Surname Kellar - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
Kellar: What does the surname Kellar mean?
The surname Kellar is of Scottish origin and translates to “from the kettle hollow,” or “dweller by the deep glen”. It is considered a topographic name, indicating the person likely lived near a notable physical feature, such as a glen or hollow. Its etymology links back to two Gaelic words "ceallaire", meaning "cellar man" or "wine merchant", and "ceall", meaning "church". It could also derive from a location called Kellar, which possibly existed in Scotland during ancient times. Like many surnames, the spelling has various versions found in historical documents, including Kellar, Keller, and Keillor. As families migrated, it is possible they adapted the spelling to suit different languages or cultural contexts. Notable people with this name include the famous magician Harry Kellar, regarded as the predecessor of Harry Houdini. The surname Kellar, therefore, represents a blend of geographical, occupational, and possibly religious heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisKellar: Where does the name Kellar come from?
The surname Kellar is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "kellære," meaning "cellar man" or "cellar master." It was an occupational name for a person who was in charge of the food and drink stores, or the cellar, of a household or monastery. Hence it was a popular surname among those who held this position. The surname spread across Europe over centuries, often adapting to local phonetics and spellings.
Today, Kellar is common in the United States given the historical immigration of Germans to the country. It is also found in other countries with a significant German ancestry or influence including Canada and Australia. However, it retains a strong presence in Germany and Austrian regions. Variations of the name, such as "Keller", also exist and are distributed globally. Its use as a surname is generally more widespread than its specific concentration in certain regions. Drawn from historical occupations, the name Kellar stands as a testament to the people's role in maintenance and organization related to food and beverage storage.
Variations of the surname Kellar
The surname "Kellar" originates from German origin and it represents spelling variants that include primarily Keller, but also Keler, Keeler, Kehler, or Kelleher. The meaning of the surname is derived from the occupational job as a 'cellarer' or someone who laid bricks and tiles. This surname was very common in early medieval England and remains widespread in Germany.
Altering the surname to match the pronunciation and local dialect resulted in variants. The English version of the surname is "Cellar". It's also seen as "Kellar" in the United States and other English-speaking countries due to the influence of English phonology. In terms of regional differences, we see "Kelleher" in Ireland, which originated from Ó Céileachair meaning "companion dear".
The inclusion or exclusion of the letter 'h' at the end led to variants like Keler/Kehler, Keller/Kelleher. Another variant is "Keeler", seen predominantly in Dutch and English-speaking regions. Each of these variants and spellings is a nod to a rich cultural and occupational history that the surname Kellar carries. Through generations and migration, the variants have been retained and used interchangeably to reference their shared root.
Famous people with the name Kellar
- Harry Kellar: Known as “The King of American Magicians” of the late 19th century
- Paul Kellar: American actor and comedian who is best known for his roles on stage, television, and film
- Nell Kellar: American politician who was an active voice for the women’s rights movement
- Israel Kellar: American dancehall singer-songwriter and comedian
- Shelby Kellar: American ice dancer, who is a three-time U.S. national medalist
- John Kellar: British actor who appeared on stage, film, and television
- Kay Kellar: American Augusta swing player from Tennessee
- Bessie Kellar: American painter and the founder of the Yellowstone Art Gallery
- Amy Kellar: American editor and writer best known for her books about North American waterways
- Pete Kellar: American ventriloquist and comedian