Surname Koll - Meaning and Origin
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Incredibly Surprising History Unveiled Through My iGENEA DNA Test Results of Surname Koll
From expecting to find roots deep in western Europe, I was taken aback when my iGENEA DNA test results came back. Piecing together the puzzle of my ancestry, I embarked on a journey that led me far from where I had imagined. The path was not straightforward but full of surprising turns leading through the annals of history. Ultimately, the experiences that my forebears underwent shaped who I am today thereby, enhancing my appreciation for the story embedded within my surname, Koll.
Z. Koll
read moreKoll: What does the surname Koll mean?
The last name Koll is of German origin and derives from a nickname for someone who was known to be something of a jester or entertainer. This is reflected in the German word “Koller” which translates to mean “jester” or “buffoon”.
Koller were often employed by medieval nobles as part of their retinues. These Koller would often be jesters, singers, poets and dancers, sometimes even performing as acrobats. They also performed comedic and satiric plays written about royal figures, and hosted banquets and other social gatherings.
Koll was a popular surname in the areas that would eventually become Germany and Austria in the Middle Ages, and the name is still widely found in these countries today.
It is said that the modern spelling of the name Koll was adopted in the 17th century, when it was discovered to be spelt incorrectly as ‘Koller’ in documents from earlier centuries.
In some cases, the surname Koll is also seen as a variant of other surnames such as Kohl, Kull and Kahl.
The surname Koll is a reminder of the fascinating history of entertainment and performance in medieval Germany and Austria, and is a reminder of the professional entertainers of that time who kept Medieval court life alive and sparking with laughter and joy.
Order DNA origin analysisKoll: Where does the name Koll come from?
The last name Koll is mainly found in parts of German-speaking Europe and Scandinavia. It is one of the most common surnames in Germany, particularly in the former East Germany. In Austria, it is the 11th most common surname while in Switzerland, it is the 56th. The name is also common in Denmark, where it is the 44th most common surname. It is typically spelled in the manner Koll, although various spellings, such as Kohl, Koll, Coall, and Köll, exist.
The surname Koll is believed to have originated as a nickname for a brave or bold person. It was derived from the prehistoric Germanic word “kol” meaning “axe” or “koll”, meaning “strong” or “fierce”. The surname is related to the Germanic word “kull” meaning “many”.
Outside of German-speaking areas, the name Koll is rare. It can occasionally be found in other parts of Europe, the Unites States, and Israel. The name is also found in parts of Africa, South America, and Australia, likely due to migrations in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Variations of the surname Koll
The surname Koll is a German and Scandinavian surname that has numerous variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. One of the more common variations is Koehl, which can also be spelled Köhl. It is derived from a Middle High German word “kohel” meaning “bald” or “round-headed”. As a result, this surname may also be seen spelled Kohl, Koel, Köel, Kuehl, Kohle, Köle, Kuele, Kool, Kölle and Kuelle.
In Scandinavia, “Kollar” was a nickname for someone with a round and bald head and it is likely the origin of surnames such as Kollar, Kollert, Koller, Kollrud, Kollberg, Kollund and Kollerud. Koller is a Switzerland variant, while Kollrud is primarily found in Norway.
In the Netherlands, Kool or Koole is a common spelling of Koll. Koolman and Koolstra are related Dutch surnames.
Overall, the surnames Koll, Köhl, Kohl, Koel, Köel, Kuehl, Kohle, Köle, Kuele, Kool, Kolar, Kollar, Kollert, Koller, Kollrud, Kollberg, Kollund, Kollerud, Koolman, Koolstra all have their origins in the Middle High German name “kohel”.
Famous people with the name Koll
- Amelie Koll, German gymnast
- Max Koll, professional swimmer
- Hans-Georg Koll, German former professional footballer
- Julius Koll Jr., Austrian baritone opera singer
- Pauline Koll, German actress
- Sabine Koll, German journalist and documentary filmmaker
- August Koll, Austrian businessman
- Frank Koll, Swiss comedian, actor and TV personality
- Bernard Koll, Luxembourg-Belgian artist
- Klaas Koll, Dutch painter and graphic artist