Surname Kemplin - Meaning and Origin

Kemplin: What does the surname Kemplin mean?

The last name Kemplin is of German origin. The Kemplin name has two potential sources for its origins. It may have derived from a given name and evolved into a surname, either from the old German “Kemlin” or from the Middle High German “Kämpelo”, which is derived from “kämpen” meaning “to fight” or “one who fights”. It could also have been derived from a place name, stemming from a place called “Kempelin” in the German region of Holstein.

Kemplin is a relatively uncommon surname. Therefore, those who share the surname have the rare opportunity of being able to trace their family history further back than many of their peers.

Overall, the Kemplin surname has a rich history and a few different potential sources of its origin. It is quite likely that those who share the name have a fascinating family background as well as unique traditions and customs that can offer great insight into the culture and history of the German people.

Kemplin: Where does the name Kemplin come from?

The last name Kemplin is most commonly seen today in the United States. It is of German origin, although it can be seen within other areas of Europe and the wider world. In the US, the states which have the most prevalence of the Kemplin surname are Pennsylvania, Michigan, Texas, Florida, and Illinois. The largest population of Kemplins in US can be found in Pennsylvania, from which point they have spread throughout the country. Interestingly, the majority of Kemplins living in the USA at the present time are descendants of two brothers, Frederick and Jacob Kemplin, who arrived from Germany in the mid-19th century.

The Kemplin name is not particularly common outside the USA. United Kingdom census records from 1881 to 1911 record only one occurrence of the surname across the entire country, and it is not included in the top 1000 surnames in France or Germany. It is worth noting that the only recorded occurrences of Kemplin from outside the US are in relation to German immigrants, confirming the migration of the two brothers.

The Kemplin name is one of relative rarity and so today can be difficult to find outside the US. As descendants of two immigrants who chose to start a new life in America, the Kemplins are now a prominent family in the US and the wider world.

Variations of the surname Kemplin

The surname Kemplin is derived from a Middle High German term meaning ‘lord of the manor’ and can have several variant spellings and surnames of the same origin. Variations of the surname Kemplin may include Kempling, Kämpling, Kämplen, Kampeling, Kampelen, Kemplingen, Kemplink, Kämplin and Kämplen.

The German spelling of 'Kämpling' is an alternative spelling to the main surname Kemplin. It is very similar to the original surname but slightly different in its spelling. Kämpling is widely used in Lower Saxony and much less common in areas further to the west.

The variant spellings of Kempling, Kampeling and Kampelen of the surname Kemplin all originate from the word "Kampel" which means "amphitheater." It is believed that those who held the hereditary position as Lord of the Manor built such amphitheaters around their domains.

Other origin surnames of Kemplin are Kemplingen, Kemplink and Kämplin. Kemplingen is the German variation of the surname and closely resembles the original spelling. Kämplin is a Dutch variation and is similar to the German spelling. Kemplink, on the other hand, is a much more uncommon variation.

Kemplin is also found as a Jewish name and is likely derived from a Yiddish name or the German Kämplin surname. It is possible that some of these surnames are derived from a branch of the Kemplin family that migrated and changed their surname over time.

The multiple variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for Kemplin are evidence of the family's varied background and culture, likely stemming from its evolution in multiple countries.

Famous people with the name Kemplin

• Brittany Kemplin: American missionary and human rights activist who advocates for survivors of military sexual assault.
• Shelby Kemplin: A former soldier in the United States Army, and the first survivor of military sexual assault to speak publicly about their experience.
• Jennifer Kemplin: An American author and entrepreneur, best known for her business Kemplin & Associates.
• Sarah Kemplin: Professional Table Tennis player and Olympic hopeful in Team USA's Women's Table Tennis Team.
• Dr. Janice Kemplin: Internationally recognized leader in primary care and breast cancer awareness.
• Melody Kemplin: First transgender person to be elected as an international grand officer in the Theta Phi Alpha Fraternity.
• Chris Kemplin: American soil scientist and professor in the field of land management and conservation global initiatives.
• Paul Kemplin: Television and film producer and writer, known for his work on The Voice, Star Search, and In Living Color.
• Kile Kemplin: Professional longboard skateboarder, and winner of multiple X-Games medals for longboard skateboarding.
• Dr. Nathan Kemplin: Cardiologist and cardiovascular disease researcher, focusing on the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of heart disease.

Other surnames

KempleKempling