Surname Kirchgaessner - Meaning and Origin

Kirchgaessner: What does the surname Kirchgaessner mean?

Kirchgaessner is a German surname believed to have originated from the Middle Ages. The name comes from the Old High German words "kirihhait," meaning church, and "gisnah," which means to make a cooperative agreement or bargain. As such, it is possible that Kirchgaessner is a name that was adopted by local church officials or even people who made deals with the church in some capacity.

In modern times, the Kirchgaessner surname is still found throughout Europe but is most commonly seen in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is even found among the approximately 1 million German-Americans in the United States.

For those that bear the Kirchgaessner name, it is often seen as a sign of pride and respect. Those with the surname embody the virtues of hard work and commitment which their ancestors have shown. It is a name that stands for strength, resilience, and a deep-rooted history that binds together generations.

The Kirchgaessner surname carries an undeniable legacy and one that those who bear it share and pass on to future generations. It is a proud reminder of a family’s past with each individual bearing the commitments, values, and strength that make up the Kirchgaessner heritage.

Kirchgaessner: Where does the name Kirchgaessner come from?

The last name Kirchgaessner is an ethnic German surname, likely of Prussian origin. It is most common today throughout Germany, particularly in the state of Schleswig-Holstein. This name may also be found in other parts of Europe, such as the Czech Republic and Austria, as well as other areas with significant German populations, such as the United States and Brazil.

The earliest recorded use of the name dates back to 1651, when a Johann van Kirchgaessner was recorded in the town of Merin in Germany. It was likely a patronymic name, meaning son of Kirchgässner, an old German title derived from the word "Kirchgässer" which means church visitor or church attendant. Over time, the name Kirchgaessner has evolved and been adopted by many new families who have distant ties to this original name.

Throughout the centuries, many people with the name Kirchgaessner have achieved success: 18th century composer Joannes Friedrich Kirchgaessner; 18th century engraver Johann Kirchgaessner; 19th century painter and sculptor Joseph Ahasverus Kirchgaessner; and 20th century Olympic luge athlete Jorg Kirchgaessner are among the most recognized bearers of this name.

Today, the name Kirchgaessner continues to stand out as a unique surname. Though many variations of the spelling can be found, the name is held in high regard and a source of pride for those who carry it.

Variations of the surname Kirchgaessner

The surname Kirchgaessner is an occupational name that is derived from the German language and refers to a person who was the 'church gatherer,' or someone who collected taxes or dues for a church or religious institution. The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include:

Kirchengeissner: A common spelling of Kirchgaessner, this surname originates from the Central German dialect.

Keirchgaessner: A variant spelling of Kirchgaessner, this variation is very popular in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Körchgässner: Another variant of the Kirchgaessner surname, this spelling can be found within other German-speaking regions, such as Bavaria and the Austro-Bavarian region.

Kirchgasser: Another variation of the Kirchgaessner surname, this spelling comes from the German word kirche, meaning church.

Kirchengeisseler: A spelling of Kirchgaessner which is widely used in Germany and Austria.

Kirchgasner: A variation of the surname Kirchgaessner, this spelling is most often used in Switzerland.

Kircher: A German surname which translates to churchman or church worker and draws its roots from the same profession as the Kirchgaessner surname.

Kirchhoff: A German surname deriving from the Old High German word kirihha and meaning literally, “person from the church.”

Kirschenbauer: A third branch of the name Kirchgaessner, this surname is derived from the German word kirschen, meaning cherries, and stems from the profession/duty of farming and/or gathering fruits, nuts, or berries.

Kirschenhauer: A spelling of Kirschenbauer, this variation of the surname can also be found in Germany, Austria, and other German-speaking regions.

Famous people with the name Kirchgaessner

• Simon Kirchgaessner: German journalist, correspondent of The Guardian newspaper since 2014.
• Heribert Kirchgaessner: former German footballer and manager.
• Eva Kirchgaessner: German television journalist and presenter.
• Jacob A. Kirchgaessner: American politician who served one term in the Ohio House of Representatives.
• Johannes Kirchgaessner: former German footballer who played for Magdeburg.
• Klaus Kirchgaessner: former German swimmer who won a bronze medal at the 1982 European Aquatics Championships.
• Roland Kirchgaessner: former German footballer and manager.
• Toni Kirchgaessner: former German decathlete and Olympic athlete.
• Viktor Kirchgaessner: German international footballer who last played for SV Sandhausen.
• Susi Kirchgaessner: German television presenter and producer.

Other surnames

Kirchgaesser