Surname Kißel - Meaning and Origin

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T. Kißel

Kißel: What does the surname Kißel mean?

The surname Kißel is an occupational surname, derived from the Middle High German (MHG) word “Kizzeler.” This MHG word was used to describe someone who was a dealer of an imported spice or a type of fruit brought in from a faraway place (such as Byzantium). These dealers would travel long distances to trade their goods, or to buy items in foreign markets to bring back to their native countries.

The surname Kißel was likely first used in the area of Germany near the Swiss border in the 12th century C.E. It gradually spread across German-speaking populations in Europe over the centuries. In contemporary times, one can find people with the surname Kißel in Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Austria, and other areas where German is the primary language.

The given name Kißel is also popular in Germany, particularly in the south-western German region. It is believed to be derived from the same root of the surname. The given name is widely thought to be a pet form of Christina, which is related to the MHG word “Kitzen”, meaning “little Kittie.”

The surname and given name Kißel are most often associated with being adventurous, worldy, and curious. It is said to take after the original traders who made their living by travelling to distant places to purchase rare goods. Those with the surname typically have a spirit of exploration and a desire to experience the world.

Kißel: Where does the name Kißel come from?

The last name Kißel (Kissel) is common today in parts of central Europe, particularly in Germany, as well as in other parts of the continent, including Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. The surname is derived from the medieval town of Kissel, which was located in the Palatinate region of modern-day Germany.

In Germany, Kißel/Kissel is both a topographical and a patronymic surname, which means that it refers either to a person hailing from the original town of Kissel, or to someone who was named after their father or ancestry.

The surname Kissel has been in Germany since the Middle Ages, and is still found there today, particularly in the Rhineland-Palatinate, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Baden-Wurttemberg regions. It is also common in some parts of Austria, Switzerland, and other areas of the German-speaking world.

Kißel/Kissel is an uncommon surname in many other countries, such as the United States. In the US, the surname appears to have arrived from Ellis Island, indicating the arrival of German or Austrian immigrants who had this last name. In other parts of the world, such as South America and Australia, people bearing the name Kißel or Kissel are likely to be of German or Austrian descent.

Variations of the surname Kißel

Kißel is a German name that originally derived from the Middle High German "Kiessel," which translates literally to mean "round stone." It is likely that the name was a toponymic surname initially; many of the family lines expanded to include other regions of Germany, leading to different spelling variations.

Common spelling variations of the name include Kiessel, Kieszel, Kissel, Kisselmann, Kiesl, Kitzel, Kitsel, Kissle, Kissling, Kisl, Kisselin, Kessel, Kitzell, Kisslinger, and Kiesel.

All of these spellings can be traced back to the same Germanic root word, and likely originate from the same Germanic family line. Of these spellings, the most popular variants are Kissel, Kisselmann and Kissling. Variations of the surname can also be found across Europe, including in Switzerland and Austria.

Surnames with similar origins include Kiester, Kuster, Kessler, and Kestner. All of these stem from the same Middle High German root word for "round stone," and each is a variation of a German toponymic surname.

In conclusion, Kißel is a German surname originating from the Middle High German "Kiessel" meaning "round stone." The most popular variants of this surname include Kissel, Kisselmann and Kissling, although many other spellings exist. Other surnames of similar origin include Kiester, Kuster, Kessler, and Kestner.

Famous people with the name Kißel

• Beatrice Kißel: French actress and dancer, appearing in film, commercials, and theatrical performances.
• Drew Kißel: American film director, editor, and producer.
• Kevin Kißel: American actor and producer, appearing in films such as Knight and Day and Hell or High Water.
• Elisabeth Kißel: German politician and international relations expert, serving as a Minister Opponent of the Interior and Sports.
• Christian Kißel: Swiss footballer, playing for FC Luzern.
• Linda Kißel: Austrian skier and television personality, competing in slalom and giant slalom events.
• Dominik Kißel: German biathlete, winning the 2006 World Junior Championships.
• Jakob Kißel: Austrian cyclist, competing in the UCI Road World Championships.
• Gabriel Kißel: Swiss-Austrian opera singer, performing in opera houses in Europe and America.
• David Kißel: American magician, specializing in close-up magic and illusions.

Other surnames

Kißeler