kjeld

Kjeld is a masculine given name of Danish origin. It has been used in Denmark since the early 20th century and remains a recognizable, if relatively uncommon, name in modern times. The form is distinctly Danish, with its closest Nordic variant being Kjell, used in Sweden and Norway.

In Denmark, Kjeld has appeared across various social and professional spheres, reflecting the country’s liberal naming practices that favor short, two-syllable names. The name is sometimes encountered in historical and cultural contexts, including literature and business.

Notable people named Kjeld include Kjeld Abell (1909–1974), a Danish dramatist, playwright, and theatre director, and Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen (born 1940), a Danish businessman and former CEO of the LEGO Group, belonging to the family that owns LEGO.

The name Kjeld is primarily associated with Danish usage, and it is distinct from but often compared to the Norwegian and Swedish variant Kjell. Outside Denmark, the form Kjeld is less common, though it may appear among Danish expatriate communities or in references to Danish individuals.