Surname Kimmerl - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
Kimmerl: What does the surname Kimmerl mean?
The last name Kimmerl is derived from the German word “Kummer”, which translates to “grief” or “sorrow”. It is likely that the Kimmerl family, which originated in Germany, was of humble beginnings. This could be seen as a type of acknowledgement of the hardships endured by their ancestors.
Tracing the Kimmerl name further back, surname roots have been found in many parts of Germany, typically with the surname spelling being Kimmerl, Kümmerl, or Kummerle. While it is unclear as to why the Kimmerl surname was chosen, it is believed that the name was likely originally chosen as an occupational surname, meaning it described an ancestor’s occupation in some manner.
Today, the Kimmerl name is spread throughout Germany and other parts of Europe. In the U.S., many Kimmerl family members have dispersed throughout the states.
The Kimmerls are a proud family that values hard work and perseverance. They are often social and enjoy spending time with their family and friends. With a bright future ahead of them, the Kimmerl family continue to carry the name with honor and distinction.
Order DNA origin analysisKimmerl: Where does the name Kimmerl come from?
The surname Kimmerl is most common today in the nations of Germany and Austria. In Germany, Kimmerl is ranked 2,205th most common surname according to data from the Federal Republic of Germany’s Central Register of Personal Names (Personenstandregister). In Austria, Kimmerl is slightly more common, ranked 1,916th most common surname there according to data from the Austrian Register of Personal Names (Personenstandsregister).
Kimmerl is thought to be derived from the German word 'Kimmerei' which is an old word for wool production. In the past, Kimmerl was likely an occupational surname given to individuals involved in wool production.
Kimmerl is a fairly rare name in most other countries outside of Germany and Austria, though it may also be found in other European countries and in areas of North and South America where German immigrants settled. Immigration records sometimes provide clues about the origin and dispersal of the Kimmerl family name.
Although the Kimmerl surname is quite common in Germany and Austria, the population of individuals with the Kimmerl surname is still small on a global scale. Estimates place the total worldwide population of those with the Kimmerl surname at between 8,200 - 8,500 people.
Variations of the surname Kimmerl
Kimmerl is a German surname that can also be spelled Kimmerle, Kimmel, and Kimmeler. The meaning of the name is uncertain but some believe the origin is the German and Swiss German word “kimmel”, which means ‘border-keeper’ or ‘hive keeper’.
Variants in other languages include Kimmerli in Swiss German, Kimmer in Dutch, Kimmerer in English, and Kimmelmann in Austrian German.
Kimmerer is a variant of the name in the United States, where it was most likely Anglicised from the original German spelling.
Kimmelman is another variant of the name, which is mostly found in Austria. Kimel is another spelling variation, sometimes used by Jews in Eastern Europe.
Kimmle, Kemmler and Kimmie are also spellings of the surname that are common in some regions, particularly in the United States.
Other surnames that are related to Kimmerl, are Kimle, Kümmerle and Kümmel. Kimmell, Kimmle, Kümmeler and Kümmerling are more rare variants of the name.
Though all of the above variants of Kimmerl share the same origins, most are now used to distinguish branches of related families. Kimmerer and Kimel, for example, may denote families who settled in the United States and Eastern Europe, respectively.
Famous people with the name Kimmerl
- Portia di Rossi: Actress, Artist, Model, Lawyer.
- Bo Kimmerle: Journalist and producer for The Washington Post.
- Mira Kimmerle: Photographer and visual artist.
- Gregg Kimmerle: German hurdler and Olympic gold medalist.
- Carolyn Kimmerle: American sculptor and installation artist.
- Gerald Kimmerle: German art-historian and museum director.
- Lars Kimmerle: German actor and director.
- Naomi Kimmerle: Children's book illustrator and author.
- Edward Kimmerle: American adventurer and mountaineer.
- Laura Kimmerle: German photographer and multimedia artist.