Show ContentsKohle History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The origins of the proud surname Kohle 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 Kohle 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 Kohle 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 Kohle family

The surname Kohle 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 Kohle family

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

Kohle 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 Kohle family

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


United States Kohle migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Kohle Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Nicolas Kohle, who settled in America in 1777
  • Nicholas Kohle, who landed in America in 1777-1783 1
  • Michael Kohle, who arrived in America in 1783 1
Kohle Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • A Kohle, who landed in North America in 1832-1849 1
  • Gert Kohle, who arrived in America in 1847 1
  • Gotlieb Kohle, who landed in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1853 1
  • Gottlieb Kohle, who settled in Allegany County in 1853


  1. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)


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