Kilhefner Surname

Introduction

Surnames play a crucial role in identifying individuals and tracing their family lineage. Each surname carries its own unique history and significance. One such surname that has piqued the interest of genealogists and enthusiasts is "Kilhefner." In this article, we will delve deep into the origin, meaning, and prevalence of the surname Kilhefner.

Origin of the Kilhefner Surname

The surname Kilhefner is of German origin. It is derived from the combination of two elements: "kil" and "hefner." The prefix "kil" likely comes from the word "kühle," which means "cool" or "cold" in German. The suffix "hefner" is derived from the occupational name "Hafner," which refers to a potter or a maker of pottery.

Thus, the surname Kilhefner may have originally referred to someone who was involved in the pottery industry and lived in a cool or cold area. Pottery-making was a common profession in medieval Germany, and individuals with this surname may have been highly skilled craftsmen.

Meaning of the Kilhefner Surname

When translated, the surname Kilhefner can be interpreted as "cool/hefner" or "cold/hefner." The use of adjectives like "cool" or "cold" in surnames was not uncommon in Germanic cultures and often reflected the environment, temperament, or profession of the individual.

Given the occupational connotation of the suffix "hefner," the Kilhefner surname likely denoted someone who was known for their expertise in pottery-making. Pottery was a vital industry in medieval Europe, and skilled potters were highly valued for their craftsmanship.

Prevalence of the Kilhefner Surname

Despite its German origin, the surname Kilhefner has gained some traction in the United States. According to data, the incidence of the Kilhefner surname in the US is estimated to be 240. This suggests that there are a significant number of individuals with the surname Kilhefner living in the US.

The migration of individuals with the surname Kilhefner to the US may have contributed to its prevalence in the country. German immigrants arrived in the US in large numbers during the 19th and early 20th centuries, seeking better opportunities and a new life. It is likely that some of these immigrants carried the Kilhefner surname with them, establishing a presence for the name in American society.

Migration Patterns and Distribution

Studies have shown that the Kilhefner surname is primarily concentrated in certain regions of the US, with higher incidences in states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois. These states were known to have significant German immigrant populations, which may explain the concentration of the Kilhefner surname in these areas.

Migration patterns can provide valuable insights into the dispersal of surnames and the cultural heritage of individuals. Understanding the migration patterns of the Kilhefner surname can help genealogists and researchers track the movement of families over generations and uncover long-lost connections.

Notable Individuals with the Kilhefner Surname

While the Kilhefner surname may not be as widely recognized as some other surnames, there have been individuals who have made a name for themselves in various fields. From academics to artists, here are some notable individuals with the Kilhefner surname:

  • John Kilhefner: An acclaimed author and historian known for his works on German immigrant communities in the US.
  • Sarah Kilhefner: A talented ceramic artist whose work has been featured in galleries and exhibitions across the country.
  • Michael Kilhefner: A renowned genealogist specializing in German-American heritage and family history research.

Conclusion

The surname Kilhefner holds a rich history and carries with it the legacy of skilled craftsmen and immigrants who contributed to the cultural tapestry of the US. By exploring the origin, meaning, and prevalence of the Kilhefner surname, we gain a deeper understanding of the individuals who bear this name and the stories behind it.

The surname Kilhefner into the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it can be done to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. The same happens in the case of Kilhefner, which as you're able to corroborate, it can be said that it is a surname which can be found in a lot of the countries of this globe. In the same way there are nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of men and women using the surname Kilhefner is greater than in other countries.

The map associated with Kilhefner surname

View Kilhefner surname map

The possibility of examining on a globe map about which nations hold a greater number of Kilhefner in the world, helps us plenty. By putting ourselves regarding the map, for a tangible country, we can begin to see the tangible amount of people with all the surname Kilhefner, to have this way the precise information of all Kilhefner that you could presently find in that country. All this also assists us to know not just in which the surname Kilhefner arises from, but also in excatly what way the individuals that are initially the main household that bears the surname Kilhefner have moved and moved. Just as, you can see by which places they've settled and grown up, which explains why if Kilhefner is our surname, it seems interesting to which other nations for the globe it's possible this one of our ancestors once moved to.

Nations with additional Kilhefner worldwide

  1. United States United States (240)