Surname Kaval - Meaning and Origin
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Kaval: What does the surname Kaval mean?
The last name Kaval is of an Ashkenazi Jewish origin, derived from the Yiddish word “kevel.” This word is an archaic variant of the modern English word “gavel,” which is a ceremonial hammer used to call a meeting to order or to mark the achievement of a goal. It is believed that the early bearers of the Kaval name were gavel makers or dealers in such items.
The name Kaval is also found among Sephardic Jews, where it is believed to have derived from the Arabic word “kafil,” which literally means “trustee” or “surety.” The Kaval can also be found among North African Jews and is likely linked to the word “kabara,” which itself is likely linked to the Hebrew word “kabir” meaning “great” or “powerful.”
Today the name Kaval is found throughout Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, Germany, and the United States. It is believed that those bearing the surname Kaval are descendant from the early Jewish communities located in Poland, Ukraine, and Lithuania. In America, the Kaval family likely trace their roots back to those immigrants who left their homes and arrived in America at the turn of the twentieth century.
Order DNA origin analysisKaval: Where does the name Kaval come from?
The last name Kaval is most commonly found in Central and Eastern Europe today. It is primarily associated with Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, and Germany, and can also be found in Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, Lithuania, Russia, and Romania.
It is not clear when and where the name first originated, but given its wide geographical distribution, it could have started out as a geographical indicator many centuries ago. For example, researchers believe it may have been derived from the Slavic word "kavala," which denotes a wet place, such as a meadow or a pond.
The Kaval surname is thought to have originated from the Czech Republic and Austria before spreading to other parts of Europe. It may have been derived from the older surnames Kavač and Kavalec, which is believed to have come from Bohemian or Czech roots.
It is likely that the name has been in existence since the 12th century, when the so-called Konige (kingdoms) of Bohemia and Moravia were established. It is possible that the Kaval family is of Danish or even Hungarian-Slovak origin.
Today the last name Kaval is relatively common in Central and Eastern Europe, although it is not found as frequently in other countries. It is common in Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, Lithuania, Russia and Romania.
Variations of the surname Kaval
The surname Kaval is most widely recognized as an Eastern European name, typically associated with countries like Slovakia, Belarus, and Ukraine. It may also be found in some Slavic countries like Poland and the Czech Republic.
The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for Kaval include:
Kawal, Koval, Kowal, Kolawola, Kovalenko, Kowalczyk, Kowalski, Kovalchuk, Kovalich, Kovaljov, Kovaleniuk, and Kovalenik.
Kawal is the most common variant of Kaval, primarily used in Ukraine and Russia. Koval is another common variation of this surname, mostly found in countries such as Slovakia and Austria. Kowal and Kolawola are both Polish variations of Kaval, and are used predominantly throughout Poland and Belarus.
Kovalenko is a surname derived from the Russian word for "law," and is commonly found in parts of Russia. Kowalczyk and Kowalski both appear as compound surnames in Poland, and tend to have the same origins as Kaval. Kovalich is a Ukrainian surname that dates back to the 13th century, and is related to the Slavic word for “founder.”
Kovaljov is a surname of Russian origin, with its roots in the pronouns "kolya" and "ovich." Kovaleniuk is a Ukrainian surname that typically uses the nickname "Kola," while Kovalenik is an archaic variant of Kovaleniuk.
Famous people with the name Kaval
- Cristiano Kaval: An entrepreneur and CEO from Brazil. He is the founder of MOB Ventures, a venture capital firm aimed at helping entrepreneurs to create and scale innovative startups.
- Moshe Kaval: An Israeli musician best known for his collaborations with artists such as DJ Roni Size, U-Roy, and Futuristic creators. He composes using a combination of traditional Middle Eastern instruments and cutting-edge technology.
- Jurgen Kaval: A world-renowned photographer, known for his stunning depictions of wildlife and nature. He has authored several books and his work has been featured in various galleries around the world.
- Lisa Kaval: An American model and reality television personality, best known for her appearances on shows such as America’s Next Top Model and The Amazing Race.
- Ilya Kaval: A Russian world renown Contemporary & Moscow Conceptualist artist. His work often utilizes bright colors and sharp forms, often combining Russian culture and elements of Pop Art.
- Stanley Kaval: A notable American businessman, who served as the President and CEO of Kaval-Rhodes, Inc., a private equity firm. With over two decades in the financial industry, he has held many prominent positions within the financial sector.
- Boris Kaval: A noted Ukrainian sculptor, whose unique sculptures often touch upon topics such as displacement, memory, and nostalgia.
- Didi Kaval: An up-and-coming Israeli singer-songwriter whose soulful voice and thought-provoking lyrics have earned her international acclaim.