Surname Klagges - Meaning and Origin

Klagges: What does the surname Klagges mean?

The last name Klagges is of German origin and likely derived from the German word "klaggen," which means to complain or lament. This suggests that the original bearer of the surname was likely known for his habit of complaining or lamenting. The name may have been given as a nickname to someone who was known to complain about his circumstances or to voice displeasure about events that were beyond his control.

Klagges is found in records throughout Germany, particularly in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Schleswig-Holstein. It is also found in countries around the world, particularly in the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa, due to German emigration to those countries.

Because the meaning of the name is derived from a word associated with lamentation and grief, it is not surprising that the name is often found connected to artwork such as monuments, architectural features, and historical documents of remembrance. Those who bear the name of Klagges may find this history of remembrance a source of both pride and reflection.

Klagges: Where does the name Klagges come from?

The last name Klagges is most commonly found in Germany. According to the German telephone directory, over 400 people in Germany have Klagges as their last name. The name appears to originate in the Upper German region of Bavaria. Most of the Klagges are living in Germany, but some have emigrated, particularly to the United States and Canada.

In the United States it is estimated that only a few dozen individuals living with the last name Klagges. Most of the Klagges in America have German ancestors, with the name tracing back to Bavaria. However, some may have adopted the name in the 19th century due to a lack of other more distinct surnames.

The Klagges name is also found in Canada, although only in small numbers. It is believed that the people with the surname Klagges in Canada are all descendants of German origin, likely having emigrated in the mid 19th century.

Overall, the last name Klagges is still relatively rare. The majority of Klagges families are still living in Germany, with some having spread to the United States and Canada. The origin of the name is likely Bavaria and it is likely that the individuals adopting the name did so due to a lack of more unique surnames in the region.

Variations of the surname Klagges

The surname Klagges is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German klage, meaning “cry, complain.” As such, the variations and surnames of Klagges include Klages, Klaeges, Klagge, Klaggen, Klaggemann, Klaggemeier, and Klaggesmeier.

The German spelling of the surname is sometimes also seen as Klageß, Klageße, Klaggeß, and Klaggenß. In addition, the Dutch equivalents of Klagges are Klaijes, Klaey, Klaaij, Klaaik, Klaaijen, and Klaijesman.

In the United States, many of the various spellings of the Klagges surname are seen today as in the given name and surname spelling of Klages, Klages-Luedemann, Klagge, Klagemann, Klagemeier, and Klaggesmeier.

In addition, there are a few variants of this surname that appear in regional Italian records, such as Antonio Calgaes of Piedmont in 1697, and Giovanni Calagheosa of Sicily in 1819.

No matter where the surname is found in the world, it all derives from the same Germanic root of klage, meaning “cry, complain.”

Famous people with the name Klagges

• Johannes Klagges: a German artist whose mostly known for his book illustrations and paintings of old German buildings.
• August Klagges: a German politician and former mayor of the city of Rostock.
• Adam Klagges: a 16th century German dramatist, poet, and physician.
• Christian Klagges: a political activist and former leader of the German Communist Party.
• Chris Klagges: a renowned German sculptor who specialize in stained glass design.
• Dietrich Klagges: an influential German businessperson and investor who founded several companies.
• Elisabeth Klagges: a German artist and theater actress who has been featured in films and stage productions.
• Friedrich Klagges: a German engineer and industrialist who developed a number of technologies.
• George Klagges: a renowned German chemist and biochemist.
• Hans Klagges: a German architect who designed many iconic buildings across Europe.

Other surnames

Klagge