which may be derived from other parts of Europe.

The prominence of the surname is concentrated in the region of Germany where it originates, particularly in Bavaria, Hesse, and Saxony-Anhalt. There are also some variations of the surname which can be found in Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, and the Netherlands.

The surname is, in its most common form, of patronymic origin, derived from the personal name Koegel, which itself could be derived from either the Middle High German “quegel” meaning “knot” or from the Germanic “quigila” meaning “height”.

In its various forms, the surname Koegeler is both an uncommon and a relatively uncommon surname with considerable global distribution. This is due in part to the many variants of the surname which have been adopted throughout the centuries, as well as to forced migrations which have caused some regional variations of the name to spread. It is, however, still a relatively uncommon surname in most parts of the world.

Famous people with the name Koegeler

• Robert Koegeler: Robert Koegeler is a former American football player. He was a tight end in the National Football League for the New England Patriots from 1994 to 1997.
• Chris Koegeler: Chris Koegeler is a former NFL linebacker who played for the Minnesota Vikings from 1991 to 1995.
• Michael Koegeler: Michael Koegeler is a former American baseball player who was a pitcher in the minor league of the New York Yankees for nine seasons from 1992 to 2000.
• Ines Koegeler: Ines Koegeler is a German author who has written many books, including the novel The Weight of Stone.
• Raphael Koegeler: Raphael Koegeler is a writer and director best known for his film The Stone Bearers.
• Uwe Koegeler: Uwe Koegeler is a former German footballer who began his career for FC Erzgebirge Aue in 1985.
• Peter Koegeler: Peter Koegeler is a German artist who has had many exhibitions, including ones in Los Angeles and New York.

Other surnames

Koegel