Surname Kemper - Meaning and Origin

Kemper: Tracing My Surname's Origins & Unfolding Connections with the iGENEA DNA Test

Embarking on a journey into the origins and migrations of the Kemper surname, the iGENEA DNA test unveils a tale of Germanic roots and ancestral farmers. The exploration extends to connecting with other bearers of the Kemper name, forming unfamiliar but fascinating familial links.

K. Kemper

Kemper: What does the surname Kemper mean?

The surname Kemper is of German origin and has multiple possible meanings. Derived from the Middle High German word "kampf," Kemper could mean a champion or fighter, possibly referring to a warrior or soldier. It could also originate from the Low German word "kamp" meaning field, hence it might have been used to denote someone who lived or worked on a field or a camp. In some regions in Germany, it was a name given to a rural dweller or a peasant farmer. In the Netherlands, the surname Kemper could mean someone from the city of Kempen or the province of Campine. The name Kemper is a combination of topographical name and occupational name. However, the true meaning can vary based on regional dialects and individual family histories.

Kemper: Where does the name Kemper come from?

The surname Kemper is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle Low German term "kemper," meaning a warrior or a soldier. Additionally, it could also refer to a camp or an encampment, thus pointing to an ancestral role as a camp leader or a soldier in a camp.

The name Kemper could also be topographic, referring to those who lived in or near a field (kamp) or someone who cleared forest for farming. In some cases, it may be locational, coming from a place named with the word "kamp," denoting a battle or derived from cities like Kempen in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Today, Kemper is a common surname in Germany, particularly in North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony. It has spread to other countries due to emigration and is found in the United States, the Netherlands, and other countries. With the US having a large population of German descendants, the surname Kemper is quite prevalent there, particularly in states such as Missouri and Indiana.

Variations of the surname Kemper

The name Kemper is of Dutch-German origin, historically used to denote someone who lived or worked near a field (camp). It may also mean a person from Kempen, a region in Germany. The surname Kemper has several variants, spellings, and related surnames due to differences in geographical locations, dialects and translations.

Some known variants and spellings of Kemper include Kemfer, Kempfer, Kempner, Kämpfer, Kamper, Kampher, Kempler, and the English equivalent, Camper. Each version might have distinct meanings or origins but they all share the common root, indicating a location or occupation involved with a field or camp.

In addition to this, surnames that might have origin links to Kemper are those connected to locations and jobs that deal with fields or camps. Names like Feldman (German for 'field man'), Campman or Kampman, Kempf, and Kempt could theoretically be connected.

Remember that surname history can be complex, so these are possible links and variations, not definitive ones. Variations can originate from linguistic changes, migration, translation, and more.

Please note that further genealogical research would be needed to trace exact origins and transformations.

Famous people with the name Kemper

• Matthew Kemper: American entrepreneur, former NFL player, and co-founder of Hipcricket.
• Michael Kemper: American professional ice hockey player.
• Charles Kemper: American politician and Governor of Missouri from 1965 to 1973.
• Heidi Kemper: American film actress, model and acoustic singer/songwriter.
• Bob Kemper: American former major league baseball pitcher.
• Stephen Michael Kemper: American banker, philanthropist, and chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.
• Dave Kemper: American professional golfer on the PGA Tour.
• Kit Kemper: American sound designer, composer, and musician who worked on various TV shows and films such as Billy Madison, Good Burger, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
• Jürgen Kemper: German retired footballer.
• Addison Kemper: American psychology professor at the University of Oregon.
• John J. Kemper: American politician who served in the Indiana House of Representatives from 1986-1992.
• Jane Kemper: American retired professional golfer.
• Timothy M. Kemper: American architect and interior designer.
• Philip Kemper: American Head of Equity Capital Markets at Raymond James Financial.

Other surnames

KempeKempenich