Surname Kaphingst - Meaning and Origin
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Kaphingst: What does the surname Kaphingst mean?
Kaphingst is a German surname, derived from the Middle High German word "Kaphengst." "Kaph" refers to a type of horse that was popular in medieval times, and "engst" means "narrow." This last name likely originated as a descriptive term for someone from an area noted for its horse-breeding activities.
Outside of its German origins, the surname Kaphingst is found mostly in Europe, particularly in countries such as Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. It is also found in countries such as the United States, where a research study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that the surname had been in use in Wisconsin since at least the mid-19th century.
Due to its ancient roots, the Kaphingst surname is associated with strength and courage, likely related to the strength of its namesake horse breed. This last name carries a sense of nobility and is often seen as a desirable trait. It can be seen today in different aspects of society including "Kaphingst" wine (Germany), Kaphingst Air Services (Liechtenstein), and Kaphingst & Associates Law Firm (United States).
Order DNA origin analysisKaphingst: Where does the name Kaphingst come from?
The last name Kaphingst is most commonly found today in the United States, especially in the Midwest. According to the U.S Census Bureau, the most concentrated areas where the surname Kaphingst can be found are Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois.
The name Kaphingst is thought to be of German origin. Its meaning is derived from a root word meaning "gift" or "provisional offering." It is believed that the surname Kaphingst was brought to the United States by immigrants who may have been farmers at some point, since the underlying idea of the root word suggests someone willing to give of their harvest.
The name Kaphingst is not an overly common one, but its prevalence may be due to the states that make up the Midwest having been founded by German settlers. Further, Kaphingst family trees can be traced back to Germany during the 16th century. During this time, it is believed that the name Kaphingst was used as a reference to a ‘farm full of provisions’ and likely describe a prosperous farmer.
Today, among American Kaphingst families, there is a strong cultural identity. Those who bear the Kaphingst name today often embrace the German heritage they can trace back to their ancestors. It is more often passed down from generation to generation, and it holds an important place in many American Kaphingst family histories.
Variations of the surname Kaphingst
The surname Kaphingst is a German name, and is derived from the term “Käpfchen”, which means little head. It is most commonly spelled Kaphingst, but there are other variants and spellings that can be used.
The other variants of the surname include Käpf, Keppf, Käpfing, Kaving, Käping, Käphing, Käphinger, Käpflinger, Käpflinger, Kapfingst, Kappfingst, Kappingst, Köpfling, Köpfing, Köpf, Köppinger, and Koppinger.
Surnames that originated from the same root include Käpfisch, Käppich, Käpfin, Kapfenberg, Köppinger, Köbfinger, Köpff, Köbbinger, Kopp foil, Köppling, Köpplingen, Kapfinger, Köpfinger, Köppler, Köpplin, Kopplin, and Köpflitsch.
The variations and different spellings of this surname indicate that many different branches of the same family evolved over time. All of these variants have spread to different countries around the world, settling in places such as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany.
In some cases, the original German spelling of Kaphingst can still be found in some regions, while in others, the various derivatives of the name are more commonly used. It is important to recognize that all of these surnames have evolved from the same origin and can be linked back to the original family.
Famous people with the name Kaphingst
- Kyle Kaphingst: Professional baseball player in the Washington Nationals organization
- Shannon Kaphingst: Journalist who works for Bloomberg News
- Dave Kaphingst: Professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Jacksonville Icemen
- Melissa Kaphingst: Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach featured on Today.com
- Jim Kaphingst: Director of Risk Management and Internal Compliance with the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland
- Ben Kaphingst: Commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Labor
- Ryan Kaphingst: Senior Vice President and CFO of Cardinal Health
- Shannon Kaphingst: Former President of the Wisconsin Historical Society
- Nicole Kaphingst: Professional dancer and choreographer featured on DWTS and the Ellen DeGeneres Show
- Austin Kaphingst: Musician and keyboardist with Avenue Beat