Surname Kohl - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling the Genetic Tapestry of the Kohl Lineage Through iGENEA DNA Test: A Personal Sojourn
The iGENEA DNA test elucidates the historical lineage and origin of the surname Kohl, revealing deep ties to Germanic tribes and yielding connections with distant relatives around the globe. It's a captivating journey of discovery, deciphering genetics and forming unexpected bonds.
Q. Kohl
read moreKohl: What does the surname Kohl mean?
The surname Kohl is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "kol" which translates to "cabbage". Thus, it was likely originally a nickname for someone who cultivated or sold cabbage. It could also represent a shortened form of other German surnames featuring the element “kohl”, indicating someone living near a cabbage patch. In some cases, it might also be derived from the term ‘kohle’ which means "charcoal", referring to a person who worked with charcoal or lived in or near a coal mine. Like many surnames, Kohl could have different roots or meanings in different regions or for different families. The surname is most prevalent in Germany and also has a significant presence in the United States, likely due to German immigration. Notable people with the surname Kohl include former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl.
Order DNA origin analysisKohl: Where does the name Kohl come from?
The surname KOHL has German origins and it was typically used as a metonymic occupational name for a charcoal burner or coal miner. In German, "Kohl" means "cabbage," but it can also refer to "coal" or "charcoal."
The surname spread across different parts of Europe during the Middle Ages through migration. Over the centuries, many German-speakers moved throughout Europe, taking the surname with them. Today, the Kohl surname is common not just in Germany, but also in countries like the United States, where many German immigrants settled during the 19th and 20th centuries. The surname spread as far as Latin American countries as well, due to German emigration during the past few centuries. One prominent individual with this surname was Helmut Kohl, who served as the Chancellor of Germany from 1982 to 1998, playing a critical role in the reunification of Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Variations of the surname Kohl
The surname Kohl has various forms, based on geographical origin, cultural background, and dialect. Some Kohl surname variants include Kahl, Kohn, Kuhn, Kuehl, and Kol.
Spelling variants of Kohl may encompass Kohle, Kohll, and Kohler. The latter, Kohler, is particularly standard, bearing a meaning "charcoal burner" in Old German and used to denote a person who worked in a kiln or coal mine. It may also include prefixes or suffixes such as Von Kohl or Kohlmann which indicate lineage or occupation respectively.
The surnames Cohen (Hebrew origin) and Kowal (Polish origin) are sometimes anglicized as Kohl, though they have dissimilar etymological roots. Cohen stems from the Hebrew for "priest," while Kowal translates to "blacksmith" in Polish.
Moreover, the surname could also be spelled as Coal or Cole in English-speaking regions. These surnames, while phonetically similar, aren't necessarily linked to Kohl.
It's essential to remember that surname variations could crop up due to intercultural exchanges, migration, transliteration, and varying orthographic practices. All these factors might narrow or widen the variety of surname spellings.
Famous people with the name Kohl
- Helmut Kohl: He served as the Chancellor of Germany from 1982 to 1998, playing a crucial role in the reunification of West and East Germany.
- Hannelore Kohl: The wife of Helmut Kohl, she was a popular and respected public figure in Germany.
- Walter Kohl: The eldest son of Helmut Kohl, he is an author and businessman.
- Peter Kohl: The younger son of Helmut Kohl, he is an entrepreneur.
- Herbert Kohl: An American educator and author known for his advocacy of progressive education.
- Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. (Henry Kravis and George Roberts): Not a person per se, but a globally renowned American multinational private equity firm, specializing in leveraged buyouts.
- Jochen Kohl: A renowned German portrait and fashion photographer.
- Kohl Sudduth: An American actor, best known for his role in the television series "The Brotherhood of Poland, New Hampshire".
- Kohl Stewart: An American professional baseball player who played in the Major League Baseball.
- Jeffrey K. Kohl: A renowned Civil Engineer and a Professor of Geotechnical Engineering.
- Michael Kohl: German musicologist. Please note, some of these individuals don't use Kohl as a last name but as part of their full name or professional name.