Surname Kiefer - Meaning and Origin

Unearthing Personal Roots Through iGENEA DNA: A Deeper Connection With The Kiefer Lineage

As I embarked on the quest to unravel my heritage through the iGENEA DNA test, I discovered profound insights into my roots which have reshaped my view of my own identity. Centered on the Kiefer surname, the results have indeed held great significance.

D. Kiefer

Kiefer: What does the surname Kiefer mean?

The last name Kiefer is of German origin and it translates to “pine tree” or “jawbone” in English. As a topographic surname, it was often given to individuals who lived in or near a pine forest. Alternatively, it may have been an occupational or descriptive surname for someone with a strong or a prominent jawline. Like many surnames, it could also possibly denote several different origins in different regions or families. The name is quite popular in Germany and other German-speaking regions. Notable persons with this surname include Kiefer Sutherland, an award-winning Canadian actor.

Kiefer: Where does the name Kiefer come from?

The last name Kiefer is of German origin. The name has different meanings such as pine tree or barrel maker, representing the professions many of the original bearers likely held. The name Kiefer is quite common in Germany and is also prevalent among people of German descent living in the United States and other parts of the world. German immigration to the US in the 19th and 20th centuries led to a significant spread of the name in North America. Although it is found in these regions, the exact distribution within these countries may vary. Celebrities like actor Kiefer Sutherland have also made the name recognizable in popular culture.

Variations of the surname Kiefer

The surname Kiefer has its roots in Germany and is derived from the Middle High German term "kifer," which means "jaw, jawbone," or "masticator." This surname was often given as a nickname to individuals known for their strong jawline or chewing habits.

There are several variations and alternate spellings of the surname Kiefer. These include Kieffer, Kifer, Kieffer, Keefer, Keifer, Kieferle and Keiffer. These variations tend to have similar origins since they're largely phonetic respellings retaining the hard 'k' sound and the 'f' sound.

As a surname, it may have also been used to denote someone who hailed from one of several places named Kiefer in Germany. Thus, it can possibly be a geographical surname as well for certain lineages.

Surnames similar to Kiefer, in terms of phonetic likeness or etymology, may include Küfer (denoting a cooper, a maker or repairer of casks and barrels) and Kieffer (an occupational surname referring to a person who extracted pitch), though of course these names have their own separate histories and interpretations.

As with any surname, the variants and spellings can increase when taking into account emigration and language differences globally.

Famous people with the name Kiefer

• Kiefer Sutherland: world-famous actor, producer, director and musician. He is best known for his role in the Fox television series 24 and in films such as Phone Booth, The Lost Boys, Flatliners and A Few Good Men.
• Kenneth Kiefer: an American writer best known for his work on the television series Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Practice and Six Feet Under.
• Brad Kiefer: an American NASCAR driver who has competed in the Camping World Truck Series.
• Kristina Kiefer: an Austrian figure skater and Olympic medalist.
• Rachel Kiefer: a singer and songwriter from Australia.
• Heinrich Kiefer: a German classical archaeologist and epigrapher.
• Bernard Kiefer: a German former footballer.
• Judith Kiefer: a German soprano and mezzo-soprano.
• John Kiefer: an American musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, and touring guitarist.
• Georg Kiefer: a German painter.
• Michael Kiefer: an American former professional basketball player.
• Abraham Kiefer: an American Olympic swimmer.
• David Kiefer: an American pair skater who represented the United States at the World Junior Championships.
• Vincent Kiefer: an American actor, best known for his roles in the television series, Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice.
• Paul Kiefer: an American artist best known for his abstract paintings.

Other surnames

KaackKaacksteenKaadenKaajavaKaakKaakschliefKaardinKaardinenKaartinenKaavaKabacoffKabacovKabakKabakciKabakoffKabakovKabakowKabasakalKabeKabelKäbelKabellKabenKäberKäberichKäberleinKäbermannKabernagelKabesKabina