Surname Kiehnlein - Meaning and Origin

Kiehnlein: What does the surname Kiehnlein mean?

The last name Kiehnlein is a German surname of patronymic origin, meaning "son of Kiehn". It is derived from the personal name "Kiehn", which is derived from the Middle High German word “Kien”, which refers to royalty, nobility, or a leader of a group of people. This name was popularized in Bavaria and spread throughout Germany due to migration. However, it is not common in Germany today.

The Kiehnlein family is a noble family and is an old and respected name in Germany. It is said to have been a part of the ruling house of Bavaria and was in existence as far back as 800CE. The Kiehnleins established themselves as an important dynasty in Bavaria and were influential people during the Middle Ages.

The Kiehnleins had strong associations with the Catholic Church and were active in areas such as politics, military, and commerce. These connections gave them a great deal of influence and allowed them to be successful in their endeavors. They were also renowned for their education and expertise in the fields of law and mathematics.

Today, the Kiehnlein family can be found in many different countries, such as the United States, Switzerland, and Australia. It is still a respected name and a symbol of the long German history. While the number of people with the last name Kiehnlein has decreased over time, it remains a valued name and a proud symbol of German heritage.

Kiehnlein: Where does the name Kiehnlein come from?

The last name Kiehnlein is a German and Dutch surname, and is most commonly found in Germany today. In the late 1800's and early 1900's, it was more prevalent in the northern parts of Germany, such as the rural areas of Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Berlin. Before this, the surname was found mostly in northern Saxony.

Outside of Germany, people with the surname Kiehnlein can be found in other parts of Europe, the US, and Canada. In the US, it is most commonly found in the states of California, Texas, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. In Europe, the surname can also be found in the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, and France. In Canada, it is most commonly found in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia.

The surname is most likely derived from the German word"Kühlein", which means "small stream". This could suggest that the region the family originated from was near or near a small stream. It is also possible that the surname is derived from other German terms, such as the word "Kühl" meaning "cool", or the word "Kühle" meaning "cellar".

The German-language website Ahnenforschung.net estimates that there are around 4,000 people with the last name Kiehnlein in Germany today. It also states that the surname is most common in Berlin, where over 1,000 people are believed to share the name.

Variations of the surname Kiehnlein

The surname Kiehnlein is an occupational surname derived from the Middle High German word "kiehen", which means 'to bake'. This name often took the form "Kiehn" or "Kiehnle", with the word "-lein" being added to some spellings as a diminutive or "nickname". It originated in south Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Luxembourg, the Czech Republic, and other German-speaking countries.

Variants of the surname Kiehnlein include Kiehn, Kien, Kienle, Kienlein, Kienlin, Kienlings, Kiehnle, Kiehnlein, Kienline, Kienlyn, Kehn, Kehnle, Kehnlein, and Köhnlein. Regional variations include Köhnle (German), Köhnlein (Austria), Kiennlin (Switzerland), Kyneely (Ireland), Kynel (France), Quainlee (Ireland), Quainley (England).

Surnames of similar origin include Kuhn, Kuchenmeister, Kiceps, Kuhnel, Kunzelmann, Kitzman, Kaser, Kosler, and Kuehn. From these surnames, variants like Kuhne, Kunzman, and Kuehnle may have also been formed.

It is worth noting that this surname has been known to have undergone significant changes over the centuries, with some spelling variations being adopted in different countries as time passed. Furthermore, many people with this surname adopted spelling variations of their own choosing, making it difficult to trace the true original spelling of the Kiehnlein surname.

Famous people with the name Kiehnlein

• Ryan Kiehnlein: a professional basketball player who formerly played in the NBA Development League and internationally for teams like the Maccabi Ra'anana from Israel.
• Lisa Kiehnlein: a professional dancer and choreographer who has toured with the Grammy award-winning a cappella group Pentatonix.
• Matthew Kiehnlein: a professional chef and author of the cookbook From the House of Drago.
• Benjamin Kiehnlein: a social media influencer and YouTuber known for his vlogs about his travels abroad.
• Dr. Kristopher Kiehnlein: a medical doctor and research scientist specializing in infectious diseases.
• Fritz Kiehnlein: a German professor of German at the University of Mannheim and the director of the research network NOVA Germany.
• Kai Kiehnlein: an electrical engineer and software engineer working in the field of artificial intelligence and robotics.
• Christine Kiehnlein: a classical cellist and associate professor of music composition at Duke University.
• Andrew Kiehnlein: a professional photographer based in Los Angeles, whose portfolio of work has appeared in many national publications.
• Tobey Kiehnlein: an American novelist and former lawyer who is the author of best selling novels like The Summer Fog and Peaked City.

Other surnames

Kiehnle