Show ContentsKeesling History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Keesling surname derives from the Old High German word "kisil," meaning "pebble," or "gravel." The name may have been a topographic name for someone who lived in an area of pebbles or gravel; or it may have evolved from any of several places named with this word.

Early Origins of the Keesling family

The surname Keesling was first found in Saxony, where the name came from humble beginnings but gained a significant reputation for its contribution to the emerging mediaeval society. It later became more prominent as many branches of the same house acquired distant estates and branches, some in foreign countries, always elevating their social status by their great contributions to society.

Early History of the Keesling family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Keesling research. Another 125 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1541, 1796 and 1834 are included under the topic Early Keesling History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Keesling Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Kissling, Kisslling, Kisslings, Kisslinges, Kissllings, Kisling, Kislinge, Kislinges, Kisslinge, Kiisling, Kiisslings, Kisslinger and many more.

Early Notables of the Keesling family

More information is included under the topic Early Keesling Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Keesling family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Anna Margaretha Kissinger, who came to New York in 1710; John Henry Kesling, who came to Philadelphia in 1807; T. Kesling, who settled in Baltimore in 1820.


Contemporary Notables of the name Keesling (post 1700) +

  • Francis V. Keesling, American Republican politician, Delegate to Republican National Convention from California, 1916, 1924 1
  • Don Keesling, American politician, Mayor of Bluefield, West Virginia, 1977-80 1


  1. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, October 7) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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