Kikel Family History
Kikel Surname Meaning
The Americanized form of Slovenian Kikelj serves as a nickname or metonymic occupational name stemming from the dialect kikel(j) meaning ‘shirt’, which itself originates from the Middle High German kit(t)el (see Kittel). In Slovenia, the surname appears in the form Kikel and, in most cases, represents a name of different origin (see 2 below); it may also possess Gottscheerish (i.e. Gottschee German) roots (see 4 below).
In Slovenian, the surname is a nickname derived from the dialect term kikel(j) which translates to ‘prong of an antler’ or ‘lush tuft of hair’. This is comparable to the term Kickel. In South German contexts, it functions as a nickname from Middle High German gi(e)gel meaning ‘fool’ or could even be a variant of Geigel.
The German interpretation of the name may either be an altered form of Gögl (see Gogel), derived from some other South German name (see 3 above), or could share the same ultimate German origins as the Slovenian surname Kikelj (see 1 above). Notably, this surname is recognized as a Gottscheerish (i.e. Gottschee German) surname that traces its origins back to the Kočevsko region in Lower Carniola, Slovenia (see Kocevar).
Overall, the name reflects a rich tapestry of linguistic and cultural influences, showcasing its varied meanings and origins across different regions. The interplay of these factors enhances our understanding of the surname's evolution over time.
As a result, the surname Kikelj and its derivatives not only illustrate the complexity of identity in Slovenian and German heritage but also highlight the interconnectedness of language and occupation within these communities.
Source: Dictionary of American Family Names 2nd edition, 2022