Surname Kienholz - Meaning and Origin

Kienholz: What does the surname Kienholz mean?

The surname Kienholz is of German origin, derived from the Old Prussian word knöl(e), referring to a hill or mound. As such, the family name translates to something akin to “hill dweller.” Further research reveals that the Kienholz surname specifically originates from the region of Wetterau in central Germany, which is home to a mountain range known as the Wetterauer Berge. The northeastern half of this range is known as the Kienholz, a mountain ridge spanning 72 hectares and reaching heights of up to 378 meters.

The Kienholz surname has been carried for generations in various countries, including Switzerland and the United States. The Kienholz family has a long-standing presence in Louisiana and Mississippi, with many of today’s Kienholz descendants having roots in these two states. In Germany, the name is most associated with the areas of Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and the regions bordering the Rhine.

Kienholz is a unique surname that carries with it deep historical and cultural significance, connecting multiple generations of those that carry it with a sense of shared identity. Whether through its German heritage, its association with the Wetterauer Berge, or its history in Louisiana and Mississippi, the Kienholz name maintains a strongly rooted identity that will continue to be passed down for many generations to come.

Kienholz: Where does the name Kienholz come from?

The last name Kienholz is most commonly found in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein. It is also found in other parts of Europe, as well as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

The name Kienholz is a German surname and is derived from the Middle High German word "kienholze," which means a mature oak forest. In Germany, it is most commonly found in the southwestern and western parts, including areas like North-Rhine Westphalia and Rhineland Palatinate. In Switzerland, it has a presence in the canton of Zurich.

In the United States, the Kienholz surname is concentrated in the Midwestern states. This includes Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Nebraska. Furthermore, there are pockets of Kienholz households in California and Illinois. In Canada, the majority of Kienholz families are found in the eastern provinces, notably Nova Scotia, Quebec, and Ontario.

The history of the Kienholz surname is rich, and its presence in different parts of the world is living evidence of people’s mobility centuries ago. The Kienholz family name is no longer confined to one region, as it has spread to other countries and continents due to a variety of reasons and the passage of time.

Variations of the surname Kienholz

Kienholz is a German surname derived from the word ‘kine’ meaning hereditary nobility. Different spellings and surnames from the same origin include Kinholtz, Kienholtz, Kinhulz, and Kienholzer. There are also variants such as Kenilworth, Kinsolle, and Kynholtz.

The most common spelling is Kienholz, which is found mainly in Germany. Kienholtz is more commonly found in the United States, especially in Pennsylvania, while Kinholtz is the spelling of choice in Switzerland. Kinhulz is relatively rare and is mainly found in northern Germany, while Kienholzer is encountered more frequently in Austria and southern Germany.

Variants such as Kenilworth and Kinsolle could be foreign-language derivations of the original Kienholz. Kynholtz is a more unusual variant which could be a derivative of the Swiss Kinholtz.

Kienholz is an old and established surname, with numerous branches and branches-off. It is one of the few German surnames that is still in use today. Though there may be variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin, the Kienholz surname is a proud reminder of German heritage.

Famous people with the name Kienholz

• Edward Kienholz: Edward Kienholz was a prominent American installation artist and sculptor. He was part of the birth of the American Pop Art movement in the 1960s.
• Nancy Kienholz: Nancy Kienholz is an American artist, known for political and feminist works. She collaborated with her husband Edward Kienholz on many of their installations.
• Barney Kienholz: Barney Kienholz was a popular American artist and sculptor who became known in the 1960s for his work with gumball machines. He and his wife, Nancy Kienholz, collaborated on many of their projects.
• Mary Kienholz: Mary Kienholz is an American installation artist and sculptor, known for her use of found objects. She has collaborated with her husband, Edward Kienholz, on numerous art projects.
• Jody Kienholz: Jody Kienholz is an American neo-expressionist painter and sculptor. She is the daughter of Edward Kienholz and Nancy Kienholz and has exhibited her art around the world.
• Roxy Kienholz: Roxy Kienholz is an American performance and installation artist from Los Angeles. She is the daughter of artist Edward Kienholz and Nancy Reddin Kienholz and often works with found objects in her work.
• Jennifer Kienholz: Jennifer Kienholz is an American multimedia artist who combines printmaking, sculpture and ceramics in her pieces. She is the daughter of Edward Kienholz and Nancy Reddin Kienholz.
• Lauren Kienholz: Lauren Kienholz is an American multimedia, performance and installation artist. She is the daughter of Edward Kienholz and Nancy Reddin Kienholz and often works with found objects in her artwork.

Other surnames

Kienhöfer