Surname Kuhner - Meaning and Origin
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Kuhner: What does the surname Kuhner mean?
The last name "Kuhner" is of German origin, it is derived from the Middle High German "küener," which means "cowherd." Hence, this surname was likely an occupational name given to individuals who herded cows for a living. Occupational surnames were typically assigned based on a person's job or trade, which served as an identifier in smaller communities. This surname falls into the category of hereditary surnames, which are adopted based on popular usage typically linked to the places where the original bearer lived or held land. It is important to note that spelling variations in names were a common occurrence in the era before English spelling was standardized, hence Kuhner might have also been spelled as Kuehner or Kuener.
Order DNA origin analysisKuhner: Where does the name Kuhner come from?
The surname Kuhner is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "künne", which means "brave" or "bold". The name was likely initially a nickname for someone who exhibited these traits. It could also have an occupational background related to the word "Kuhner" in German language which implies to a cow herder. Considering the geographical distribution, presently the surname is most widespread in the United States, followed by Germany. Within the U.S, it is particularly prevalent in states such as Wisconsin, Ohio and Pennsylvania where there are significant populations of German descent. However, there are also Kuhner families in Canada, Switzerland and Argentina. Despite its spread, Kuhner is not a very common surname overall.
Variations of the surname Kuhner
The surname Kuhner is of German origin. Variations of this surname might have changed over time due to factors such as regional dialects, different spellings, or emigration. The etymology of the surname hints that it might have once been a professional name for a cow herdsman or a nickname for a timid person. Variations and similar surnames could include Kuhner, Kuehner, Kuener, Kuerner, Cuhner, Cuner, Kuehne, and Kuhne.
Relatively similar is the surname Kühnert, which is derived from the Middle High German "küen" and means "bold" or "daring". Other variations can include Kühn, Künnert, Kienert and uhner.
Other spellings might have emerged as many Germans emigrated and their surnames had to be adapted to other language phonetics, especially into English. In the United States some endings "-er" such as "Kuhner" might have been changed into "-er" as pronounced in English.
Keep in mind the list of possible variations is not conclusive and further genealogical research would likely reveal more potential variations and similar surnames based on the original Kuhner surname.
Famous people with the name Kuhner
- Jeff Kuhner: a syndicated talk show host on AM radio based in Washington, D.C.
- Heiko Kuhner: German motorcycle racer and TV presenter
- Matthew Kuhner: founder of Remington Residences, an assisted-living company
- Chris Kuhner: NFL defensive back from the University of Michigan
- Katy Kuhner: German Olympic swimmer
- John U. Kuhner: an electrical engineer and early advocate of wireless telegraphy
- Karl Heinz Kuhner: a teacher and principal of Heidelberg High School in Germany
- Jennifer Kuhner: a professional pole vaulter
- Toni Kuhner: Austrian Alpine skier
- Terence J. Kuhner: a professor at Duke University School of Law
- Johannes Kuhner: German classical composer, pianist, and conductor