Surname Kellers - Meaning and Origin
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Kellers: What does the surname Kellers mean?
The surname Kellers is of German origin and it primarily refers to “cellarer” or “wine merchant”. It is derived from the Middle High German term "kellære" that refers to a person who was in charge of food and drink storage, similar to a butler. The name could have been an occupational name for someone who worked in the cellar of a medieval monastery or a large house. Additionally, in some contexts, it may also denote someone who lived in or near a cellar, or may even be connected to winery owners or tavern operators. Over time, migration and anglicization have resulted in various spelling variations of the name across different countries and regions.
Order DNA origin analysisKellers: Where does the name Kellers come from?
The surname Kellers is of German origin. It is derived from the German term 'Keller' which means 'cellar', and was usually given as an occupational name to individuals who were in charge of food storage in a medieval household. People with Kellers as a last name may have ancestors who were stewards or managers of food cellars in castles or large houses. The surname can also link to a geographical location referring to a person living near a cellar.
Today, this surname is prevalent in Germany and in countries with significant German-speaking populations such as Austria and Switzerland. It can also be found in the United States and other countries due to immigration patterns over the years. This includes descendants of German immigrants who moved to America in the 18th and 19th centuries. Overall, the distribution of the Kellers surname is spread globally, albeit with greater concentrations in German-speaking regions. However, it's important to note that the exact distribution can vary, as the name may have independently developed in different locations, and not all Kellers may be of German descent.
Variations of the surname Kellers
The surname Kellers is of German origin and it means "cellar." The variants and spellings for the name Kellers include: Keller, Kellerman, Kellar, Kelleher, and Kellner. Each of these names essentially carry the same or similar meanings – Kellerman refers to a cellar man, Kellar is simply a different spelling of Keller, Kelleher is an anglicized version of the Irish Gaelic name Ó Céileachair which means "companion-dear," and Kellner is German for waiter, reflecting the occupational roots of many surnames.
In addition, the surname Kellers can be found under different forms in different countries. For instance, in France, it could appear as Keller, while in Austria it might be Kellner. This surname also manifests in the Netherlands as Kelder, which means cellar too. These variations depend largely on regional dialects, language evolution, and the interpretation of local officials who recorded the names.
Since surnames were often derived from occupations, geographical features, or descriptive nicknames, they can greatly vary while maintaining the same root and meaning. So, although they seem different, these surnames are connected to Kellers by their origin and meaning.
Famous people with the name Kellers
- Helen Keller: American author, disability rights advocate, and political activist.
- Helen Keller's teacher, Anne Sullivan Macy: American educator and Holocaust survivor who had a long-lasting impact on the life of Helen Keller.
- Joseph Keller: American mathematician who was influential in engineering and applied mathematics, particularly in the development of finite element methods.
- Christian Keller: German Olympic swimmer who won gold and bronze medals at the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.
- Emily Keller: American actress best known for her roles in the television series This Is Us and Switched at Birth.
- Fred Keller: American politician who has served as the U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district since 2019.
- Gary Keller: American entrepreneur, author, and real estate investor best known for founding the real estate company Keller Williams Realty.
- Jodi Kelleher: Professional runner and triathlete, who won the 2013 World Marathon Challenge.
- John Keller: Professional baseball player who played first base for the New York Mets, St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, and Chicago White Sox.
- John C. Keller: American teacher and veteran who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery during a WWII battle in Germany.
- Kristina Keller: American Actress best known for her roles in the television series Law & Order and Private Practice.
- Steve Keller: American artist known for his abstract expressionist painting style.