Surname Kohlen - Meaning and Origin
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Kohlen: What does the surname Kohlen mean?
The last name Kohlen is a German surname. It is derived from the German word "Kohle", which means coal. The name can be found as the first recorded spelling of the Kohlen surname in Germany. Generally, the name was given to individuals who either worked in the coal mining industry, or resided in a place that was known for its coal mining activity. In some cases, the name may also have been given to people who lived near physical features that were believed to be associated with coal, such as coal-colored lakes or mountains.
Thus, the Kohlen surname was likely derived from the type of early business and industry that the family was associated with. This is a standard practice across various European languages. Additionally, the name may have been passed down through families and adopted by individuals who did not have an immediate connection to mining. Over time, the Kohlen surname became associated with families and individuals identified with the coal industry and its related activities.
Although the original meaning of the Kohlen surname has been lost to history, it is still held as a great source of pride among its descendants. To this day, the Kohlen name continues to be associated with industry, craftsmanship, hard work, and determination. It is a reminder of one’s legacy, and a token of a bygone era of resourceful and independent people.
Order DNA origin analysisKohlen: Where does the name Kohlen come from?
The last name Kohlen is quite a rarity today, but it can be found scattered around the world. It is most often found in Germany, where it is the 26,690th most common family name. It is also somewhat common in the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland, and Austria.
In the United States, it is quite obscure. Census records indicate that it is the 19,898th most common surname in America, with only around 2,000 individuals with it. Most of these have German ancestry and originate from the Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and New York regions, where many German immigrants moved during the 19th century.
In Canada, the name is much rarer than in the United States. It is estimated that only around 500 people in Canada have the last name Kohlen. The vast majority of these are located in provinces with a large population of German descent, such as Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.
It is also known to be found in small numbers in South African, Brazilian, French, and other European countries, as well as in countries like Belgium, Hungary, and Slovakia.
Variations of the surname Kohlen
The surname Kohlen is of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Middle Low German term “kölen” which referred to a type of coal or charcoal. As the surname has been adapted in different languages and cultures, numerous variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin have emerged.
Variants of the surname Kohlen include Coln, Kolon, Kollin, Koehlen, and Kollen. Spellings of the name include Koehlen, Kohlhen, Köhln, Köhlen, Köhlhen, Kolehn, Kolehen, Kolen, and Koolen. Surnames of the same origin include Kolb, Koltz, Kölb, Költz, Kolt, Koltzmann, Koltman, Koltz, Kolte, and Koltmann.
In German, the meaning of the Kohlen surname has evolved to be ‘a hoar or hoary man’, and sometimes ‘a man who lives between high hills and low hills.’ In Jewish culture, the surname Kohlen may refer to an individual who worked with charcoal.
Kohlen is a common surname in many countries, including Germany, the United States, Canada, France, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. It is also present in many other countries, such as Australia, Mexico, Hungary and Poland.
Famous people with the name Kohlen
- Fabian Kohlen: Swiss Actor, TV Host, and Model
- Celine Kohlen: Belgian singer and songwriter
- Gaetan Kohlen: Swiss professional football defender and coach
- Schecky Kohlen: Swiss professional ice hockey player
- Erik Kohlen: Dutch professional football player
- Jean-Baptiste Kohlen: French professional basketball player
- Zara Kohlen: Dutch contemporary artist
- Deliour Kohlen: Belgian Olympia cyclist
- Sven Kohlen: German professional skater
- Anke Kohlen: German novice dressage rider, professional coach, and rider judge