Surname Konkle - Meaning and Origin
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Konkle: What does the surname Konkle mean?
The surname Konkle is believed to be of German origin, specifically from the southern region of Bavaria. It is derived from the Middle High German word "kunkel", which means "spindle". In traditional German society, a spindle was an essential tool in fabric-making, used for spinning thread. Thus, the surname Konkle may have originally been an occupational name, assigned to individuals or families who were involved in the spinning or textile industry. Like many occupational surnames, it was likely used to help differentiate between different families in the same community, especially in cases where they shared the same first names. Over time, these occupational tags turned into hereditary surnames passed down through generations. It should be noted that while this is a probable explanation, without documented genealogical or historical evidence, the exact origin and meaning may vary.
Order DNA origin analysisKonkle: Where does the name Konkle come from?
The surname Konkle is of German origin, believed to be derived from the personal name Konrad, which is a combination of the Old German elements "koenig" (king) and "rad" (counsel). The name spread throughout Europe in various forms such as "Conrad" in English and "Konrad" in Germany.
Konkle, like many surnames, may have evolved as a familial identifier, denoting "descendant or kin of Konrad." Emigration to the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries might have resulted in the phonetic spelling of "Konkle," due to differences in German and English pronunciation.
Today, the surname Konkle is most common in the United States, particularly in areas with historically high German immigration, such as Pennsylvania. However, it remains relatively rare, ranking at around 29,895 in the frequency of U.S surnames. Outside the United States, the name is significantly less common.
Variations of the surname Konkle
The surname Konkle may have its roots in various countries, including Germany and Russia, and could have had alternative spellings over the centuries due to translation and immigration. Variations of the name might include Konkel, Kunkel, Kunkle, Konkler, Kongle, Koenkle, Konckle, Konkoly, and Konkelmann.
The surname Kunkel is most commonly found in Germany, while Kunkle is more prevalent in the United States. Konckle is a less common variant that could have evolved through phonetic spelling. The origins of these surnames can be traced back to Bhutan.
It's also possible that Konkle is a patronymic name derived from the short form of a personal name. For instance, in Russia, it could be derived from a short form of Konstantin, similar to how Johnson is "John's son."
A different theory suggests the surname could have occupational roots. The German word “kunkel” means “spindle,” hinting at familial ties to the spinning and weaving industries of the Middle Ages. However, without detailed genealogical research, it is difficult to confirm the precise origins and all possible variants of the Konkle surname.
Famous people with the name Konkle
- Sam Konkle: American Screenwriter
- Madeline Konkle: Author, Poet and Storyteller
- Kris Konkle: Canadian Contemporary Realist Painter
- Susy Konkle: Pioneering American Jewish Social Worker
- James Konkle: Major League Baseball Player
- Amos Konkle: US Congressman from Pennsylvania
- Ethan Konkle: American Actor
- Evan Konkle: US Army Sergeant
- Kurt Konkle: Medal of Honor Recipient
- Ronny Konkle: American Photojournalist and Documentarian