Surname Kokel - Meaning and Origin
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Kokel: What does the surname Kokel mean?
The surname Kokel is likely of Germanic origin, but its exact meaning is not universally agreed upon. Some sources suggest it refers to a person who lived by a stream or a coal miner, as "Kokel" is similar to the German word 'kohle' for coal. Other sources propose it could be derived from the middle-high German word “kochel” which translates to boil or bubble, suggesting a possible occupational connection to a cook or a brewer. However, these are only conjectures and the true meaning and origin may have been lost over time. Like many surnames, Kokel could have been a name based on profession, topographical feature, or even a personal characteristic. Its distribution suggests it may be more prevalent around regions of Germany and Austria. It's important to consider regional variants and spelling variations when researching the name's etymology.
Order DNA origin analysisKokel: Where does the name Kokel come from?
The surname Kokel is believed to have originated from Germany. It is likely a romanicized version of the German term “kochel,” which is a colloquial term or slang word used for describing a small cook or chef. Therefore, it possibly started as an occupational name for people involved in cooking, such as a small-time chef or a kitchen worker. Today, Kokel is still found predominantly in Germany. However, the process of globalization has spread the name to different parts of the world such as the United States, South America, and other European countries. It is important to note that the prevalence of this surname is still relatively low in comparison to other surnames, thereby making it quite unique. So while there might be people with the Kokel surname in various countries around the world, the highest concentration of people with this name is likely still in Germany.
Variations of the surname Kokel
The surname Kokel originates from Germany and is considered a variant of several other German surnames. Common spelling variants and similar surnames include Kokell, Kokkel, Kockel, Kockell, and Koeckel. Historical documents reveal these alternate spellings, reflecting a time when names were not standardized and often changed due to regional dialects and individual preferences.
There are several surnames of the same origin such as Kogel, Kogell, Koggle, and Kogelmann. Kokeln, Coquel, and Kokhle are also traced back to the same roots but are considered to be derived from a separate branch in certain parts of Germany.
Some surnames might also be variants of Kokel as a result of immigration. For instance, in countries where English is the main language, spellings might have been altered to make pronunciation easier, leading to names like Kockle, Cockle, or Coakley.
In summary, while Kokel is the most common spelling in most records, a range of spelling variants exist due to changes in language, pronunciations, and partial translations over time. Each of these surnames carries its unique twists but ultimately roots back to the original German surname Kokel.
Famous people with the name Kokel
- Peter Kokel: Former National Field Hockey Player for the United States, now coaching the Central College (Iowa) Women's Field Hockey Team.
- Garrett Kokel: Professional stunt driver, also appears in TV and film.
- Tom Kokel: Producer, director, and filmmaker who has worked in the entertainment industry for over 10 years.
- Joe Kokel: Professional stunt driver, also appears in TV and film.
- Henry Kokel: Professional athlete, specializing in kickboxing and MMA, as well as an actor and stuntman.
- Nikola Kokel: Musician, composer and film producer from Croatia.
- Steven Kokel: Professional racecar driver and radio announcer.
- Virginia Kokel: Voice actor, writer and comedy producer for television and film.
- Jonathan Kokel: Professional basketball player who plays for the Israeli team Hapoel Holon.
- Tony Kokel: Co-founder of the famous music publishing label Aspen Records.