kiefer

Kiefer is a name of German origin used as both a surname and a given name. In German, Kiefer means “jaw” and is also associated with the pine tree, a double meaning that has influenced its use as a family name and personal name. As a surname, Kiefer likely originated as a nickname or occupational/topographic surname among German-speaking populations and their descendants worldwide.

Notable people with the given name include Kiefer Sutherland (born 1966), a Canadian actor known for roles in film and television such as the series 24. Another bearer is Kiefer Ravena (born 1993), a Filipino professional basketball player who has competed in the Philippine Basketball Association. The surname Kiefer is found in various countries, including parts of Europe and North America, though it is less prominently recognized in popular culture than the given name form.

Geography and place names include Kiefer, Oklahoma, a small town in the United States. The name may also appear in other locales as a placename, often reflecting historical settlement or family connections with the surname.

Variations and related names, such as Keifer or Kieffer, exist in different regions. While they share roots with Kiefer, they are distinct spellings and may correspond to separate naming traditions. Overall, Kiefer remains most commonly encountered as a Germanic given name in contemporary use, with a broader but less frequent presence as a surname.