Ketterling Surname

Introduction

The surname Ketterling is a unique and interesting name with a rich history. This article will delve into the origins of the surname, its meaning, and the geographical distribution of individuals with this surname.

Origins of the Name Ketterling

The surname Ketterling is of German origin and is derived from the name Ketter, which means "chain" or "fetter" in German. The suffix "-ling" is a common diminutive suffix in German surnames, indicating a small or young version of the root word. Therefore, Ketterling could be translated to mean "little chain" or "son of Ketter."

Early References

One of the earliest references to the surname Ketterling dates back to the 17th century in Germany. The name was likely used to identify individuals who were associated with chains or fetters, possibly indicating a profession or trade.

Meaning of the Surname Ketterling

Due to its Germanic origins, the surname Ketterling likely held symbolic significance. Chains and fetters were often used in medieval times as symbols of strength, security, and authority. Individuals with the surname Ketterling may have been seen as protectors or defenders within their communities.

Variant Spellings

Like many surnames, Ketterling has undergone various spelling variations over the years. Some common variations of the name include Ketterlin, Ketterly, and Ketterlinge. These variations may have resulted from clerical errors, regional dialects, or anglicization of the original German spelling.

Geographical Distribution

The surname Ketterling has a relatively low incidence globally, with the majority of individuals bearing this surname residing in the United States. According to data, there are 1327 individuals with the surname Ketterling in the US, making it the most common location for individuals with this name.

United States

The United States has the highest concentration of individuals with the surname Ketterling, particularly in states with large German immigrant populations such as North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Many Ketterling families in the US can trace their ancestry back to German immigrants who arrived in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Germany

While the surname Ketterling is of German origin, it has a relatively low incidence in modern-day Germany, with only 72 individuals bearing this name. The name may have fallen out of favor or assimilated into other surnames over time, leading to its decline in popularity.

Other Countries

Outside of the US and Germany, the surname Ketterling has a minimal presence in other countries. Canada, France, England, Mexico, Norway, and Poland each have a small number of individuals with the surname Ketterling, with only one or a handful of occurrences in each country.

Notable Individuals

While the surname Ketterling may not be widely recognized, there are a few notable individuals who bear this name. One such individual is John Ketterling, a renowned mathematician and professor known for his contributions to the field of number theory.

John Ketterling

John Ketterling was born in the US to German immigrant parents and grew up in a small farming community in North Dakota. Despite facing numerous challenges, Ketterling excelled academically and went on to pursue a career in mathematics, eventually becoming a professor at a prestigious university.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname Ketterling is a unique and historically significant name with Germanic origins. While relatively uncommon, individuals with this surname can be found primarily in the United States, with smaller populations in other countries. The meaning and symbolism of the name likely hold cultural significance, reflecting the strength and authority associated with chains and fetters in medieval times.

The surname Ketterling within the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is possible to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Exactly the same occurs in the case of Ketterling, which as you are able to corroborate, it can be said it is a surname that may be found in a lot of the countries of this globe. In the same way there are nations in which certainly the thickness of individuals using the surname Ketterling is higher than in other countries.

The map associated with Ketterling surname

View Ketterling surname map

The likelihood of examining on a globe map about which nations hold a greater number of Ketterling on the planet, helps us a lot. By putting ourselves on the map, for a tangible country, we could understand tangible number of individuals with all the surname Ketterling, to have in this manner the particular information of all the Ketterling that one can presently find in that country. All this also assists us to know not just in which the surname Ketterling originates from, but also in what manner the folks who are initially an element of the family that bears the surname Ketterling have moved and moved. In the same way, you are able to see by which places they've settled and developed, which is the reason why if Ketterling is our surname, it appears interesting to which other countries of this world it is possible that certain of our ancestors once relocated to.

Countries with more Ketterling on earth

  1. United States United States (1327)
  2. Germany Germany (72)
  3. Canada Canada (15)
  4. France France (1)
  5. England England (1)
  6. Mexico Mexico (1)
  7. Norway Norway (1)
  8. Poland Poland (1)