Kiefer

KEE-fuh; KEE-fur
German
"barrel maker; pine"

Kiefer Origin and Meaning

The name Kiefer is a boy's name of German origin meaning "barrel maker; pine".

Kiefer is a strong occupational surname associated with "24" star Kiefer Sutherland, but one that could well join the other 'er' surnames currently in favor. Keifer is a German surname transferred to first name use, derived from two old Germanic words, kien and forhe, both of which mean "pine tree."

Kiefer Sutherland, the son of actor Donald Sutherland, was named for director Warren Kiefer, who gave Donald Sutherland his first movie role. Donald was a firm believer in honoring valued friends and mentors--his other sons are named Roeg, Rossif and Angus. Kiefer Sutherland's full name is Kiefer William Frederick Dempsey George Rufus.

Another possible cultural namesake is the esteemed German artist Anselm Kiefer.

# 710 in the US

Kiefer Rank in US Top 1000

# 3726 on Nameberry

Kiefer Rank in Nameberry Top 1000

Kiefer Popularity

Famous People Named Kiefer

  • Kiefer William Frederick Dempsey George Rufus Sutherland
    American actor; son of actor Donald Sutherland
  • Kiefer Isaac Crisologo Ravena
    Filipino basketball player
  • Kiefer Rain Cropper (b. 1994)
    daughter of musician Jason Cropper of Weezer

Kiefer in Pop Culture

  • Kiefer Bauer
    character on American soap "General Hospital"
  • Spelled Kefir
    it is a liquid yogurt product high in protein and digestive enzymes
  • Prince Kiefer
    character in video game 'Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past'
  • Al Kiefer
    a minor character on “The West Wing”