Discover people named Elsbeth Kiel

The last name "Kiel" has its origins in Germany, specifically in the northern regions, where it is associated with the city of Kiel in Schleswig-Holstein. The name is believed to derive from the Old Norse word "kíll," meaning "a narrow channel" or "a strait," which reflects the geographical features of the area. Historically, those who bore the name may have been linked to maritime occupations or lived near waterways, emphasizing a connection to trade and navigation. Variations of the surname can be found in different cultures, such as "Kieler" in German-speaking regions, which may denote someone from Kiel, and "Kiely" in Ireland, which has a different etymological background but shares phonetic similarities. The name has also appeared in various forms across other languages, often adapting to local phonetics and spelling conventions. Overall, the surname Kiel encapsulates a rich historical and geographical significance, rooted in the maritime heritage of northern Europe.