Surname Kaufl - Meaning and Origin
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Kaufl: What does the surname Kaufl mean?
The last name Kaufl is of German origin and is derived from the Old German word “kauf” meaning "to buy". The surname is believed to have been first used as an occupational name for someone who was a buyer or merchant. In some cases, it is believed to be derived from a place name associated with a marketplace.
Kaufl is a rare surname that is mainly found in southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In the United States, it is not very common, but there is a small number of people with Kaufl ancestry living in the country, mainly in Pennsylvania, California, and Florida.
The surname Kaufl is associated with several notable figures throughout history, including influential Austrian-born American theologian and philosopher, Johann Kaufl (1741-1795), and the Austrian-born American politician and jurist, Ludwig Kaufl (1844–1912).
Kaufl is an ancient surname that has been part of many families’ histories for centuries, and it resonates with many people as it is a reminder of their ancestors and their traditions.
Order DNA origin analysisKaufl: Where does the name Kaufl come from?
The last name Kaufl is common today in Germany, Austria, and other German-speaking regions such as Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and parts of Belgium and the Czech Republic. The name is most prevalent in southern Germany and Bavaria, where it is believed to have originated.
The Kaufl family might have originated in the area near the northern Swiss border and moved further south into Germany and Bavaria in the Middle Ages as tradespeople and merchants. The surname could be linked to the German word (kaufen) for ‘buying’ or ‘shopping’, suggesting a connection to a merchant background.
At the start of the 20th century, the name could be found in records of many parts of Europe, however after the Holocaust it became much more concentrated in German-speaking countries and regions. Today it is found most often in the southern German states, where it is the 140th most common name.
Genealogy research suggests that the Kaufl family is related to other names such as Kaufmann, Kauffmann and Kaufer, which all come from the same German root and share the same ancestry. Today the Kaufl name is still seen in these countries, and along with historically related names it is an important part of German heritage.
Variations of the surname Kaufl
The surname Kaufl is of German origin and has numerous spellings and variants.
Common spellings and variants include Kaufel, Kauffel, Kauffle, Kaufle, Kaufel, Kauffel, Kooffle, Kooffel, Kafel, Kaffel, K'affel, Koffel, Koel, Köl, Kool, Kuehl, Kuehle, Kuehnel, Kehl and Koel.
The variant surnames of the same origin may include Kaufmann, Kaufhold, Kaufholdt, Kaufmueller, Kauffer, Kafer, Kaferhoff, Kaferrolf, Kappel, Kappele, Kappell, Kappueller, Kade, Kage, Kaiser, Keth, Kettle, Kettlel, Kiesel, Kiechel, Kiechelmann, Kieferl, Klein, Knodel, Koelisch, Koeller, Koelzer and Konkel.
Kaufl is a surname commonly found in the German-speaking region, including Germany, Switzerland, Austria and other German-speaking countries of Europe. The origin of the name may be traced to the Middle Ages, when it was used as a profession to mean ‘merchant’. During that time, the name Kaufl was used to denote a person who traded in various goods and services. As such, it is likely that the name originated as an occupational surname. It is also possible that the name derives from a personal name such as ‘Kaufen’ or ‘Kaufman’, which means ‘merchant’.
Famous people with the name Kaufl
- David Kaufl: He is a German publisher and entrepreneur, specialised in alternative investments.
- Rolf Kaufl: He is a Swiss-Australian artist known for his landscapes and expressionistic works in both oils and watercolours.
- Simon Kaufl: He is an Austrian businessman and investor who is the founder and CEO of an investment consulting company.
- Rachel Kaufl: She is an American journalist and author known for her work with Yahoo News.
- Lisa Kaufl: She is an American entrepreneur and innovator, specializing in venture capital and technology.
- Robert Kaufl: He is an American lawyer and human rights activist, serving as a professor in civil and human rights law.
- Gretel Kaufl: She is a German television and radio presenter at the broadcasting company ZDF.
- Friedrich Kaufl: He was an Austrian local politician and member of the Landtag of Lower Austria.
- Markus Kaufl: He is a Swiss skiing athlete who has participated in several World Cup circuit races and FIS Alpine Ski World Cup.
- Helmut Kaufl: He is an Austrian cinematographer known for his work on the films Sexmord and Diplomatie.