Surname Keilhauer - Meaning and Origin
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Keilhauer: What does the surname Keilhauer mean?
The last name Keilhauer is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word Keil, which means ‘wedge’ or ‘chisel’. It was likely used by a family of blacksmiths or metalworkers whose most important tool was the forge hammer, which was used to manipulate hot metal by driving down a wedge or chisel. In other words, the Keilhauer family likely found its their name derived from the wedge – a symbol that represents strength, accuracy and skill in crafting.
As a descendant of this historic family, you likely have a unique appreciation for the craftsmanship of metalworking and smithing. Even today, the art of shaping metal is seen as an expression of skill and beauty, and the tools used in such mastery are considered prestigious reminders of a rich history and heritage. Your name, Keilhauer, serves as a reminder of the time-honored art of metalworking and could, therefore, be seen as a badge of dedication and excellence.
This name carries a deep sense of pride and connection to Germanic culture and can be traced back hundreds of years to the Middle High German blacksmiths and metalworkers. As a Keilhauer, you represent an important part of history, and with each use of your surname, you are honoring the skill, strength and artistry of your ancestors.
Order DNA origin analysisKeilhauer: Where does the name Keilhauer come from?
The last name Keilhauer is particularly common in some parts of Germany, particularly in the North Rhine-Westphalia region which is the West and South West of Germany. There it is one of the fifty most common last names in the country. The name is likely of German or Dutch origin and likely indicates a connection to the trade in horses.
Keilhauer is also commonly found in the United States, particularly in the Midwest and East Coast. It is present in states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, and West Virginia. The highest concentration of the name is likely found in Pennsylvania where there are more than 1000 people with the surname. The majority of those who have the name in the United States are likely descendants of German immigrants who settled in America in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The last name is also common in Canada. It is one of the more common last names in both Ontario and British Columbia.
In general, the last name Keilhauer is most common in Germanic countries and in Germanic-influenced regions such as the United States, Canada, and parts of the South Pacific. It is likely of German origin, and potentially Dutch.
Variations of the surname Keilhauer
Keilhauer is a surname of German origin, from the German root word keil meaning “wedge” or “narrow”. The name is a reference to the shape of a wedge, and may have been used as an occupational surname for a craftsman who worked with a wedge shape, such as a carpenter or sculptor. The name is also found in many other European countries, including Austria, Switzerland, and Turkey.
Variant spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Keilhauer include: Kailhauer, Kahlhauer, Kalhauer, Kauhauer, Kaulhauer, Kailhaeuer, Kahlhaeuer, Kalhaeuer, Kauhaeuer, and Kaulhaeuer.
Keilhauer is also seen as a westernized spelling of the Jewish surname Arutz, which was sometimes changed to appear more German. Therefore, Keilhauer may sometimes be spelled as Arutz.
In addition, Keilhauer is also seen as a source of patronymic surnames, such as Keller (son of Keilhauer) and Keeler (son of Keilhauer). This means that if the original bearer of the name had children, they may have adopted a patronymic surname based on the original version of their father’s surname. For example, if the father was named Keilhauer, the son could have taken the surname Keller.
Keilhauer is also seen as an alternate spelling for the surname Keilhauer von Riedberg, which is a prominent German family that traces its ancestry to the 1600s. The keynote feature of this family is their wealth, which was acquired through land ownership and industrial investments over several generations. The family’s estate includes a castle, called The Alte Schloss, which is located in the Bavarian town of Riedberg.
Lastly, Keilhauer is also seen as a variation of the surname Kelhauer, which is derived from the same German roots.
Famous people with the name Keilhauer
- Ellen Keilhauer, Professor and Director of the Economics Department at Universidad de la República in Uruguay.
- Andreas Keilhauer, German football player who currently plays for TSV 1860 München.
- Ulrich Keilhauer, German Pyrat CNV drummer.
- Emma Keilhauer, Swiss diver who competed in the 2012 Summer Olympics.
- Hans Keilhauer, Austrian World War II veteran.
- Katharina Keilhauer, Austrian figure skater for many years who competed in many national and international competitions.
- Mia Keilhauer, German swimmer who has won many awards in the sport including the 2017 European Championships.
- Roy Keilhauer, a Canadian visual Effects artist nominated for an Oscar for his work on The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
- Steffen Keilhauer, German ice hockey player who represented the German national team in several international competitions.
- Willi Keilhauer, German tennis player at the 1933 Wimbledon tournament.