Surname Kempgen - Meaning and Origin

Kempgen: What does the surname Kempgen mean?

The last name Kempgen is a German surname which comes from the region of Bavaria. It is derived from the Old High German words ‘kum’, which was a nickname for a nobleman, and ‘bogen’, which translates as bowman. Combined, these two words suggest that those who carry the Kempgen surname are descended from medieval bowmen or noble archers.

In Germany, the Kempgen surname is found in certain areas of Bavaria, such as the Bavarian region of Altmannsdorf where nearly two hundred people with the surname Kempgen lived in the year 1900. Records of the Kempgen family dating back to 1585 in the city of Bremen confirm that it is a very ancient family name, one that is held by many generations of German citizens.

The Kempgen surname also appears to be linked with the Middle High German names Kuempert and Kumpert, which also mean ‘bowman’. Interestingly, the Kempgen name is also found in the United States. In one US immigration record from 1889, a Kempgen family was noted to have arrived from Germany.

Today, the Kempgen name can be found the world over. While its original meaning is now all but forgotten, the link to archery remains; in modern Germany the Kempgen name is used as a trademark for a leading archery equipment manufacturer. Perhaps it is befitting that people who carry the Kempgen name are associated with such a historical and noble tradition.

Kempgen: Where does the name Kempgen come from?

Kempgen is a German surname that is commonly found in Germany, particularly in the states of Hesse, Lower Saxony, and North Rhine-Westphalia. It is also found in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, Austria, Slovenia, and other countries in central and eastern Europe. Additionally, Kempgen is encountered in record books as far as South Africa and the Caribbean.

Within Germany, Kempgen is found most frequently around the region of Westphalia, a historical region of northwestern Germany. Records show the name was present in the area from at least the late 18th-century. It is even believed to have derived directly from Westphalia, which would explain why it is found so often in the region.

There is also the possibility that Kempgen is a regional adaptation of another German surname. Kempe, Kempen, and Kempf all exist, although the use of Kempgen appears far more frequent. These closely associated surnames may have all evolved from a similar origin.

Given the frequency with which Kempgen is found around Germany, it is safe to assume the surname has remained popular in the country since its origin centuries ago. Although records indicate Kempgen is not as numerous or widespread as some other German surnames, it is still present in the country and in other parts of Europe.

Variations of the surname Kempgen

The Kempgen surname has a variety of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Some of the common variations of Kempgen include Kamphgen, Kempjon, Kampgen, Kemppen, Kempton, and Kempton. Additionally, Kempfer, Kemps, Kemmler, Kempler, and Kempkens are all variations of Kempgen.

Kempgen is usually associated with German or Dutch origin, although the most definitive origin is unclear. This surname may have been derived from the German word “kampf” or “kamp” which translates to conflict or war and indicates a warrior-like background.

The German version of Kempgen is Kamphgen which kept its original spelling as the family migrated around Europe. Kempjon is also a variation of Kamphgen and this variation was mainly found in the United States. This can be attributed to the Dutch influence in sections of the United States such as New York.

Kemppen, Kempton, and Kempton are variants of Kempgen which have been associated with Scottish origin. It was also found that Kemppen may have also been a form of Kemps or Kamp which is a surname of Dutch origin.

Kempfer, Kempler, and Kempkens are German variants of Kempgen. It is thought that Kempfer is a combination of the words “kampf” and “fer” which means ‘one who fought’. Kempler may be derived from “Kempa” which is a manly name indicating the family comes from a strong clan. Kempkens may have been derived from the Dutch word “Kempt” which means “clever”.

Overall, the Kempgen surname has various different spellings, variants, and surnames which all originated from the same source.

Famous people with the name Kempgen

• Urban Kempgen: German musician and composer.
• Wolfram Kempgen: German Biblical and Ancient Near East scholar.
• Gunnar Kempgen: German actor, director, and screenwriter.
• Kristina Kempgen: German football coach and former player.
• Hans-Peter Kempgen: German geographer specializing in Eastern Europe.
• KurtKempgen: German economist and former president of the German Social Democratic Party.
• Robert Kempgen: German jazz bassist.
• Franz Kempgen: German operatic tenor.
• Friedrich Kempgen: German publisher of theological and musical literature.
• Detlef Kempgen: German-American abstract painter.

Other surnames

KempgensKempges