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KELLNER Origin of surname

KELLNER

Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name. This family name derives from an occupation (also connected with raw material, finished product or implements associated with that trade). Kellner is the German for "waiter". The word is associated with Keller, which means "(wine) cellar", in German.

Distinguished bearers of the Jewish family name Kellner include the 17th/18th century German physician and chemist David Kellner, the Galician-born Austrian historian of literature and philologist Leon Kellner (1859-1928), and the 20th century American organization executive and teacher, Sydney Kellner.

Leon Kellner (1859-1928), scholar of English literature and aide of Theodor Herzl, born in Tarnow, Poland (then part of Austria-Hungary). In 1890, after teaching at various high schools, he became a lecturer in English literature at the University of  Vienna. From 1904 to 1914 he was professor at the University of Czernowitz, where he also served as a representative of the Jewish-national list to the  Landtag (local parliament). At the outbreak of World War I Kellner moved back to Vienna and after the war he served as an English expert in the office of the president of the Austrian Republic.

Kellner was T. Herzl’s adviser and close associate. He assisted Herzl by opening many locked doors for him in England. Due to his many commitments, Kellner turned down Herzl’s offer to edit the Zionist periodical Die Welt. However, he published articles in this newspaper and in 1899-1900 served as its editor.

Kellner’s scholarly writings were highly appreciated. His many publications include critical editions of English texts, grammar books, an English-German, German-English dictionary, a dictionary of Shakespeare, and a history of  English and American literature. He also published articles, stories and feuilletons in newspapers and periodicals in German and English. After Herzl’s death Kellner published a selection of Herzl’s writings in two volumes. He started to write a comprehensive biography of Herzl, of which only the first part: Theodor Herzl’s Lehrjahre was published in 1920. He died in Vienna.

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KELLNER Origin of surname
KELLNER

Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name. This family name derives from an occupation (also connected with raw material, finished product or implements associated with that trade). Kellner is the German for "waiter". The word is associated with Keller, which means "(wine) cellar", in German.

Distinguished bearers of the Jewish family name Kellner include the 17th/18th century German physician and chemist David Kellner, the Galician-born Austrian historian of literature and philologist Leon Kellner (1859-1928), and the 20th century American organization executive and teacher, Sydney Kellner.
Written by researchers of ANU Museum of the Jewish People
Leon Kellner

Leon Kellner (1859-1928), scholar of English literature and aide of Theodor Herzl, born in Tarnow, Poland (then part of Austria-Hungary). In 1890, after teaching at various high schools, he became a lecturer in English literature at the University of  Vienna. From 1904 to 1914 he was professor at the University of Czernowitz, where he also served as a representative of the Jewish-national list to the  Landtag (local parliament). At the outbreak of World War I Kellner moved back to Vienna and after the war he served as an English expert in the office of the president of the Austrian Republic.

Kellner was T. Herzl’s adviser and close associate. He assisted Herzl by opening many locked doors for him in England. Due to his many commitments, Kellner turned down Herzl’s offer to edit the Zionist periodical Die Welt. However, he published articles in this newspaper and in 1899-1900 served as its editor.

Kellner’s scholarly writings were highly appreciated. His many publications include critical editions of English texts, grammar books, an English-German, German-English dictionary, a dictionary of Shakespeare, and a history of  English and American literature. He also published articles, stories and feuilletons in newspapers and periodicals in German and English. After Herzl’s death Kellner published a selection of Herzl’s writings in two volumes. He started to write a comprehensive biography of Herzl, of which only the first part: Theodor Herzl’s Lehrjahre was published in 1920. He died in Vienna.