Surname Conkle - Meaning and Origin

Conkle: What does the surname Conkle mean?

The last name Conkle is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "kunkel", which means spindle or distaff, a tool used in spinning. It is believed to be an occupational surname given originally to individuals who worked with a spindle or made spindles, indicating a person involved in the production of yarn and fabric. The original name has undergone various changes due to regional dialects, local pronunciation, or translation, leading to different spelling variations such as Kunkel, Kunkle, and Conkle. The Conkle surname is common in the United States, particularly in Ohio. It should be noted that the meaning and origins of a surname can vary, being influenced by geographical, historical, and cultural factors.

Conkle: Where does the name Conkle come from?

The last name Conkle is believed to have originated from Germany. This surname is a variant of the German last name “Konkel”, which is likely a topographic name for someone who lived near a particular physical feature, such as a ravine or channel. The name may also derive from the medieval personal name "Kunkel", associated with the word for spindle due to the patron's occupation in spinning or thread making.

Today, the surname Conkle is found most commonly in the United States, specifically in the regions of the Midwest and the South. It is also found in smaller numbers in other countries such as Canada. As with many surnames, the distribution of the name Conkle has likely changed over time due to migration and intermarriage, so it is possible for it to be found in various places around the world. However, it is not one of the most common surnames, and therefore its distribution is relatively limited.

Variations of the surname Conkle

The surname Conkle likely originated from either Germany or Holland and came to America during earlier waves of immigration. The exact origin of this surname is uncertain but it is believed to be connected to derivatives of the German term "kunkel", which means spindle. Over time, the spelling of the surname has been altered, leading to various versions.

The primary variant of Conkle is Conklin. Other versions have included Conklyn and Conkling. Some instances of Kunkel and Kunkle can be found, especially in regions of Pennsylvania where German immigrants were most common. Their spelling and pronunciation have naturally evolved over time to match English phonetic tendencies, leading to versions like Conkle.

In the Netherlands, similar derivations like Conkel and Konkel might be found, although these are less common. Additionally, there might be versions of this surname that have dropped or added letters, such as Conkel, Cunkle, or even Conk. However, Conkle and its variants are not especially common surnames, so the range of possible versions is relatively limited.

It should be noted that the existence of a name variant does not always indicate a shared origin or family link, as names could be changed for a variety of reasons.

Famous people with the name Conkle

• Jeff Conkle: An American shortstop in Major League Baseball.
• Bill Conkle:An American television producer and director, best known for his work on the television series “Friends” and “Cheers”.
• Grant Conkle: An American baseball pitcher, who played for the Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago White Sox in the 1990s.
• Devon Conkle: An American actress who starred in the TV show “As the World Turns”.
• Katherine Conkle: An American poet and writer, author of the poetry collection “Between the Lines”.
• Mackenzie Conkle: An American fitness model and bodybuilder known for her physique and physique-focused lifestyle.
• Stephen Conkle:An American basketball player who played for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1981 until 1988 and was part of their 1984-85 NBA championship team.
• Alexander Conkle: An American composer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer.
• Anna Conkle: An American model, actress, and singer, best known for her role on the NBC series “Falling Skies”.
• Larry Conkle: An American guitarist and member of the classic rock band “The Four Seasons”.

Other surnames

ConklinConkling