Kuhl

Kuhl is a surname of German origin, often encountered as Kühl in German orthography. It is used by people of German heritage and has spread to English-speaking countries through migration. The name can also function as a given name in rare cases and appears in various transliterations.

Etymology: The surname is derived from the Middle High German kühel or küh, meaning cold or cool. It likely originated as a descriptive nickname for someone with a cool demeanor or someone associated with a cold place, later becoming a hereditary surname. The umlaut form Kühl is common in Germany, while English-speaking contexts frequently render it as Kuhl or Kuehl.

Variants: Common spellings include Kühl, Kuehl, Kuhl, Kuell, and Kuell. In some records, the name may be appended with -er or -s to indicate origin or lineage.

Geographic distribution: The name is most prevalent in German-speaking regions but can be found in the United States, Canada, Brazil, and other countries with German diasporas. Records date back to the early modern period.

Branding and contemporary use: KUHL is a brand name used for outdoor clothing and gear in the United States and internationally. The company markets technical apparel for hiking, climbing, and other outdoor activities and uses the capitalized form KUHL as its signature branding.

Notable individuals: The surname is borne by many individuals across fields such as science, arts, and public life, reflecting its broad Germanic roots.