Kuehl
A German surname most often linked to the word for “cool” or “calm,” and sometimes to a nickname for a quiet or reserved person.
The #6,847 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 62,779 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Kuehl is a German surname derived from kühl, meaning “cool” or “chilly.” As a family name, it likely began as a nickname for someone thought to be cool-headed, calm, or reserved, though in some cases it may simply reflect a descriptive word rather than a sharply defined personal trait. The spelling Kuehl is a common Anglicized form of Kühl, preserving the German umlaut sound with "ue."
History
The surname is found in German-speaking areas and later appears in countries with German immigration, especially the United States. In American records, the spelling often shifts between Kühl, Kuhl, and Kuehl depending on handwriting, immigration practice, and the avoidance of umlauts in English. It is not among the most common German surnames, but it is well established in German-American communities.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
The spelling "ue" in Kuehl often stands in for the German umlaut "ü," a common workaround in English-language records and keyboards.