Surname Kellor - Meaning and Origin

Kellor: What does the surname Kellor mean?

The surname Kellor is not widely known to have a specific meaning as it is not a common last name and its origins are not definitively documented. It possibly has roots in different cultures and languages, potentially altering its meaning based on the interpretation. Some sources suggest a possible link to an Old English or Gaelic origin. In that case, the name could potentially be derived from the Old English "keller" meaning cellar, indicating an occupational name for a person who worked in a cellar, possibly in food or beverage storage. Or it could possibly derive from the Gaelic words 'ceall' or 'cealler', which refer to a church or a cellar respectively. But without specific historical context or further specifics on the geographical origin of the name, it is challenging to provide a definitive meaning. As with many surnames, the exact meaning of Kellor over centuries can be lost or diluted as families moved, cultures merged and languages evolved. The greatest determinant in a family surname's meaning often resides in personal family history and genealogy.

Kellor: Where does the name Kellor come from?

The surname Kellor is of English origin, likely derived from an occupational name for someone who worked at a kiln or at a cellar. It could also possibly be of Irish origin from "O’Ceileachair," meaning descendant of Ceileachar. Ceileachar is an Irish male given name. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation, often known as the Poll Tax in many parts of England.

As of today, there is no specific country or region where the surname Kellor is extremely common. Like many surnames, it has spread along with emigration patterns around the world. However, in terms of historical concentration, it is predominantly found in the United States, England, and to a lesser extent in Australia and Canada. Please note there can be variations in the spelling of this surname, including Kellar, Kellner, Kelland, and others. Individual families with the Kellor surname may have their own unique histories and origins, so genealogical research or genetic testing may provide more specific information.

Variations of the surname Kellor

The surname Kellor may have different variants and spellings due to geographical location, translation, and transcription errors. Some of these variations might include Kellar, Keller, Kellner, Koller, Koeller, and Kellerman.

The surname Keller is especially common in Germany and Switzerland while Kellner is also a common name in Austria. In the United States, you might come across several American families using the surname Kellar due to the changes in the spelling over time or due to immigration officials incorrectly spelling the name upon the holder's arrival.

Additionally, the surname Kellor could also feature variants based on extra suffixes or prefixes that show familial relationships or occupations. Surnames like Kellerman implies "Keller's man", possibly denoting a servant of someone named Keller.

It's also worth noting that the spelling of this name also could be affected by the family's religion, local dialect and literacy rates at the time the name was recorded. By that measure, other variations could potentially exist that are yet undocumented.

Famous people with the name Kellor

• Margaret Kellar: American politician and the first female Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates.
• Jaan Käär: Estonian statesman and diplomat who served as Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
• Thomas Kellar: American football player who was an offensive tackle for the NFL's Cincinnati Bengals.
• Bill Kelliher: American musician who is best known as the lead guitarist for the metal band Mastodon.
• Leah Kellogg: American figure skater who was the 1947 World silver medalist and the 1949 U.S. Figure Skating National Champion.
• Richard Kellor: British actor who appears in the Harry Potter films as "Draco Malfoy".
• Roger Kellor: American football player who played college football for Nebraska Cornhuskers and was later drafted by the Minnesota Vikings.
• Jack Kallor: NHL hockey player who played for the Detroit Red Wings in the early 1940s.
• Lord John Kello: British historian and soldier who served in the Napoleonic Wars.
• Guy Kellor: American painter and sculptor whose work can be seen at a variety of museums, galleries, and private collections.

Other surnames

KellockKelloggKelloway