Show ContentsGunkle History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Gunkle surname is derived from the Middle High German word "kunkel," which meant "spindle." It is thus supposed that the first bearers of this surname were spindle makers in occupation.

Early Origins of the Gunkle family

The surname Gunkle was first found in Bavaria, where the family was anciently associated with the tribal conflicts of the area. Early records show a Dithart Kunkele, in Gieben in 1356, and a bearer of Kunkerl, who was a Pilgrim in 1379. They declared allegiances to many nobles and princes of early history, lending their influence in struggles for power and status within the region. They branched into many houses, and their contributions were sought by many leaders in their search for power.

Early History of the Gunkle family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gunkle research. Another 92 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1630, 1638, 1693, 1703, 1751 and 1813 are included under the topic Early Gunkle History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gunkle Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Gunkel, Kinkel, Kunkel, Kuenkel, Kenkel, Gunkle, Kunkle, Künkel, Kinkle, Künkler, Gunkler and many more.

Early Notables of the Gunkle family

Another 38 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Gunkle Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Gunkle family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Herman Kinkel, who came to Maryland in 1720; Peter Kinkle, who came to New York in 1761; Fried Jacob Kinkler, who arrived in Texas in 1846; Heinrich Kinkel, who arrived in North America in 1847.


Contemporary Notables of the name Gunkle (post 1700) +

  • Oliver J. Gunkle, American Republican politician, Alternate Delegate to Republican National Convention from Ohio, 1908 1


  1. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2016, February 1) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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