Surname Kimmel - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
Kimmel: What does the surname Kimmel mean?
The surname Kimmel is of German origin and is believed to derive from the Middle High German word 'kimmel', which means 'caraway'. This suggests it may have initially been used as a nickname for someone who either grew or sold caraway, a type of plant used in food and medical remedies. Thus, it is an occupational surname, referring to the person's job or trade. Like many European surnames, the name features the common suffix '-el', which is often seen in names of Germanic or Hebrew origin. The name Kimmel is found in various parts of the world, largely due to migration. In the contemporary world, it is most associated with the popular American television host, Jimmy Kimmel.
Order DNA origin analysisKimmel: Where does the name Kimmel come from?
The last name Kimmel is of German origin, derived from the middle high German word "kummer," which translates to "grief" or "sorrow." The name could have possibly been a surname for someone who was a professional mourner.
It could also originate from the Hebrew name 'Kemuel' which means 'raised by God'. In Hungary, there is a town named Kimmel and some believe that the surname could be a geographical name denoting families originating from this location.
While the surname is featured in several countries across the globe, it is most common in the United States today, given the migration of German populations over centuries. Famous people with this surname include talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, underlining its presence in the American context. It is also fairly common in Germany, which is its place of origin. Despite the various possibilities of its origin, the definitive source of the Kimmel surname remains uncertain.
Variations of the surname Kimmel
The surname Kimmel can trace its origin to various regions of Europe, with several variants or related surnames mainly from Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
Its primary spellings include Kimmel, Kimmell, and Kimel. It can also be written as Kimmler or Kimmling in some parts of Germany. A compelling name that links to Kimmel is Kümmel, a German surname that also corresponds to a popular caraway-flavored liquor.
Blended or altered spellings comprise forms like Kimel and Kimball, which likely arose due to immigration or transliteration from different alphabets.
Whereas surnames with similar roots or of the same origin include names such as Kimbler, Kimble, Kimmerle, Kimbal, and Kimbley based on the patronymic rules of different regions.
Note that Kimmel's variations and related surnames are largely determined by the regional culture, language rules and historical events that unfolded during the surname's evolution. Therefore, these variations may vastly differ from its original form, crossing over different languages and regions.
Keep in mind that connection to the original surname Kimmel can be more accurately determined by genealogical and DNA research.
Famous people with the name Kimmel
- Jimmy Kimmel: American TV host, producer, comedian, writer, and actor
- Adam Kimmel: American fashion designer, filmmaker, and artist
- Frank Kimmel: American stock car driver
- Jonathan Kimmel: American screenwriter and producer
- Clifford Kimmel: American language arts and English teacher
- Donald Kimmel: American film and television producer and director
- E. A. Kimmel: Architect in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Sidney Kimmel: American philanthropist and businessman
- Barry Kimmel: American radio personality and producer
- John Kimmel: American Thoroughbred horse trainer
- Ray Kimmel: American former Major League Baseball pitcher
- Tom Kimmel: American folk singer-songwriter, guitarist, and painter
- Stan Kimmel: United States Army Intelligence Officer
- Alan Kimmel: American professional poker player
- Matthew Kimmel: American artist
- Carol Kimmel: American photographer and entrepreneur
- Hal Kimmel: American film director, producer, and writer
- Clayton Kimmel: Canadian painter and mixed media artist
- Alexander Kimmel: Russian cinematographer
- Saskia Kimmel: Dutch historian, soil scientist, and academic