Surname Kernchen - Meaning and Origin
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Kernchen: What does the surname Kernchen mean?
The last name Kernchen is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "Kern", meaning "kernel" or "seed". As such, it is thought to be a descriptive name for someone who grew and sold grains, or someone living near a grain island. The suffix "-chen" is diminutive and implies a small or endearing version of the original word.
The name Kernchen is associated with the pre-20th century era, when much of Central and Eastern Europe was inhabited by people of German descent. It can commonly be found in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and some parts of Poland and Western Ukraine. Even today, it is one of the most common surnames in the region and is often associated with an affiliation or connection with the German heritage or culture.
The variants of the name Kernchen include Kernen, Kern and Kerns, as well as surnames such as Kernerman, Kernermann, Kernermeyer and Kernspat.
The name Kernchen is thought to signify a hard working and honest individual of German descent. Being descended from a long line of grain harvesters, those with this name may be seen as industrious and reliable.
Order DNA origin analysisKernchen: Where does the name Kernchen come from?
The last name Kernchen is most common today in Germany, specifically in the east and southeast regions of the country. It is also popular in the northeastern region of Switzerland, especially in the Canton of Bern. Additionally, Kernchen's have settled in other parts of Europe, most notably the United Kingdom and Sweden.
In terms of the United States, Kernchen is a rather uncommon last name. According to the census data from the U.S. Census, the last name was recorded just 49 times. That means that Kernchen is not typically found in America but does occasionally appear in locations with a German immigrant population.
The origin of the last name Kernchen is German and translates to “little corner of paint.” It's believed to be derived from the German word "Kern," which means corner, and "chen," which means small.
Given the last name's strange origin, it was likely a surname adopted by a painter or someone who specialized in carving wood, stone or other materials. That means that the last name may have been created to distinguish someone from other tradesmen and show their specialization in painting, carving, and other arts.
Overall, the last name Kernchen is not especially common in the United States, but it does appear occasionally in German-American populations and in greater numbers in particular areas of Europe.
Variations of the surname Kernchen
The surname Kernchen is derived from German and is one of the diminutive forms of the surname Kern. Other variants, spellings and surnames of similar origin include:
Kerne: This is another variant of Kernchen. The word Kern is derived from the German language meaning 'kernel' and Kerne is also a German name.
Kernecke: This is a variant of Kernchen that is often found in American records.
Kernigan: This is an Americanized version of Kernchen and is found in records in the United States.
Kerpchen: This variant of Kernchen is often found in records in Germany.
Kerp: This is a variant of Kernchen found in records from Germany.
Kerppchen: This is another variant of Kernchen found in German records.
Kerns: This is a patronymic surname that is derived from Kernchen.
Kernek: This is a patronymic surname derived from Kernchen.
Kerney: This is a variant of Kernchen found in records in the United Kingdom.
Keri: This is a variant of Kernchen found in records in Germany.
Kernkamp: This is a surname derived from Kernchen and is found in records in Germany.
Kerbach: This is a surname derived from Kernchen and is also found in German records.
Kerner: This is another variant of Kernchen found in records in Germany.
Kernstaller: This is a surname derived from Kernchen, which is found in German records.
Kerchner: This is another variant of Kernchen found in records in the United States.
Kernerman: This is a surname derived from Kernchen and is often found in records in the United States.
Kernerhausen: This is a surname derived from Kernchen and is found in records in Germany.
Kerpedward: This is a surname derived from Kernchen and is found in records in Germany.
Kernholtz: This is a surname derived from Kernchen and is found in records in Germany.
Kernschmid: This is a surname derived from Kernchen and is found in records in Germany.
Famous people with the name Kernchen
- Freddy Kernchen, former mayor of Meppen, Germany
- Rebecca Kernchen, German swimmer and Paralympic bronze medalist
- Joe Kernchen, American professional football player
- John Kernchen, American professional golfer
- Bob Kernchen, American rodeo cowboy and horse trainer
- Bill Kernchen, American politician and former U.S. Representative from Ohio
- Dieter Kernchen, German former football player and manager
- Florian Kernchen, German actor and photographer
- Alice Kernchen, American artist and sculptor
- Wilhelm Kernchen, German author and natural scientist