Surname Kümmell - Meaning and Origin

Kümmell: What does the surname Kümmell mean?

Kümmell is a German surname that is believed to originate from the region of Rhineland. The meaning of the family name is derived from the German word “kümmeln,” which means “to furrow.” This is likely a reference to the occupation of members of the Kümmell family, as many of them likely worked as farmers who engaged in furrowing activities. In modern times, members of the Kümmell family still live in the area of Rhineland, though others have spread to other areas of Germany and beyond.

The family name is linked to several prominent German figures throughout history, including the philosopher and theologian Johannes Kümmell, who was vested with the prestigious position of professor of theology at the University of Giessen in 1829. In addition, Johann Heinrich Kümmel was a noted doctor in the 19th century and wrote books on topics related to medicine.

The Kümmell family name is still prominent today, and appears in various records, including the German family registry which lists over 800 entries with the family name. It is also possible to trace the family tree of the Kümmell family through these records and other archives, which gives us a unique insight into the past and the history of this family name.

Kümmell: Where does the name Kümmell come from?

The last name Kümmell is most common today in Germany. Specifically, it is the 1,688th most common surname in Germany, with around 2,777 people having the name. It is also common in the German-speaking countries of Switzerland (775th most common, 708 people) and Austria (861st most common, 623 people). Additionally, the name can be found in smaller numbers in Namibia, the United States, Canada, France, Belgium, Brazil, and the Netherlands, as well as other countries around the world.

Historically, the name is likely German in origin. In older records, spellings may vary, including, Kumme, Kümmel, Kümm, and Kümmer. The name likely originated as a descriptive nickname for a Germanic person who used the aromatic spice cummin as seasonings. It could also be derived from the Middle High Germanic words "kumin" (which means to bring forth) or "kumedon" (which means to bring to life).

The Kümmell surname is most common in Bavaria and the Rhineland-Palatinate regions of Germany. People with this surname often resided in either Lower Saxony or Saxony-Anhalt. Records of the family extend back to the 15th century in Germany, appearing in church and census records with the spellings "Kümmell" and "Kümell."

Variations of the surname Kümmell

Kümmell is a German surname originating in Middle Ages, likely a nickname derived from “Kümmel,” German for caraway. The variants and spellings of the surname vary significantly. For example, the name can be spelled as Kumel, Cümmel, Cümmen, Kümeling, Kümeling, Kümmerling, and Kümmling. Some other surnames derived from Kümmell are Kümers, Kümmerick, Kümometime, and Kumlingen.

Other variations of this surname can be seen in various countries including Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, and North and South America. Most of these variations originated as immigrants or descendants of immigrants changed the spelling to adapt to their new language. For example, in the U.S. the surname has been seen with the additional letter “e” at the end, making Kummelle. In Belgium, the spelling is Cümmels. In Austria, it is often spelled Kümmerle or Kümmeler.

The variations of this surname can also be found in Germany, with not only the spelling changing, but the sound as well. Some of the variations seen are Kintzel, Köstlin, Kottlin, Kumnick, Knödlin, and Knollin.

Overall, Kümmell is a surname of German origin with many variants and spellings. Those looking for more information on this surname can consult genealogical forums or use a genealogy website to search for the different spellings.

Famous people with the name Kümmell

• Otto Kümmell: a German astronomer best known for his work on the orbit of comets.
• Carl Kümmell: a German dramatist and pedagogue who wrote plays and poems for dramatic performances in schools.
• Hugo Kümmell: a German operatic baritone who sang in opera houses such as the Vienna State Opera, Hamburg State Opera, and Metropolitan Opera.
• Carl Julius Kümmell: a leading German zoologist who specialized in comparative anatomy and taxonomy and made major contributions to the field of evolutionary biology.
• Ernest Julius Kümmell: a German architect active in Hamburg. He designed many public works and monuments, and his most famous works are the Hamburger Kunsthalle and Margaretenburg.
• Johann Heinrich Kümmell: a German classical philologist and archaeologist, a scholar of in particular Greek literature and sciences. He also worked as a professor at the University of Göttingen and is known for his autobiographical novel, Reise in Italien.
• Christian Ludwig Kümmell: a German classical philologist, who was a renowned professor at the University of Leipzig and wrote various scholarly works on ancient Greek literature and culture.
• Heinrich Kümmell: a German military officer who attended the Prussian War Academy and served in the Franco-Prussian War, and later went on to become a Major General in the German Army during World War I.
• Otto Kümmell: a German painter and sculptor of the early twentieth century, known for his landscapes and portrait busts, as well as his symbolist works.
• Erich Kümmell: a German pianist and composer. He was active during the late 19th century, and is known for his piano works and lieder.

Other surnames

KümmelKümmelerKümmelmann