Meaning & History
The spelling Kühl results from a folk-etymological association with High German kühl ‘cool’ (Middle High German küel(e), a nickname from Middle High German küel ‘cool’, ‘calm’. Also from a short form of a Germanic personal name formed with an element cognate with Old Norse kollir ‘helmet’.Additionally, a topographic name for someone who lived by a hollow or depression, Middle High German kule, Middle Low German kule or habitational name from one of the numerous minor places in North Germany named with this word.