Surname Kempe - Meaning and Origin
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Uncovering The Kempe Legacy: A Tearful Journey through the Strings of my DNA
When the results from iGENEA unraveled the DNA ancestry of my family name 'Kempe', they didn't just reveal roots in Northwestern Europe, but a rich, complex, Viking heritage that led to a joyful rediscovery of familial identity.
P. Kempe
read moreKempe: What does the surname Kempe mean?
The last name Kempe is of Anglo-Saxon origin, and its meaning is derived from the Old English term "cyne-mǣpe," which translates to "king's advisor" or "royal representative." This name is thought to have originated from an Anglo-Saxon chief whose duty it was to serve as the king's chief messenger or liaison. Early historical records show the first known Kemp family in Britain was found in Hertfordshire in 1066. In the Middle Ages, a Kemp or Kempe was an important courtier whose duties included acting as a messenger to the king. The Kemp also held responsibility for representing the king and maintaining his justice in the local court.
During the Tudor period (1485-1603), the office of Kemp was held by many notable members of parliament, even as the role of courtiers grew in importance and prestige. In the 18th century, the Kemp family was one of the most influential families in Britain, with Kemp family members appointed to many influential political posts.
Today, there are many members of the Kempe family, found in many countries around the world. The Kempe name is a reminder of a time when kings and queens had important messengers who served as courtiers, and it is a reminder of the importance of loyalty, respect and honour during a time when such values were paramount. Despite its roots in British history, the name Kempe has been adopted through immigration as one of the most popular surnames in many parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Order DNA origin analysisKempe: Where does the name Kempe come from?
The last name Kempe is primarily found in Germany, especially in the regions of Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, Westphalia, Bavaria, and Saxony. It is also common in countries in the former Soviet Union, such as Estonia and Latvia, as well as the Netherlands. Additionally, the surname is also present in countries with German emigrant populations such as the United States, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Australia.
The etymology of the surname Kempe is not clear, though it is likely derived from Old German, Middle High German, and/or Proto-Germanic, since it does not appear in any of the Germanic languages. It is also thought to possibly be a variant of the surname Kemp, though this cannot be confirmed.
The surname is also used as a given name, particularly in Germany, where people with the last name Kempe have been recorded as far back as the 15th century. In recent decades, the name has grown in popularity in Germany, particularly in the eastern states of Saxony and Bavaria. In the United States, Kempe is much less common, though there are still a few dozen families that carry it.
Variations of the surname Kempe
The surname Kempe is a patronymic name from the Middle English personal name Kempe, derived from Old English cynebeald, or “kingly bold”. It is believed to have originated from one of the many Old English names that indicated a resemblance to the king.
Variants of the surname Kempe include Kempt, Kemp, Kemps, Kempees, Kempf, Kempff, Kempster, Kempston and Kemmets.
The variant spelling Kempt is believed to have originated from the Middle English word kempt, meaning neat or tidy. This spelling is more common in Germany and other parts of Europe.
Kemp, meanwhile, is a variant that was popularized by actor and writer Michael Kemp, who was known for his humor and skillful writing abilities. It is one of the most common variants of the surname.
Kempster is another variant of the surname that first appeared in the 1400s. It was likely derived from the Middle English term kempster, which was an occupational term referring to a wool merchant.
Kempston and Kemmets are rare variants of the surname, but they may have originated from the Old English personal name Kevestead, meaning eastward homestead.
Surnames derived from the same origin as Kempe include Kempf, Kempff, Kempton, Kempley, Kempton, Kennebald and Kennibald. Kempf and Kempff are German variants of the surname, while Kempton, Kempley and Kempton are all English variations. Kennebald and Kennibald, meanwhile, are variants of the Old English personal name cynebeald.
Famous people with the name Kempe
- Margery Kempe (1373–1438), English Christian mystic and author
- Thomas Kempe (1550-1614), English bishop
- Steve Kempe (born 1984), English footballer
- Jonathan Kempe (born 1987), American ice hockey player
- Karl August von Kempe (1875-1974), German general
- André Kempe (born 1961), Belgian field hockey player
- Francis Mercer Kempe (1864–1929), Anglican priest
- Cecil Thomas Kempe (1875–1934), English stained glass designer
- Hermann von Kempe (1854–1941), German businessman
- Rachel Kempe (born 1998), Australian swimmer