Find out how popular the first name Kohler has been for the last 30 years (from 1994 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kohler by gender

Based on the last 30 years of data, Kohler is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kohler.

The history of the first name Kohler

The name Kohler is a German name with its origins dating back to the 14th century. It is derived from the German word "kohlenbrenner," which translates to "charcoal burner" or "coal burner." This occupation was prevalent in the Black Forest region of Germany during the Middle Ages, where charcoal production from wood was a significant industry.

The earliest recorded use of the name Kohler can be traced back to the town of Freiburg im Breisgau in the Black Forest region. The name first appeared in historical records from the late 14th century, referring to individuals involved in the charcoal burning trade. Over time, it transitioned from being an occupational name to a surname and eventually a given name.

In the 16th century, the name Kohler gained prominence among the German nobility. One notable figure was Hans Kohler (1492-1537), a German Renaissance painter and woodcut artist known for his religious and allegorical works. His paintings and woodcuts can be found in various churches and collections across Germany and Switzerland.

The name Kohler also has religious connotations in some Christian traditions. In the 17th century, Johann Kohler (1619-1682) was a German Lutheran theologian and professor who authored several influential works on theology and church history. His writings were widely studied in theological seminaries across Europe.

In the 19th century, the name Kohler gained popularity in the United States due to German immigration. One prominent figure was John Michael Kohler (1844-1900), a German-American industrialist and the founder of the Kohler Company, a leading manufacturer of plumbing products and kitchen and bath fixtures.

Another notable individual was Max Kohler (1871-1934), an American lawyer and Jewish community leader. He was actively involved in advocating for Jewish rights and served as the president of the American Jewish Historical Society from 1923 to 1934.

More recently, the name Kohler has been associated with athletes and public figures. Wolfgang Kohler (1887-1967) was a German psychologist known for his work in Gestalt psychology and his contributions to the study of perception and problem-solving.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Kohler was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Kohler, please contact us.

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