The surname "Kiefer" is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "kiefer," meaning "pine tree." It is a relatively common surname in Germany and among German-speaking communities. The name may have originally been a topographic surname for someone who lived near a pine forest or a person who worked with pine wood. Notable individuals with the surname include Kiefer Sutherland, a well-known Canadian actor and producer famous for his role in the television series 24. The name has also appeared in various cultural contexts, including literature and film, often associated with characters or themes related to nature and resilience.