Surname Kieffer - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
Journey into My Roots: A Fascinating Exploration of the Kieffer Lineage Through DNA-based Discoveries
The recent iGENEA DNA test I undertook has shed light on the centuries-old lineage of my family, revealing the potent central European roots that the Kieffer surname hails from. Surfacing from the depths of history, the Kieffer lineage meanders across time and geography, seeping deep into the cultural narrative and historical events of Central Europe, with a specific focus on Germany.
T. Kieffer
read moreKieffer: What does the surname Kieffer mean?
The last name Kieffer is derived from the Middle High German term "küeffære", which means "distiller". Therefore, the name was originally an occupational surname given to individuals who distilled spirits or oils, typically from fruits and seeds. It also has origins in the German word "kiefer", meaning "jawbone" or "pine", suggesting that some ancestors may have lived in or near a pine forest or been notably strong-jawed. As with many surnames, Kieffer could have different meanings and origin stories in various regions and families.
Order DNA origin analysisKieffer: Where does the name Kieffer come from?
The surname Kieffer is of German origin and means "cooper" or "barrel maker". It emerged as a surname in the Middle Ages among the German-speaking populations where it was adopted for families whose descendants were involved in the tedious trade of barrel making.
Despite its German roots, the name Kieffer also spread to areas of France, primarily in the northeastern region of Alsace, which has toggled between French and German control throughout history.
The surname spread further with immigration. In the United States, it is particularly common in Pennsylvania, a state with a high population of German immigrants and their descendants. Today, the name can still be found in Germany, France, and the United States, but also in Belgium, Luxembourg, and Switzerland.
In the scope of global diaspora, Kieffer is a relatively common surname, however, it's comparatively more widespread in countries with historic ties to German-speaking cultures. It's also used as a first name in some instances. The name has several variations, including Kiefer, Kufer, Kieffer, and Keifer, which have slightly different distributions across the globe.
Variations of the surname Kieffer
The surname Kieffer is of German origin and it is believed to originate from the Old German term "küfer," which means "barrel-maker." Over time, it evolved into different variants and spellings due to regional variations, immigration, and the influence of other languages. Some commonly seen variants include Kiefner, Kuefer, Kuffer, Kufer, Keefer, Keifer, Keiffer, Kiffer, Kyfer, and Kiefer.
In some instances, the name might have been adapted or misspelled due to phonetic transcriptions when German immigrants moved to non-German speaking countries. Examples of these adaptations include Kifer, Kiver, Kiepper, and Kafer.
Alternate spellings might also include double 'f's or 'e's, as in Kiefer or Keefer, and these spellings are widely used in North America. Similar surnames such as Kauffmann or Kaufman might be related, as they also refer to occupations involving barrels or tradesmen.
As with many surnames, the spelling and variations of the name Kieffer largely depend on the region and the language of the area where the name was used. Therefore, different branches of a family might have slightly or significantly different spellings of their surname.
Famous people with the name Kieffer
- Drew Kieffer: American screenwriter and producer, notable for his work on films such as Super 8 and Mission: Impossible: Rogue Nation.
- David Kieffer: American actor, best known for his roles in the television series Twin Peaks and Westworld.
- Rachael Kieffer: American singer/songwriter who was featured on Season 10 of American Idol.
- Zachery Kieffer: American businessman and entrepreneur, best known as the founder and CEO of the online investment platform Kieffer Capital.
- Art Kieffer: Canadian former professional ice hockey player.
- Joelle Kieffer: French alpine skier who competed in the 2006 Winter Olympics.
- Carrie Kieffer: American journalist and author of several books, including the New York Times bestseller, The Post-It Note Diet.
- Melissa Kieffer: American musical theatre singer and actress, best known for her roles in Mamma Mia! and Hairspray.
- Dan Kieffer: Australian film and television actor known for his roles in The Code and Underbelly: Razor.
- Brad Kieffer: American film producer and executive, notable for his work on the Harry Potter film series.