Surname Kohlberg - Meaning and Origin

Kohlberg: What does the surname Kohlberg mean?

The last name Kohlberg is of German origin and derives from the word ‘Kohl’. This word itself is derived from the Old High German word ‘cohila’ which means cabbage. Thus, it can be surmised that the original bearer of this surname may have been a cabbage farmer or someone who specifically dealt in the sale of vegetables.

In modern times, those bearing the surname Kohlberg have adopted various different occupations. These have included academics, lawyers, bankers, musicians and even politicians.

The surname is associated with various famous individuals, most notably renowned psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg. He was the founder of the Cognitive Development Theory which is widely accepted as a revolution in psychology and is still used today despite having been developed in the 1960s. This theory studied the moral development of children and its findings are used in many educational and psychological settings.

Additionally, the Kohlberg’s are a prominent family in the United States, with members featuring in such roles as corporate attorneys, investment bankers, businessmen and philanthropists.

In summary, the surname Kohlberg has its roots in the farming world yet today has become a well-known surname in various settings, both in the past and present. It is associated with pioneers in various fields, such as psychology and business, as well as with prominent members of society.

Kohlberg: Where does the name Kohlberg come from?

The Kohlberg surname is most commonly found in countries with strong historical ties to Germany. In the modern era, the highest concentration of the name is found in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of the year 2020, the name Kohlberg is particularly common in the states of Pennsylvania, New York, California, Illinois, and Florida.

Outside of the United States, the Kohlberg surname is most common in Germany and Austria, though it is found throughout Europe in varying concentrations. According to the FamilySearch database, Kohlberg is also quite common in the Netherlands, and the name is particularly common in the capital city of Amsterdam.

The Kohlberg surname is also found in areas of South America, primarily in Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. In these countries, the surname appears to have been brought in most often by Jewish settlers who moved out of Germany during World War II.

The Kohlberg surname is also found in Israel. The Central Database of Shoah Victims' Names states that around 350 people with the name Kohlberg perished in the Holocaust. The name is likely to have been spread to Israel from Germany.

Finally, Kohlberg can also be found in South Africa. The Central Database of Shoah Victims Names also states that around 200 people with the surname Kohlberg settled in South Africa after the war, most likely from Germany or other countries in Europe.

Variations of the surname Kohlberg

Kohlberg is a German-Jewish surname. There is no single spelling of the name; instead, it has multiple spellings and variants. In German, the surname is sometimes spelled Kohlberger or Kohlberg, while in English it is often spelled Kolberg or Coalberg. There are even versions of the name spelled as Köhlberg and Kölberg.

A variant of Kohlberg is Kohlbärger, which is a Low German spelling of the surname. This is especially common in Germany's northwest, where Low German is the primary language. Külpe and Kolb are also related to this surname, though their origins are much older and less common.

Another spelling variation of the name is spelled Kaulberg, which is much more common among Jewish families than other spellings and variants. Kaul is also an alternative spelling of Kohlberg.

Kaufman, Kauffman and Koffman are all in some way related to the Kohlberg surname, as they evolved from the Hebrew word "Kohanim", meaning priest. These variations are all used predominantly by Jewish families.

While Kohlberg is the most widely used surname today, its origins date back to the historically German-Jewish communities. Other surnames, such as Kaulberg, Kolb, Köhlberg, Kölberg, Koffman, Kauffman and Kaufman, are all related to the original name in some way. Though no single spelling for the surname is correct, each variant carries unique history and heritage from its original German and Jewish roots.

Famous people with the name Kohlberg

• Lawrence Kohlberg: American psychologist and writer, main proponent of the philosophical approach to ethical reasoning known as stage theory
• Anni Kohlberg: Austrian contemporary artist, who uses a wide range of materials and techniques to create her art and sculptures
• Darryl Kohlberg: Foundation Director and Editor of ReImagine Education, former non-profit director and student affairs leader
• Dean Kohlberg: American-born, Berlin-based producer and composer of modern electronic music
• Fred A. Kohlberg, Jr.: American investor, Chairman and CEO of KKR & Co. Inc., one of the most prestigious private equity firms in the world
• Harold Kohlberg: American businessman and philanthropist, former chairman and president of the Simon Wiesenthal Center
• Irwin Kohlberg: American physicist and astronomer, contributing to the research and development of solar energy and Earth's poles
• Michael Kohlberg: German poet, lyricist, playwright and editor
• Philip Kohlberg: Austrian-American film producer and director, known for his work with documentaries and feature films
• Richard Kohlberg: American investor, co-founder of KKR Financial, founder of Sumitomo Corp's U.S. private equity operations.

Other surnames

Kohlberger