Kjell is a

Scandinavia Scandinavia; Sámi languages: /. ( ) is a subregion in Northern Europe, with strong historical, cultural, and linguistic ties between its constituent peoples. In English usage, ''Scandinavia'' most commonly refers to Denmark, Norway, and Swe ...

n male

given name A given name (also known as a forename or first name) is the part of a personal name quoted in that identifies a person, potentially with a middle name as well, and differentiates that person from the other members of a group (typically a ...

. In

Denmark ) , song = ( en, "King Christian stood by the lofty mast") , song_type = National and royal anthem , image_map = EU-Denmark.svg , map_caption = , subdivision_type = Sovereign state , subdivision_name = Kingdom of Denmark , establish ...

, the cognate is

Kjeld Kjeld is a person name derived from the Old Norse and may refer to: Given name *Saint Kjeld (fl. 1100–1150), Danish clergyman *Kjeld Abell (1901–1961), Danish playwright and theatrical designer *Kjeld Ammentorp (1895–1975), Danish-British b ...

or Keld. The name comes from the

Old Norse Old Norse, Old Nordic, or Old Scandinavian, is a stage of development of North Germanic dialects before their final divergence into separate Nordic languages. Old Norse was spoken by inhabitants of Scandinavia and their overseas settlemen ...

word ''kętill'', which means "

kettle A kettle, sometimes called a tea kettle or teakettle, is a type of pot specialized for boiling water, commonly with a ''lid'', ''spout'', and ''handle'', or a small electric kitchen appliance of similar shape that functions in a self-contained ...

" and probably also "helmet" or perhaps "cauldron". Examples of old spellings or forms are ''Ketill'' (Old Norse), ''Kjætil'' (Old Swedish) and ''Ketil'' (Old Danish). An equally likely meaning is a source, a hope that the boy will get ample resources to draw upon later in life. Kjell has a

name day In Christianity, a name day is a tradition in many countries of Europe and the Americas, among other parts of Christendom. It consists of celebrating a day of the year that is associated with one's baptismal name, which is normatively that of a ...

on July 11 in

Norway Norway, officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic country in Northern Europe, the mainland territory of which comprises the western and northernmost portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula. The remote Arctic island of Jan Mayen and the ...

and July 8 in Sweden, and in

with the variant ''Kjeld''.

Prevalence

In 2007, there were 59,011 men in Sweden with "Kjell" as their first name, making it the 42nd most common masculine name in Sweden. In Swedish and Norwegian it is pronounced with the

voiceless alveolo-palatal sibilant fricative The voiceless alveolo-palatal sibilant fricative is a type of consonantal sound, used in some spoken languages. The symbol in the International Phonetic Alphabet that represents this sound is ("c", plus the curl also found in its voiced counterp ...

� There were 30,809 men in Norway with "Kjell" as their first name. This makes it the 5th most common masculine name in Norway. In Denmark, 8079 men were called "Kjeld" and 5491 "Keld". In

Finland Finland ( fi, Suomi ; sv, Finland ), officially the Republic of Finland (; ), is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. It shares land borders with Sweden to the northwest, Norway to the north, and Russia to the east, with the Gulf of B ...

, the number of men called Kjell in 2008 was 1405. The name began to be widely used in the 1600s when it took over from the older name form ''Kætil'' or ''Ketill'', which were also precursors of the name

Kjetil Kjetil is a Norwegian masculine given name. It may refer to: *Kjetil Aleksander Lie (born 1980), Norwegian chess player, Norway's eighth International Grandmaster *Kjetil André Aamodt (born 1971), Norwegian former alpine ski racer * Kjetil Bang-H ...

, and a loan from

Latin Latin (, or , ) is a classical language belonging to the Italic branch of the Indo-European languages. Latin was originally a dialect spoken in the lower Tiber area (then known as Latium) around present-day Rome, but through the power of the ...

''catillus'', which is the diminutive of ''catinus'' (= barrel, bowl). ''Kætil/Ketill'' was probably one of the most common male names in Old Norse times. In

Landnámabók (, "Book of Settlements"), often shortened to , is a medieval Icelandic written work which describes in considerable detail the settlement () of Iceland by the Norse in the 9th and 10th centuries CE. is divided into five parts and ove ...

, it is the male name that occurs most often - even more frequently than the most widely used compositions with ''Tor-''. There are 44 found

runic Runes are the letters in a set of related alphabets known as runic alphabets native to the Germanic peoples. Runes were used to write various Germanic languages (with some exceptions) before they adopted the Latin alphabet, and for specialised ...

inscriptions from the Viking era that contain the name ''Kætill'', which is why it is the 13th most used male name in this material. Five of the inscriptions are found in Denmark and three in Norway, most others have unknown sites. The name was most often written with runes like ᚲᛖᛏᛁᛚ (''ketil''), ᚲᛁᛏᛁᛚ (''kitil'') or ᚲᚨᛏᛁᛚ (''katil''). In

the name appears in many village (''torp'') names, so there are nearly 20 places named Kelstrup or Kjelstrup. However, the name does not appear in compositions with ''-lev'', and it can only be explained that it was not used at the time when ''-lev'' names were formed. Consequently, we can date the period when ''Kætil/Ketill'' was used as a name, at the time between the end of the Migration Period and the beginning of the

Viking Age The Viking Age () was the period during the Middle Ages when Norsemen known as Vikings undertook large-scale raiding, colonizing, conquest, and trading throughout Europe and reached North America. It followed the Migration Period and the Germ ...

. But the reason that the name gained such tremendous prevalence within a few centuries, we do not know.Kristian Hald: ''Personnavne i Danmark – oldtiden'' (s. 63), Dansk historisk fællesforenings håndbøger, København 1974 The name ''Kjell'' is known in Norway from the 1400s. In recent times, the name was widely used in the 1940s and 50s, but is now rarely used for newborn boys. In Sweden, the name was most popular in the 1940s. ''Kjell'' is today a common name in Norway and Sweden, and ''Kjeld'' or ''Keld'' is common in Denmark. The following table provides a detailed overview of the popularity of the male name ''Kjell'' and its variants in some of the countries where statistics are available.

Name compositions

''Kjell'' is found in many name compositions, both of the old date, written in one word, or in new ones, which are written in two words. *Female names: Kjellaug, Kjellrun, Kjellfrid, Audkjell, Kjella, Kjellbjørg *Male names: Torkel, Arnkjell, Askjell, Finnkjell, Grimkjell, Hallkjell, Kjellbjørn, Kjellfred, Torkjell :Newer: Kjell

Inge Inge is a given name in various Germanic language, Germanic language-speaking cultures. In Swedish and Norwegian, it is mostly used as a masculine, but less often also as a feminine name, sometimes as a short form of Ingeborg, while in Danish, Est ...

, Kjell Magne, Kjell

Einar Einar is a Scandinavian given name deriving from the Old Norse name Einarr, which according to Guðbrandur Vigfússon is directly connected with the concept of the einherjar, warriors who died in battle and ascended to Valhalla in Norse mytholog ...

osv. ''Kjell'' is also present in at least one notable Swedish surname: Kjellberg.

People

A–F

Kjell Almskog Kjell Erik Almskog (born 5 January 1941) is a Norwegian businessman. He is the former chief executive officer (CEO) of several companies, including the Norwegian division of the ABB Group and Kværner. Personal life and education He was born in O ...

(born 1941), Norwegian businessman *

Kjell Askildsen Kjell Askildsen (30 September 1929 – 23 September 2021) was a Norwegian writer probably best known for his minimalistic short stories. Personal life Askildsen was born in Mandal as a son of bailiff and politician Arne Askildsen (1898–1982) ...

(1929–2021), Norwegian writer *

Kjell Aukrust Kjell Aukrust (19 March 1920 – 24 December 2002) was a Norwegian author, poet, artist and humorist. Aukrust is principally known for his Flåklypa stories and Flåklypa drawings. Personal life Aukrust was born in Alvdal in Hedmark, Norway as ...

(1920–2002), Norwegian poet, author and artist *

Kjell Bækkelund Kjell Bækkelund (6 May 1930 – 13 May 2004) was a Norwegian classical pianist. Biography Bækkelund was born in Oslo, Norway. He was the son of Martin Bækkelund (1903–66) and Rallik Antonette Hansen (1904–94). He was a student at the ...

(1930–2004), Norwegian classical pianist * Kjell Bäckman (1934–2019), Swedish speed skater *

Kjell Berg Kjell Berg (born March 11, 1962) is a Norwegian curler. Berg has played in the lead position for his entire international career. Berg won a silver medal at the 1983 World Junior Curling Championships playing for Pål Trulsen. He also won a ...

(born 1962), Norwegian curler *

Kjell Bergqvist Kjell Bertil Leonard Bergqvist (born 23 February 1953 in Enskede, Stockholm County) is a Swedish actor. Bergqvist finished the Royal Dramatic Training Academy in 1973 and made his debut in '' En enkel melodi'' and ''Jack''. He has since coope ...

(born 1953), Swedish actor * Kjell Bjartveit (1927–2011), Norwegian physician and politician *

Kjell Bohlin Kjell Gotfred Bohlin (27 September 1928 – 17 June 2011) was a Norwegian politician for the Labour Party. He was born in Røros. He was elected to the Parliament of Norway from Telemark in 1977, and was re-elected on two occasions. He had previ ...

(1928–2011), Norwegian politician * Kjell Bondevik (1901–1983), Norwegian politician and uncle of Kjell Magne *

Kjell Magne Bondevik Kjell Magne Bondevik (; born 3 September 1947) is a Norwegian Lutheran minister and politician. As leader of the Christian Democratic Party, he served as the 33rd prime minister of Norway from 1997 to 2000, and from 2001 to 2005, making him, af ...

(born 1947), former Norwegian prime minister and nephew of Kjell *

Kjell Borgen Kjell Borgen (21 October 1939 – 22 August 1996) was a Norwegian politician for the Labour Party. He served as Minister of Transport and Communications from 1986 to 1988, Minister of Local Government from 1988 to 1989 and again from 1990 to 19 ...

(1939–1996), Norwegian politician *

Kjell Carlström Kjell Carlström (born 18 October 1976) is a Finnish former professional road racing cyclist, who competed as a professional between 2002 and 2011. He won the Finnish national road race title in 2000, 2004 and 2011. He raced in the Tour de Fran ...

(born 1976), Finnish cyclist * Kjell Colding (1931–2009), Norwegian diplomat and politician * Kjell Dahlin (born 1963), Swedish ice hockey player * Kjell Elvis (born 1968), Norwegian Elvis impersonator *

Kjell Engebretsen Kjell Engebretsen (born 29 April 1941 in Oslo) is a Norwegian politician for the Labour Party. He was elected to the Norwegian Parliament from Akershus in 1993, and was re-elected on two occasions. Engebretsen was a member of Frogn Frogn is a ...

(born 1941), Norwegian politician *

Kjell Eriksson 'Kjell Sylve Eriksson (born 1953 in Uppsala) is a Swedish writer, author of the detective chief inspector Ann Lindell crime novels. ''Den upplysta stigen'' (“Shining path”), the first of the Lindell series, was named Best First Novel of 1999 ...

(born 1953), Swedish author *

Kjell Espmark Kjell Erik Espmark (19 February 1930 – 18 September 2022) was a Swedish writer, literary historian, member of the Swedish Academy, and Professor of the History of Literature at Stockholm University. He was elected to the Swedish Academy on 5 Ma ...

(1930–2022), Swedish author *

Kjell-Olof Feldt Kjell-Olof Feldt (born 18 August 1931) is a Swedish Social Democratic politician who was minister of finance between 1983 and 1990. Previously, Feldt was assistant minister of finance from 1975 to 1976 and minister of commerce and industry f ...

(born 1931), Swedish politician * Kjell Fjalsett (born 1952), Norwegian musician * Kjell Fjørtoft (1930–2010), Norwegian journalist and writer

G–M

* Kjell Grede (1936–2017), Swedish film director * Kjell Grengmark (1935–2022), Swedish curler * Kjell Håkonsen (1935–2011), Norwegian harness racing coach * Kjell Hallbing (1934–2004), Norwegian author *

Kjell Heggelund Kjell Heggelund (16 December 1932 – 8 February 2017) was a Norwegian literary researcher, lecturer, editor, manager, poet, translator and literary critic. Personal life Heggelund was born in Hamar. His parents were Kristian Heggelund and Ka ...

(1932–2017), Norwegian literary researcher and lecturer * Kjell Helland (born 1940), Norwegian politician * Kjell Henriksen (1938–1996), Norwegian scientist * Kjell Höglund (born 1945), Swedish singer * Kjell Holler (1925–2000), Norwegian politician * Kjell Holmström (1916–1999), Swedish bobsledder *

Kjell Hovda Kjell Hovda (born 27 October 1945 in Veggli) is a former Norwegian biathlete. He participated on the Norwegian team that received silver medals in 4 × 7.5 km relay in the 1973 Biathlon World Championships 1973 in Lake Placid.

(born 1945), Norwegian biathlete * Kjell Isaksson (born 1948), Swedish pole vault world record holder * Kjell Inge Røkke (born 1958), Norwegian investor * Kjell Jennstig (born 1960), Swedish musician * Kjell Johansson (disambiguation), various people *

Kjell Jonevret Kjell Jonevret (born 28 June 1962) is a Swedish football coach and a former player. Managerial career Jonevret managed Djurgårdens IF between 2004 and 2006. During his time in Djurgården, he led his team to the double, winning both the Allsv ...

(born 1962), Swedish football manager and former player * Kjell Kaspersen (born 1939), Norwegian footballer *

Kjell Koserius Major General Kjell Bertil Ingvar Koserius (26 October 1943 – 4 December 2002) was a Swedish Air Force officer. Early life Koserius was born on 26 October 1943 in Kinna Parish, Älvsborg County, Sweden. Career Koserius graduated from the Swed ...

(1943–2002), Swedish Air Force major general * Kjell Knudsen (born 1931), Norwegian politician * Kjell Larsson (1943–2002), Swedish politician *

Kjell Eugenio Laugerud García Brigadier General Kjell Eugenio Laugerud García (24 January 1930

(1930–2009), President of Guatemala * Kjell Lauri, Swedish orienteer *

Kjell N. Lindgren Kjell Norwood Lindgren (born January 23, 1973) is an American astronaut who was selected in June 2009 as a member of the NASA Astronaut Group 20. He launched to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Expedition 44/ 45 on July 22, 201 ...

(born 1973), US astronaut * Kjell Lönnå (1936–2022), Swedish choir leader and composer

N–Z

* Kjell Nilsson (born 1949), Swedish weightlifter and actor * Kjell Nordström (born 1949), Swedish politician * Kjell A. Nordström (born 1958), Swedish economist, writer and public speaker *

Kjell Olofsson Kjell Olofsson (born 23 July 1965 in Gothenburg) is a former Swedish footballer who played as a striker. Career Dundee United 1996–97 season Olofsson joined Scottish club Dundee United during the 1996–97 season. Brought in by then mana ...

(born 1965), Swedish footballer * Kjell Opseth (1936–2017), Norwegian politician * Kjell Oscarius (born 1943), Swedish curler *

Kjell Qvale Kjell Qvale (July 7, 1919 – November 2, 2013Kjell Qvale passes at 94

(1919–2013), Norwegian-American business executive *

Kjell Risvik Kjell Risvik (29 June 1941 – 28 March 2021) was a translator of literature into Norwegian from various languages, including Catalan, English, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish Spanish might refer to: * Items from o ...

(1941–2021), Norwegian translator *

Kjell Rodian Kjell Åkerstrøm Hansen Rodian (30 June 1942 – 29 December 2007) was a Danish cyclist who won an individual silver medal in the road race at the 1964 Olympics. After that he semi-retired for nine years, and after returning to cycling rode the ...

(1942–2007), Danish cyclist * Kjell Roos (born 1956), Swedish musician **

Kjell Roos Band Roosarna, also known as the Kjell Roos Band, is a dansband in Vallsta, Sweden. The band was formed in 1969 by the brothers Kjell, Anders and Sven-Åke as ''Bröderna Roos'' (the Roos brothers). In the mid-1970s they changed their name to ''Roosa ...

, a Swedish band led by Roos *

Kjell Samuelsson Kjell William Alf Samuelsson (born 18 October 1958) is a Swedish former professional ice hockey defenseman who played 14 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins and Tampa Ba ...

(born 1958), Swedish professional hockey player *

Kjell Bloch Sandved Kjell Bloch Sandved (October 20, 1922 – December 20, 2015) was a Norwegian born publisher, author, lecturer and nature photographer, most known for his Butterfly Alphabet which contains pictures of Butterfly Wings resembling all the 26 letters i ...

(1922–2015), Norwegian author and lecturer *

Kjell Scherpen Kjell Scherpen (born 23 January 2000) is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Vitesse, on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion of the Premier League, and the Netherlands under-21 national team. Club career FC Emmen Scher ...

(born 2000), Dutch footballer *

Kjell Schneider Kjell Schneider (born October 4, 1976 in Kiel) is a beach volleyball player from Germany who won the bronze medal in the men's beach team competition at the 2005 Beach Volleyball World Championships in Berlin, Germany, partnering with Julius Br ...

(born 1976), German beach volleyball player * Kjell Sjöberg (1937–2013), Swedish ski jumper * Kjell Søbak (born 1957), Norwegian biathlete *

Kjell-Erik Ståhl Kjell-Erik Bertil Ståhl (born 17 February 1946 in Killeberg, Skåne) is a retired long-distance runner from Sweden. He represented his native country twice at the Summer Olympics (1980 and 1984) in the men's marathon, finishing in 19th place ...

(born 1946), Swedish long-distance runner * Kjell Storelid (born 1970), Norwegian speed skater *

Kjell Stormoen Kjell Stormoen (24 March 1921 – 22 October 2010) was a Norwegian actor, scenographer and theatre director. He was born in Bergen as a son of Trygve H. Stormoen (1896–1971) and Hjørdis Henriksen (1897–1975). He was a first cousin of Guri ...

(1921–2010), Norwegian actor and theatre director *

Kjell Storvik Kjell Storvik (born 20 November 1930) is a Norwegian economist and former Governor of the Central Bank of Norway. He is a cand.oecon. by education. From 1977 to 1981 he was the vice president of the Norwegian Shipowners' Association. He was then ...

(born 1930), Norwegian economist and former Governor of the Central Bank of Norway *

Kjell Sundvall Kjell Gösta Sundvall (born 31 March 1953) is a Swedish director/producer. Sundvall has directed a series of films about the police officer Martin Beck (played by Peter Haber). Selected filmography * 2015 - ''Prästen i paradiset'' * 2015 - ...

(born 1953), Swedish director * Kjell Westö (born 1961), Finnish author

References

External links

Behind the Name: KjellThink Baby Names: Kjell
{{given name, Kjell, nocat Norwegian masculine given names Swedish masculine given names

Prevalence

Name compositions

People

A–F

G–M

N–Z

See also

References

External links