Kessler: Name Meaning, Origin, Popularity, & Inspiration
Origin: German
Meaning: “Kettle maker” or “coppersmith”
Popularity: Moderately common in German-speaking countries and among Jewish communities
The surname Kessler has its roots in medieval German occupational names. It derives from the Middle High German word “kezzelære,” meaning “kettle maker” or “coppersmith.” This surname was typically given to individuals who crafted or repaired copper kettles and other metal vessels.
In Jewish communities, Kessler is an Ashkenazic occupational name with the same meaning. It’s one of many Jewish surnames that were adopted or assigned in the late 18th and 19th centuries when Jews in various European countries were required to take fixed family names.
The name Kessler has inspired various notable individuals across different fields:
- Donald Kessler: American astrophysicist known for proposing the Kessler syndrome.
- Ethel Kessler: American graphic designer who has designed numerous U.S. postage stamps.
- David Kessler: American pediatrician and attorney, former commissioner of the FDA.
While not among the most common surnames, Kessler maintains a steady presence in German-speaking regions and in countries with significant German or Jewish heritage, such as the United States and Canada.