Surname Kunzel - Meaning and Origin
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S. Kunzel
read moreKunzel: What does the surname Kunzel mean?
The last name Kunzel is derived from the German given name Kunzo or Konzo, which was a form of the popular name Conrad. This name is composed of the two Germanic elements kuon, meaning "bold" or "brave," and rad, meaning "counsel." Together, these elements form a unique name that is often described as a combination of boldness and wisdom.
One theory surrounding the origin of the Kunzel surname suggests that it was a name given to people of noble birth or rank. This idea likely originates from the strong symbolism contained in the name's combination of components. Being bold and wise would be expected of those in positions of power and leadership, making a name like Kunzel attractive to those in high social standing. It is also possible that Kunzel is associated with the Latin word Consilium, meaning "counsel" or "consultation."
The Kunzel surname can still be commonly found throughout Germany and parts of Central Europe today. Those with the last name likely descended from families that have lived in the region for many generations, with some Kunzel ancestors possibly emigrating to other parts of the world, such as the United States, during the 19th century.
Order DNA origin analysisKunzel: Where does the name Kunzel come from?
The last name Kunzel is most commonly associated with towns in the Bavaria region of Germany. It has grown in popularity over the centuries, and can now be found in numerous cities throughout Europe, as well as in other countries around the world. Kunzel is found most prevalently in the United States, Canada, Australia, and certain parts of South America.
In the United States, the Kunzel surname is most heavily concentrated in the Midwest and California. According to recent census data, Kunzel is the 63rd most popular last name in Missouri, the 97th most popular in Illinois, the 108th most popular in Minnesota, and the 114th most popular in California. The name is also found in significant numbers in Wisconsin, New York, Ohio, and Michigan.
In Canada, Kunzel is most common in Ontario, where it is the 433rd most popular last name. It is also found in significant numbers in Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec.
In Australia, Kunzel is the 385th most popular surname. It is particularly common on the east coast, with significant numbers in the states of New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria.
Finally, Kunzel is also widespread in certain parts of South America, offering the possibility that the surname either originated or was adopted from the area. Uruguay, Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay all have significant numbers of Kunzels.
Variations of the surname Kunzel
The name Kunzel or Kunzle is a very old and noble German name. It was first seen in records dating back to the 10th century and is believed to have been of Bavarian origin. Many variants of the name exist, including Künzel, Künzle, Kunsel, Künsel, Kunsle, Kuntzle, Kuntzel, Kontzle and Kunzler.
Kunzel however is more closely related to Kuntzel, Kuntzle and Kuntzler, all originating from the same medieval root 'kunzels'. This root is based on the German word for 'counselor' and so those bearing the name may have been known for their wise counsel or have held a position of responsibility such as a law enforcement officer or a judge.
During the Middle Ages the spelling was often adapted to match the local language and so many other surnames regenerated from this root name. In the Netherlands for example, the spelling was adapted to Kunsel and in Switzerland the variant Künsel was common.
The surname also gave birth to many other surnames over time, such as the English and Irish surnames Cunningham, Connel, Kennelly and Connelly which are derived from the Irish 'O Conail', meaning 'descendant of Conail' which is in turn derived from kunzels. Other surnames from this root are Ronzello, Kennel, Känzle, Kunzelmann, Kunze, Kundt and Kunz.
In modern day Germany, the surname is not uncommon and is fairly widespread across the country, however it is particularly common in the western states of Baden-Würrtemberg and Rheinland-Pfalz, suggesting the likely origin of the name.
Overall, the surname Kunzel is an old and noble German name with many spellings and variants, and numerous derivatives across European countries.
Famous people with the name Kunzel
- Chris Kunzel: German actor and musician
- Wolfgang Kunzel: Austrian composer, music director, and television presenter
- Frank Kunzel: American actor and composer
- Amy Kunzel: American artist and actress
- Harry Kunzel: American author and professor
- Harry S. Kunzel: American boxer
- Bill Kunzel: American musician
- Arthur Kunzel: American animation artist
- Martha Kunzel: American photographer
- André Kunzel: Belgian architect and sculptor.