Surname Koehl - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
Koehl: What does the surname Koehl mean?
The origin and meaning of the last name Koehl is German. It is believed to be derived from the German word “Kohl,” which means cabbage. Thus, the name Koehl roughly translates to “one who is related to cabbage”.
The Koehl name originated in Germany in the 12th to 16th centuries when this particular plant was used and sold in many regions in Europe. The popularity of the plant increased during the 19th century, leading to more people beginning to take on the name Koehl as surnames.
The surname Koehl is associated with robustness and resilience, traits that have been acquired through the hard work of those who have been associated with the production of cabbage over the centuries. They are thought to be strong-minded individuals who are able to handle difficult situations and challenge traditional norms.
Koehl’s are often determined and ambitious, demonstrating a great determination and zeal in everything they do. Their zeal often serves them well and they have a good track record of achieving success in whatever field they choose to pursue. At the same time, they are known for having a great respect for the environment and for protecting nature and its resources.
The Koehl name continues to live on today and it is associated with those who embody qualities of determination, strength, and respect for the environment.
Order DNA origin analysisKoehl: Where does the name Koehl come from?
The last name Koehl is mostly commonly found in German-speaking countries today. The most prevalence is in Germany, where it is ranked as the 1,997th most common surname in the country. In Germany, the Koehl surname is most commonly originated from the state of Hesse - specifically in the areas around Frankfurt and Hanau. In the United States, the Koehl surname is most commonly associated with German immigrants that settled in Pennsylvania and Minnesota.
The Koehl surname is also relatively common in Austria, Switzerland, and Poland, with concentrations in western and central Poland. Approximately 65% of Koehl individuals live in Germany, 28% in Austria and 7% in the United States. In Austria, a large concentration of Koehl individuals is located in the Styria-region in the south of the country, with small concentrations in Vorarlberg, Tirol and Salzburg.
In Switzerland, the Koehl surname is most commonly found in cantons such as Aargau, Solothurn, and Appenzell. In addition, the Koehl surname is found in countries such as France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic, although these countries have small populations of Koehl individuals.
Generally, the Koehl surname is spread throughout Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United States, with a majority of individuals in Germany and Austria. The Koehl surname is also present in a handful of other countries and is slowly gaining popularity worldwide.
Variations of the surname Koehl
The surname Koehl has several variants, spellings, and other surnames of the same origin. These include Köhl, Køhl, Köl, Köhle, Kohl, Koll, Kohle, Koole, Kuehl, Kühl, Kuehle, Kuehlke, Koel, Köle, Koelle, and Koell.
The variant spellings of the name offer insight into its origin, which is unique to the Germanic region. Some of its origin is likely connected to the different word structures of Germanic regional dialects. The spelling Köhl may have derived from the Middle High German word "choul," which meant a thicket or wooded area. Additionally, Koell or other spellings could have been derived from the Middle High German word "kuol," meaning "to cool or cool off."
The variant and spelling of Köhl is the most common spelling of the surname, and is most likely related to the Dutch, Northern, and Central German word “koel," meaning cool, making it the most likely spelling connected to the surname's origin.
Other variant spellings of Koehl/Köhl, such as Köl, Köhle, Kohle and Kuehl, are connected with the occupation of charcoal burning, itself a common source of surname origin in the Germanic region.
Given its many variant spellings and diverse origins, it is common to see Koehl and its related spellings forming several associated surnames. These include Kohler, Koeler, Koller, Kolonko, Kohls, and Khoulaza.
Famous people with the name Koehl
- Kristina Koehl: a German actress and writer who is best known for her roles in films such as The Ten Commandments and Good Luck, Little Portraits.
- Christian Koehl: a Canadian rugby union player who represented Canada in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
- Luca Koehl: an Austrian cyclist who represented Austria at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
- Mark Koehl: an American record producer, engineer and mixer who has worked with artists such as Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
- Max Koehl: a German composer, arranger and producer who's known for his expertise in classical music.
- Kari Koehl: a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1984 to 1986.
- Chris Koehl: an American professional golfer who had 18 PGA tour wins throughout his career.
- Jordan Koehl: an American professional football player who was a defensive end for the New Orleans Saints.
- Daniel Koehl: a German freediver and coach who is the current holder of the world record for freediving to a depth of 120 meters.
- Frances Koehl: an American businesswoman and philanthropist who was the first female president of the National Bank of Olympia.