First found in Lusatia, where the family was anciently associated with the political and religious conflicts of the area. They declared allegiances to many nobles and princes of early history, lending their influence in struggles for power and status within the region. The family founded numerous branches, many of which acquired manors and estates in surrounding regions, where they contributed to the prosperity of their society. Individual bearers of the name first mentioned in ancient chronicles of Silesia include Nickel Kaler of Glatz (c.1384,) and Frenczel Kaler of Goerlitz (c.1434).

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Wilhelm Kahl, who arrived in New York City in 1709. Johannes Kahl came to Philadelphia in 1741; while Carl Friedrich Kahl settled in Texas in 1852. Friedrich Kahle arrived in Philadelphia in 1753.

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