The History and Significance of the Surname Kempner
Kempner is a surname of German origin. It is an occupational name for a servant or attendant, derived from the Middle High German word "kemen", meaning "key". The name was originally spelled Kemmerer or Kemper, but over time it has evolved into various forms such as Kempner, Kemper, and Kamper.
In the United States, the name Kempner is most commonly found in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas, where many German immigrants settled in the 18th and 19th centuries. Some notable people with the surname Kempner include:
* Harris Kempner, American businessman and philanthropist
* Henry Kempner, American banker and financier
* Leon Kempner, American physicist and mathematician
* Louis Kempner, American botanist and horticulturist
The name Kempner is also found in other countries such as Germany, where it is spelled Kemper or Kamper, and in the United Kingdom, where it is often spelled Kember.