Surname Kulle - Meaning and Origin
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Kulle: What does the surname Kulle mean?
Kulle is a Swedish surname originating from the word 'kulle', meaning hill or mound. The surname is most frequently found around southern Sweden, notably in Gotland and Smaland regions. The surname also exists in Finland, though it has different spelling (Kulli).
In Swedish, the surname could be derived from the word 'kulle' as a reference to either physical features of a hill or mound, or to indicate the origins of the person with the name as a hill-dweller. It is also possible that the name came about from someone who lived on or near a specific hill or mound.
The name may also have been derived from the noun 'kul', meaning cool, calm, or clever. This makes sense in the context of Swedish surnames often deriving from a person's personal traits or characteristics.
Overall, Kulle is a distinct surname that is usually associated with Sweden and the Scandinavian countries, with the popular origin story stemming from the word for hill or mound. Those bearing the name Kulle come with a distinguished history and a unique heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisKulle: Where does the name Kulle come from?
The last name Kulle is a Dutch and German patronymic name derived from the given name Kuller, which is thought to be derived from a diminutive of the Germanic personal name Kulle, which means "cask" or "barrel".
Today, the last name Kulle is common in The Netherlands and Germany, but it is also found in other parts of the world. It can be found in the United States, Canada, Britain, Sweden, Finland, Russia, and other countries around the world that have a significant population of Dutch and German immigrants.
In the United States, the last name Kulle is especially common in California, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Michigan, which are states that all have a long history of Dutch and German immigration.
In Canada, the last name Kulle is not quite as ubiquitous as it is in the United States, but the Dutch and German populations that settled in Canada have spread the last name across the country. It is found in most provinces, with Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia having the highest concentration of Kulles.
The last name Kulle is also found in European countries such as Belgium, France, and Switzerland, as well as in countries around the world where Dutch and German populations have settled, such as Argentina and Brazil.
Given its longevity and geographical spread, it is safe to say that the last name Kulle is not quite as rare as one might think. It is still found primarily in Dutch and German populations across the world, but its frequency is certainly lower than it once was due to migration and intermarriage.
Variations of the surname Kulle
Kulle is a Scandinavian and German surname that has many different variants and spellings. Common variants of the surname are Kull, Küll, Kuehl, Kühl, and Kühle.
In Scandinavia, the surname Kulle is also found spelled as Kullå, Kulla, Kullen, Kuller, Kullerud, and Kullberg. Some Danish variants include Kullman, Kullmann, Kull, and Kullerup.
In Germany, variations of the surname include Kull, Kuehl, Kühl, Kühle, Küell, Küel, Kuel, Küller, and Küllerhof. These variations were particularly common in Prussia and other northern-Germanic regions.
The surname Kulle was historically a patronymic name, derived from the given name Kull and was most prevalent in medieval Scandinavia. Kull is of Old Norse origin and was a nickname for someone with a Divine Ancestry, a strong character, or an exemplar of one's class or rank.
Today, the surname Kulle is mainly found in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, although it can also be seen in Germany and in various areas of the United States. It is also sometimes used as an alternative spelling for the Dutch surname Kool.
Famous people with the name Kulle
- Rikard Kulle: Swedish actor, known for roles in films ranging from the spaghetti westerns of Enzo G. Castellari to Lars von Trier's Breaking the Waves.
- Peter Afzaal Kulle: Danish Actor, known for his roles in films such as Good Guys, Brother Mouzone and Noer.
- Gustaf Kulle: Swedish actor, best known for his roles in the films Let the Right One In and Blå måne.
- Ann-Sofi Kulle: Swedish actress, known for roles in films such as A Man Called Ove, The Bridge and Stockholm Boogie.
- Claes Göran Kulle: Swedish actor, known for roles in films such as Father to Son and Offside.
- Axel Kulle: Swedish actor, best known for the films Heaven and Earth and The Iron Lady.
- Kristina Kulle: Swedish newspaper editor-in-chief, former journalist and author.
- Sture Kulle: Swedish actor, best known for his roles in films such as Selma Lagerlöfs Gösta Berlings saga, and Solsidan.
- Henrik Kulle: Swedish actor, known for roles in movies such as The Sacred Mound, Dead Man Walking and Four Shades of Brown.
- Lena Kulle: Swedish film producer, best known for producing the films As It Is in Heaven and Midnight Sun.