Cunel History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

Etymology of Cunel

What does the name Cunel mean?

The German state of Bavaria is the ancestral home of the Cunel family. Cunel is a local name, first used as a surname for someone who lived in Bavaria.

In some case, the surname Cunel is of patronymic origin, belonging to that category of names based on the first name of a father. In this instance, the name can be traced to the popular medieval pet-name Kuhn which was a common abbreviation of the Old Germanic patronym Konrad. The name literally means 'bold and counsel'.

Early Origins of the Cunel family

The surname Cunel was first found in Bavaria, where this family name became a prominent contributor to the development of the district from ancient times. Always prominent in social affairs, the name Kuhnle became an integral part of that turbulent region as it emerged to form alliances with other families within the region and throughout the nation.

Early History of the Cunel family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Cunel research. Another 53 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1645 and 1700 are included under the topic Early Cunel History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Cunel Spelling Variations

In the medieval era, many different cultural groups lived in the German states. There are thus many regional variations of German surnames from that era. Westphalians spoke Low German, which is similar to modern Dutch. Many German names carry suffixes that identify where they came from. Others have phrases attached that identify something about the original bearer. Other variations in German names resulted from the fact that medieval scribes worked without the aid of any spelling rules. The spelling variations of the name Cunel include Kuhnle, Kuehnle, Kuhnel, Coonel, Kunel, Kunell, Cunell and many more.

Early Notables of the Cunel family

Another 38 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Cunel Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Cunel family

European migration to North America began in the mid-17th century and continued unabated until the mid-20th. Many Bavarians made the long trip to escape poverty or persecution based on their religious beliefs. The chance for tenant farmers to own their own land was also a major drawing card. They settled all across the United States in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Many came to Canada also, settling in Ontario and the prairie provinces. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Cunels to arrive in North America, and among them were: Georg Kuhnle arrived in Philadelphia in 1763; Charles Kuhnle, age 61; settled in Philadelphia with his wife and son in 1804; Joseph Kuhnle arrived in Philadelphia in 1860.