Show ContentsKahlen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Kahlen is a nickname surname; it is derived from a nickname given to the original bearer. A broad and miscellaneous class of surnames, nickname surnames referred to a characteristic of the first person who used the name. They can describe the bearer's favored style of clothing, appearance, habits, or character. In this case, the nickname is derived from the German word "kahl," which means "bald."

Early Origins of the Kahlen family

The surname Kahlen was 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).

Early History of the Kahlen family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kahlen research. Another 216 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1775, 1786, 1792, 1812, 1813 and 1837 are included under the topic Early Kahlen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kahlen Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Kahlen, Kahllen, Kahkenbach and others.

Early Notables of the Kahlen family

Another 29 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Kahlen Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Kahlen family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Clothilde Kahlen, who came to America in 1849; Mary Kahlen, who came to New York, NY in 1854; and Heinrich Kahlenbach, who came to New York, NY in 1851..


Contemporary Notables of the name Kahlen (post 1700) +

  • Wolf Kahlen, German video artist, Professor of Intermedia Art at the Technical University in Berlin since 1982


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