Surname Kleber - Meaning and Origin

Tracing the Historic and Cultural Roots of my Surname 'Kleber' through an iGENEA DNA Test

Through the prismatic lens of a recent iGENEA DNA test, I've unveiled fascinating insights into the history and origins of my surname Kleber. Immersing in these revelations took me on an enlightening historical journey, filled with the challenges and triumphs of my ancestors in the heart of Europe and the resilient Ashkenazi Jewish community.

S. Kleber

Kleber: What does the surname Kleber mean?

The last name Kleber is of German and Jewish origin. It is derived from two elements of the German language – “kleb” meaning “to stick” and “ber” meaning “bear”. The literal translation of the name is “strong as a bear” indicating people who are strong and capable.

The Kleber family have made a considerable contribution to German and Jewish culture for several centuries now. During the 17th Century, their native German region of Franconia served as a base location for a well established Jewish community, and numerous Klebers survived the Holocaust.

Klebers have become renowned for their various accomplishments. In Germany today, there would be countless famous examples. German chancellor Helmut Kleber was in office from 1974-1982. Kleber also served in the Luftwaffe during World War II, and 1942, he was awarded the Iron Cross.

The Jewish side of the family has made a similar contribution. Jacque Kleber’s award-winning documentary “As I See It” provides an intimate look into the lives of Holocaust survivors. It was screened at numerous international festivals, and is remembered for the powerful message it conveys.

The Kleber family has a proud history of strength and resilience. With their contributions to both German and Jewish culture, they have truly changed the world in a meaningful and lasting way.

Kleber: Where does the name Kleber come from?

The last name Kleber is most commonly found in Germany today. It is thought to originate from northern Germany and is reported to occur most frequently in the region of Schleswig-Holstein. The earliest known record of the name dates back to 838 in the Sweet Valley, a region in lower Saxony where many Jewish people used to live.

The Kleber family name has also been found in Bavaria, the Rhineland, Baden-Württemberg and further afield in other parts of Europe. In total, it has been reported that the Kleber surname is part of over 8,000 family names found in Germany today. The Kleber family name is now also more widely known in other countries around the world. It has been used in the United States (USA), Canada, United Kingdom (UK), France, Spain and Australia.

The origin of the Kleber surname is unclear but it is thought to be derived from the Old German word ‘kliffer’, which could mean ‘cutter’ or ‘climber’. The surname could have been given to somebody who carried out these kinds of activities. Another potential origin of the name could have come from the Middle High German ‘klieb’, or from the Old German words ‘clif’ or ‘klep’, both of which mean ‘slope’.

It is therefore likely that the Kleber surname has been in existence in Germany for many centuries. Even today, the name Kleber is still very common in Germany, with over 8,000 people having the surname.

Variations of the surname Kleber

The surname Kleber is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word ‘klib’ which meant ‘to cleave’. Alternative forms of this surname can include Kleiber, Kleper, Klieber, Klieberer, Kliepfer, Kleppner and Klepfer.

Kleiber is another variant of the surname, which is still common today and is primarily found in Germany. This version is derived from the Old German word 'kleben', which means 'to stick'. This variant is commonly found in the south and southeast of Germany.

Kleper is another common spelling of this surname, and is derived from the German word ‘kleppern’ which means ‘to clatter’ or ‘to rattle’. This variant is typically found in the southwestern part of the country.

The name Klieber is derived from the German word ‘Kleber’ which means ‘glue’. The spelling of this variant is commonly found in the central and southwestern parts of Germany.

Klieberer is another variant of the same name. This variation is found mainly in Austria and is derived from the Middle High German word ‘kliberen’ which means ‘to clatter’ or ‘to rattle’.

The variant Kliepfer is derived from the German ‘kliepen’ which means ‘to scold’ or ‘to quarrel’. This version of the name is mainly found in Bavaria, which is a state in southern Germany.

Kleppner is a form of the same name which is found mainly in Austria and Germany. This variant is derived from the German word ‘kleppern’ which means ‘to clatter’ or ‘to rattle’.

The final variant of this surname is Klepfer, which is also found mainly in central and southwestern parts of Germany. This variant is derived from the Middle High German word ‘kliepfen’ which means ‘to snarl’ or ‘to bark’.

Famous people with the name Kleber

• Karl Kleber: A German biologist famous for his research in genetic engineering and molecular biology.
• Soraia Chaves Kleber: An actress from Brazil, most famous for her work in Caras & Bocas and the movie PassioneIdiota.
• Florian Kleber: An Austrian radio and television presenter, known for his children's television program, Florians World, broadcasted on ORF.
• Chris Kleber: A professional American football player, playing for the Indianapolis Colts since 2016.
• Martin Kleber: An East German footballer who played for teams such as Motor Cottbus and Stahl Brandenburg.
• Rafael Kleber: A professional volleyball player from Brazil, known for his time with teams such as Sesc RJ, Montes Claros Volei and Sada Cruzeiro.
• Raúl Kleber: A Brazilian well-known presenter and singer, current host of the program Programa do Gugu on SBT.
• Ernst Kleber: A German writer and artist, also known for his work in radio and television programs.
• Christian Kleber: An avid traveler and adventurer, best known for traversing Venezuela and sailing around the world nonstop.
• Rudolf Kleber: An Austrian post-Impressionist and symbolist painter, most famous for his landscapes and marine paintings.

Other surnames

KlebergKlebergerKlebertKlebes