Surname Koellen - Meaning and Origin
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Koellen: What does the surname Koellen mean?
The surname Koellen is a relatively rare surname of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "kelle," which translates to "pitcher" or "bucket" in English. It likely either referred to individuals who brewed beer, served beer, or were employed to carry beer in pitchers. It is also possible that the name was a nickname for someone who was tall and slender, likened to the shape of a pitcher.
Until the 19th century, most people in Europe took their surnames from their father, or were referred to by their job or title. But in areas of Germany, particularly Alsace and the Rhineland, people began to adopt more hereditary surnames based on the place they lived or certain characteristics.
In modern times, Koellen is still found throughout Germany, with large concentrations in Bavaria and the Rhineland-Palatinate regions. There are also variants of the surname such as Köllen, Köhlen, and Kollen.
Koellen is a unique and interesting surname, and its original meaning likely provided unique insight into its bearer’s occupation or another significant aspect of their life. The modern bearers of this surname are proud of their heritage and, regardless of any original meaning, it has become a highly significant part of their personal identity.
Order DNA origin analysisKoellen: Where does the name Koellen come from?
The last name Koellen is commonly found in Germany, where it is thought to be originally from, as well as other parts of Europe, the United States, and South Africa. In Germany, it is primarily concentrated in the eastern and southern parts of the country; however, there is also a small population in the north. For the United States, most of the Koellens are located in the Midwest states, with particularly large populations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois. Additionally, Koellen is prominent in South Africa, with a particularly high concentration in the Western Cape province.
There are also many Koellen families in other countries around the world, including Canada, Australia, Brazil, Austria, and Slovakia. The Koellens are an established surname in many of these countries, as they have been present amongst the population for centuries. In England, there were Koellen families living in the 16th and 17th centuries, although today the name is less common.
Overall, Koellen is widely distributed throughout Europe, the United States, South Africa, and other countries around the world. As an old, established surname it has been present in many different countries for centuries, with some families migrating for economic or political opportunities. Today, the name can be found in many regions, but is still most commonly associated with Germany.
Variations of the surname Koellen
The surname Koellen is an occupational name that originates from south Germany and the Netherlands, derived from the word koelen meaning 'to cool'. The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include Coolen, Cooling, Koolen, Koelein, Koehlen, Kohlen, Kohelin, Koelen, Köhlen, Koolein, Koolman, Koolmann, Kooling, Koolyman, and Koeling.
The Dutch variation of the name is Koolen and the German variation is Koell. The various spellings stem from confusion during record keeping, resulting from a lack of standardised spelling forms in the past.
In some cases, the German variant Koell has been changed to Koehler, as it is pronounced in a similar way in German. In some rare cases, the Dutch variation Koolen became Clay or Klay. An Americanised version of the name is Colen. Additionally, some Italian immigrants adopted the name Kopploni.
Koellen has spread across countries and continents, resulting in multiple surnames evolving from the same origin. The name can now be found in Germany, Netherlands, America, the UK, Australia, Italy, and other countries.
Famous people with the name Koellen
- Bruce Koellen: American businessman and member of the Bruce and Sharese Koellen Family Foundation.
- Alan Koellen: former American Basketball Association (ABA) player who had a short playing career in the late 1960s and 1970s.
- Kurt Koellen: German swimmer who achieved success in the 1992 Olympic Games and multiple World Championships.
- Peter Koellen: German sculptor who is best known for his giant figures from steel, many of which are on long-term display in public parks and squares across Europe.
- Jean Koellen: former American gymnast who competed at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki.
- Joseph Koellen: German organist, music director and composer who wrote numerous works for organ and church choir.
- John Koellen: former water polo player and coach who worked at the ASV Halle/Saale Water Polo Club.
- Gustave Koellen: French military officer who was among the first to lead troops over the Alps during the French Revolution.
- Edmund Koellen: Austrian Catholic priest and canon lawyer who served as the Provost of the Old-Vienna chapter in the early 19th century.
- Robert Koellen: Swiss-born painter who is known for his landscape and architectural views of the western United States.