Surname Kappes - Meaning and Origin
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Discovering Kappes Lineage Globally Through My iGENEA DNA Test Journey
Taking the iGENEA DNA test opened up a chapter of my lineage that was previously unknown. Through the results, I found the German roots of my surname Kappes and connected with other Kappes globally, leading to inspiring exchanges and self-discovery.
I. Kappes
read moreKappes: What does the surname Kappes mean?
The last name Kappes is of German origin and is derived from the German word "Kappen” meaning “cap”. The surname likely originated as a nickname for someone who wore a type of cap, or in some cases, it may have been used to describe someone who made caps or other headwear.
In the Middle Ages, it was fashionable for noblemen to wear velvet caps and distinctive hats. The name Kappes likely evolved from this fashion trend. It is also possible that the surname may have a second interpretation: it was used to describe someone who lived near a hut resembling a cap.
Throughout history, several prominent figures have had the surname Kappes. Matthias Kappes was a Bavarian farmer mentioned in many documents dating back to the 17th century. Lippius Kappes von Brockhaus was an 18th century Prussian soldier who became a Knight of Ihant. Johan Tidemann Mathiesen Kappes was a Norwegian ship captain who served in the navy during the Napoleonic Wars.
Today, the surname Kappes is common throughout Europe, especially in Germany and Scandinavian countries like Norway. Those who bear this surname often find its historical background to be both interesting and enlightening.
Order DNA origin analysisKappes: Where does the name Kappes come from?
The last name Kappes is of German origin and is a relatively popular surname today. It is most common in western and central Europe, particularly in Germany and Austria, as well as in countries of former German influence such as Poland and Hungary. It is also found in Northern Italy and a few other parts of Europe including Luxembourg and Denmark.
In the United States, Kappes is especially prevalent in the American Midwest and in states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Indiana. It is also found in California, and in certain areas of the Southwest such as Arizona and Texas.
Outside of Europe, the last name Kappes is commonly found in certain parts of South America, particularly in Argentina and Chile. Venezuelans and people from Central America, as well as the Philippines are also known to have the last name Kappes. In Canada, the last name is most common in the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia.
Additionally, Kappes is a fairly popular last name in the United Kingdom, particularly in the city of London. It is also found in parts of Scotland, Ireland, and Wales.
Overall, the last name Kappes is wide-reaching and can be found in many places around the world.
Variations of the surname Kappes
The surname Kappes is an ancient Germanic surname which is derived from the family of a chieftain and based on the German word Kappe, which means “head” or “cap.” This surname is sometimes written as Kapp, Kopp, Kaub, Koppe, Koops, and Koppes and derives from the nickname for the chief of the clan, which was probably given to him due to his position of authority or his physical appearance. It is also sometimes spelled with a double “p” (Kappes) due to the frequent shifting of German phonetics. As an example,
Kappes variants are commonly found in many countries, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, and France. Variations of the name may also be seen in other countries, including America, England, Ireland, and Australia.
In the United States, the most commonly seen variants include Kopp, Koppe, Koppes, Koppel, Kaub, Kube. Among the variations of the name in France, one finds Caubet, Koppier, Kupp, Coupon, Koppen, and Coupier. In the Netherlands, one finds the variants Koppen, Koppers, and Koppisch.
In the English-speaking world, some derivatives of the name include Kopp, Koppe, Koppel, Kap, Kapp, Kaub, Kube, and Kappus. In Ireland, some variations of the name include Kapp, Kaub, Kappus, and Kapal.
The surname Kappes is an ancient and widespread family name, which is primarily found among German-speaking populations. Despite its many variants, the surname has remained popular in many countries over time, suggesting that it may have been established in many different regions around the world.
Famous people with the name Kappes
- Rick Kappes: A former professional NBA basketball player who was a first-round draft pick in 1981 and subsequently played for five teams in the league.
- Dale Kappes: A famous former American stock car racing driver who won multiple NASCAR races during his career.
- Troy Kappes: A former Major League Baseball pitcher who made 51 appearances in the big leagues from 1996 to 1999.
- Dave Kappes: An American comedian, actor, and television host who is best known for his work as a correspondent on The Daily Show.
- Wolfgang Kappes: A German composer, arranger, and bandleader since 1987 whose music is known in over 30 countries.
- Patrick Kappes: An American actor, director, and comedian who has appeared in many films and television shows, most notably in the role of Nick Hardy on the sitcom Taxi.
- Marianei Kappes: A renowned Brazilian classical pianist who has performed with orchestras around the world and has released several solo albums.
- Mathias Kappes: A Bavarian-born Austrian entrepreneur who founded the Kappesberg company in 1824 and has been credited with revolutionizing the furniture-making industry in Europe.
- Corey Kappes: An American professional bull rider who has competed at major rodeos since 2006 and has achieved several world championships titles in the sport.
- Heinrich Kappes: A German chemist and inventor who developed the Kappes-Fischer method in the 19th century, which revolutionized the production of glass.