Last names help connect us to our family history and culture. Names that start with the letter K can have interesting meanings and stories. Whether they come from different countries or have unique origins, these last names can add a special touch to identity.
Today, we will look at some common and less common last names that start with K. From their meanings to their origins, this overview will give you a better understanding of this unique letter in the world of surnames. Let’s jump right in and see what we find!
Last Names That Start With K
Kearney
The surname Kearney is of Irish origin and means ‘descendant of Cearnach’, which refers to a warrior or a champion. This last name carries a sense of bravery and valor, linking the bearer to a proud heritage.
Klein
Klein is a surname of German origin, meaning ‘small’ or ‘little’. This name often suggests a connection to a family that is humble or has a modest demeanor, despite possibly having a rich history.
Kaplan
Kaplan is a last name that originates from the Hebrew word for ‘tiger’. It symbolizes strength and power, making it a popular surname among families with strong cultural ties.
Kelley
Kelley is an Irish surname that means ‘warrior’ or ‘descendant of Ceallach’. It evokes images of fierce fighters and carries a strong connection to family roots.
Koval
The surname Koval has Ukrainian and Jewish origins, meaning ‘smith’. This name relates to craftsmanship and skill, often associated with family trades.
Kirkland
Kirkland is a Scottish surname that means ‘church land’. It reflects a family’s connection to their local community and spirituality, emphasizing values important in their culture.
Katz
Katz is a surname with historical roots in the Hebrew language, meaning ‘priest’. This title indicates respect and lineage, often associated with esteemed family traditions.
Krauss
Krauss is a German surname that means ‘curly’ or ‘curly-haired person’. It can hint at characteristics or qualities of the ancestors, connecting the name to personal features.
Kaiser
Kaiser is a surname of German origin, literally meaning ’emperor’. It might imply nobility or a prestigious lineage, making it a powerful family name.
Kong
Kong is a surname common in Chinese culture. It can mean ‘vast’ or ‘great’, signifying significance in history or family achievements.
Kleeman
Kleeman is a variant of the last name Klein, suggesting a connection to smallness or humility, often cherished in family legacy.
Kinnard
Kinnard is a surname of likely Gaelic origin, meaning ‘brave soldier’. This name carries a strong implication of courage and heroism.
Kosinski
Kosinski is a Polish surname that means ‘of the small village’. It points to a connection with humble origins, suggesting a close-knit community.
Kennedy
Kennedy is an Irish last name meaning ‘helmeted chief’. This strong name indicates leadership and authority in familial history.
Katzman
Katzman can refer to someone who is a ‘priest’ or has a background in religious service, emphasizing their spiritual heritage.
Kordas
Kordas is a surname with Slavic roots meaning ‘of the cord’. This name might suggest a connection to trades involving ropes or specialized craftsmanship.
Kampbell
Came from the Gaelic ‘Caimbeul’, meaning ‘crooked mouth’. This name relates to distinct features or characteristics within the family lineage.
Kossoff
Kossoff is an Ashkenazi Jewish surname that could indicate a region or historical context, adding depth to one’s family history.
Kokkinos
Kokkinos is a Greek surname translating to ‘red’, possibly related to physical traits or geographical ties.
Kleinberg
Kleinberg translates to ‘small mountain’ in German, symbolizing geographic features intertwined with family stories and heritage.
Koller
This surname of German origin means ‘barrel maker’. It often reflects a family trade, linking the last name to traditional craftsmanship.
Kirsten
Kirsten is a surname common in Denmark and the Scandinavian countries, meaning ‘follower of Christ’. This might suggest a religious background and family values tied to faith.
Kareem
Kareem, while often seen as a first name, is also used as a surname that means ‘generous’ in Arabic, highlighting cultural importance around kindness and goodwill.
Kobayashi
Kobayashi is a Japanese surname meaning ‘small forest’. This beautiful name can symbolize nature and tranquility, connecting families to their traditional roots.
Klahn
Klahn is a surname from Germany, often connected to craft and skill in woodwork, emphasizing a proud tradesman history.
Kishimoto
Kishimoto is a Japanese surname that means ‘north island’. This reflects geographical ties linking family stories to specific places.
Kwasny
The surname Kwasny is Polish in origin and means ‘sour’. While it might be an unusual meaning, it connects the name to its cultural roots.
Kraft
Kraft is a German surname meaning ‘strength’. It signifies resilience and power, often associated with the family’s character and legacy.
Kashan
Kashan has Persian roots, often associated with a connection to a beautiful city known for its pottery and carpets.
Khalil
Khalil is an Arabic surname signifying ‘friend’. This name often highlights community and relationships that families value.
Kittner
Kittner is a German surname meaning ‘kitten’. While it may seem light-hearted, it often reflects familial warmth.
Kearns
Kearns is an Irish surname meaning ‘sciath’ or ‘protection’, indicating a lineage that values safety and guardianship.
Kramer
Kramer is an occupational surname from German, translating to ‘merchant’. It emphasizes a historical connection to trade and commerce.
Kovach
This surname is of Slavic origin, meaning ‘smith’. It connects to craftsmanship and family skills passed down through generations.
Kinsella
Kinsella is an Irish surname meaning ‘descendant of the one with the small head’. It ties families back to unique characteristics that enhance their identity.
Kupperman
Kupperman is a surname with origins implying ‘leader’ or ‘chief’, linking families to historical authority.
Khalid
Khalid, common in Arabic-speaking cultures, means ‘eternal’ or ‘immortal’, symbolizing lasting legacy in family history.
Kern
Kern is a surname of German or Dutch origin, meaning ‘grain’. It signifies a connection to agricultural traditions within family ties.
Kobayashi
Kobayashi is a Japanese surname meaning ‘small forest’. This name adds a strong sense of nature and familial connection.
Kelley
Kelley has Irish origins meaning ‘descendant of Ceallach’, which can signify bravery and family loyalty.
Keller
Keller is a German surname meaning ‘cellar’. It often links families to historical craftsmanship in brewing or winemaking.
Kusic
Kusic is a surname of Slavic origin, hinting at historical ties to regions known for agriculture and vibrant communities.
Kinyanjui
Kinyanjui is a Kenyan surname deriving from the Kikuyu language, meaning ‘descendant of the one who is secure’. It connects families with the land and their heritage.
Kiger
Kiger is an English surname that denotes ‘spear’. It might suggest strength or a warrior lineage within the family’s history.
Kostka
Kostka is a Polish surname meaning ‘rock’ or ‘stone’. This name indicates steadfastness, tying families to their roots.
Kline
Kline is a surname often associated with the German meaning ‘small’, emphasizing humility or modesty in family legacy.
Kestrel
Kestrel originates from Middle English and means ‘a small bird of prey’. It relates families to nature and signifies freedom.
Kadlec
Kadlec is a Czech surname meaning ‘from the village of Kadlec’. It connects families to their geographical origins.
Keller
Keller is a surname often associated with those who work in cellars or are related to brewing, linking trades to family history.
Koviak
Koviak is a surname with Slavic origin, meaning ‘to forge’. It represents craftsmanship and skill handed down through generations.
Kokoszka
Kokoszka is a Polish surname meaning ‘hen’. It symbolizes family connections to farming and agricultural backgrounds.
Kuo
Kuo is a surname widely recognized in Chinese culture, which often means ‘to establish’. It signifies strong family foundations.
Kauffman
Kauffman is a German surname meaning ‘merchant’ or ‘trader’. It connects families to commerce and economy throughout history.
Kogut
Kogut is a Polish surname meaning ‘rooster’. This name often symbolizes vigilance and positivity, linking families to their agricultural roots.
Keller
Keller connects to the idea of a ‘cellar dweller’, relating to family tradition in fermentation or storage of food.
Kiyoshi
Kiyoshi is a Japanese name often regarded as a last name that means ‘pure’, symbolizing ancestral values of cleanliness and virtue.
Kwiatkowski
Kwiatkowski is a Polish surname meaning ‘flower’ or ‘florist’. It symbolizes beauty and family ties to nature.
Kiran
Kiran is a popular surname in India meaning ‘ray of light’. This name emphasizes brightness, connecting families to their cultural beliefs.
Kordas
Kordas is a surname derived from Slavic roots, referring to ‘cord’ or ‘rope’, adding another layer to family labor traditions.
Kuhar
Kuhar is a surname with Slavic roots meaning ‘cook’. This name often connects to family and culinary traditions across generations.
Keaton
Keaton is of English origin, meaning ‘place of hawks’. It signifies family ties to nature and historical geography.
Kelley
Kelley translates to ‘warrior’, hence showcasing strength in history and ancestry within families.
Korin
Korin is a Japanese last name meaning ‘little chicken’, adding characteristics to the familial lineage.
Kubera
Kubera is derived from Sanskrit, often referred to as the ‘god of wealth’, connecting to family prosperity.
Kolakowski
Kolakowski is a Polish surname that refers to ‘little rooster’, signifying vigor and relevance in family names.
Ketelhut
Ketelhut means ‘a place where kettles are made’, linking family names to craftsmanship.
Kato
Kato is a common Japanese surname meaning ‘firmly positioned’, suggesting stability in family ties.
Katsuragi
Katsuragi is a Japanese surname meaning ‘wisteria bank’, reflecting natural connections to the landscape and family heritage.
Klich
Klich is a Polish surname likely tied to family craftsmanship or a regional designation.
Kuenti
Kuenti is a surname of African origin meaning ‘to unify’. It emphasizes strong ties among family members.
Kladder
Kladder is a German surname meaning ‘to scrape’, possibly relating to historical jobs within the family background.
Klavins
Klavins is a Latvian surname meaning ‘to speak’, linking families to their linguistic heritage.
Koukoulis
Koukoulis is a Greek surname meaning ‘helmet’, adding a layer of protection and strength to family identity.
Kuntz
Kuntz is a German surname meaning ‘wise’. It ties back to intellectual legacies in family histories.
Kalani
Kalani is a Hawaiian surname that translates to ‘the heavens’. It connects families to nature and spirituality.
Kaskis
Kaskis is a surname of Finnish origin that can imply ‘from the coast’, connecting the family to geographical identity.
Klock
Klock is a surname derived from the Dutch word for ‘clock’, often linking families to craftsmanship and timekeeping traditions.
Kimura
Kimura is a Japanese surname meaning ‘tree village’, connecting families to nature and the local environment.
Kuzmin
Kuzmin is a surname of Russian origin that refers to someone from a family of ‘blacksmiths’, adding tradesmanship to family stories.
Klemens
Klemens is a German surname meaning ‘merciful’. It is often associated with values of kindness and compassion in family heritages.
Kingston
Kingston is an English surname meaning ‘king’s town’, suggesting a proud connection to authority or leadership in family heritage.
Kahl
Kahl is a German surname meaning ‘bare’, indicating a close connection to the land and perhaps agricultural trades.
Kintsugi
Kintsugi is a Japanese surname meaning ‘golden joinery’, symbolizing the beauty of imperfection within family stories.
Klyachin
Klyachin is a Russian surname meaning ‘son of a clerk’, relating families to administrative roles in their history.
Koviak
Koviak is a surname of Slavic origin meaning ‘forger’, highlighting craftsmanship in family backgrounds.
Kiener
Kiener is of German origin meaning ‘kind’, suggesting a legacy of kindness in family history.
Kulyk
Kulyk is a Ukrainian surname referring to ‘a lark’, connecting families to nature and singing traditions.
Kudrin
Kudrin is a Russian surname meaning ‘big-eyed one’, possibly referring to family traits passed down through generations.
Knauss
Knauss is a German surname meaning ‘the one with hair’, hinting at family characteristics that have endured through time.
Kupfer
Kupfer is a German surname meaning ‘copper’, indicating potential family ties to trades in metals.
Kachniarz
Kachniarz is a Polish surname that means ‘from the cafe’, possibly linking families to local trades or businesses.
Krapf
Krapf is a German surname meaning ‘crab’, often hinting at geographical origins near water bodies.
Kozlowski
Kozlowski is a Polish surname meaning ‘of the goat’, connecting families to livestock or rural traditions.
Kahangi
Kahangi is an African surname meaning ‘a little one’, often used affectionately among family members.
Kane
Kane has Irish roots and means ‘warrior’. This powerful name ties families to a legacy of strength and courage.
Kowalczyk
Kowalczyk is a Polish surname meaning ‘blacksmith’, linking families to craftsmanship and trade histories.
Kahlberg
Kahlberg is a German surname that translates to ‘bald mountain’, forging a connection between families and their geographical surroundings.
Kwirin
Kwirin is a surname of Irish origin meaning ‘from the place of the small river’, symbolizing connection to nature and geography.
Kowalski
Kowalski is a common Polish surname referring to ‘the smith’, signifying craftsmanship in their family history.
Kade
Kade is a surname meaning ’round’, connecting family heritage to nature and physical features.
Kollman
Kollman is an occupational surname referring to a ‘cellarman’, connecting families to traditions in storage and trade.
Kulit
Kulit is a surname that means ‘skin’ or ‘hide’, often linked to families associated with trades in leatherwork.
Karbowski
Karbowski is a Polish surname meaning ‘from the village of Karb’, emphasizing geographical roots in family names.
Kowloon
Kowloon is a surname with significant cultural ties in China, meaning ‘nine dragons’, portraying strength and power.
Kazmierczak
Kazmierczak is a Polish surname derived from ‘peace’, highlighting familial heritage associated with tranquility and unity.
Kobayasi
Kobayasi is a surname originating from Japan meaning ‘small forest’, connecting history to natural landscapes.
Krei
Krei is a surname meaning ‘red’, often associated with vibrant traits within family heritage.
Final Thoughts
We explored a variety of last names that start with K, showcasing their rich meanings and cultural origins. Understanding these last names offers insight into family identities and histories. From strong warrior legacies to humble roots, each name tells a unique story. Whether you find one that resonates with your own heritage or simply enjoy learning about different cultures, every surname carries weight and significance.
Looking for more names and their meanings? Visit last names that mean for additional insights. You might also enjoy discovering names that signify light at last names that mean light.