Kohlberg History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

Etymology of Kohlberg

What does the name Kohlberg mean?

The origins of the proud surname Kohlberg can be traced to the historic kingdom of Bohemia, which is now part of Czechoslovakia. In the Middle Ages, Bohemia was a part of the Holy Roman Empire, which was characterized by the Feudal System. Before this era, people were known only by a single name. However, as the population increased and travelers set out on their journeys, it became necessary for people to adopt a second name to identify themselves. Many people, such as the Kohlberg family, adopted the name of their feudal occupation as their surname. However, an occupational name did not become a hereditary surname until the office or type of employment became hereditary. The Kohlberg name derives from the Old German word "cholo," which meant "cabbage;" the surname was an occupational name for a person who grew or sold cabbages.

Early Origins of the Kohlberg family

The surname Kohlberg was first found in Bohemia, where the family became noted for its many branches within the region, many houses acquiring a status and influence which rivaled that of the landed aristocracy. In their later history some branches were elevated to the ranks of nobility as they distinguished themselves through their contributions to the social, political, and economic developments of the nation. The literal meaning of this name is "cabbage" and thus "cabbage farmer," and is to be differentiated from the name Kohler or Koehler, which means "coal miner."

Early History of the Kohlberg family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kohlberg research. Another 354 words (25 lines of text) covering the years 1548, 1594, 1598, 1777 and 1816 are included under the topic Early Kohlberg History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kohlberg Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Kohl, Kohle, Koehl (Swabia), Koel, Kol, Koehll, Koehle, Khole and many more.

Early Notables of the Kohlberg family

Another 31 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Kohlberg Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Kohlberg family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Johann Kohl, who left the Palatinate for England in 1709. Anna Barbara, Luis, Margaretha, and Nicolas Kohl all settled in South Carolina in 1732; while Nicolas Kohle came to America in 1777 and Gottlieb Kohle settled in Allegany County in 1853..

Contemporary Notables of the name Kohlberg (post 1700) +

Lawrence Kohlberg (b. 1927), American psychologist best known for his theory of stages of moral development