Kuhlen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Kuhlen was first found in Germany, where the name Kuhlen came from humble beginnings but gained a significant reputation for its contribution to the emerging mediaeval society. It later became more prominent as numerous branches of the same house acquired distant estates, some of which were located in other countries. Through the acquisition of these estates as well as their important contributions to society, the family successfully elevated their social status. Like many surnames, the name Kuhlen is taken from a feature of the terrain around the family's dwelling place; Kuhl comes from the Middle Low German word "kule," meaning a "hollow" or "depression." There are also several places in the northern part of Germany with that name.