Surname Kleffel - Meaning and Origin

Kleffel: What does the surname Kleffel mean?

The last name Kleffel has Germanic origins and can be traced back to the 11th century. The name was most likely derived from the Middle High German word “klufel,” which means “a hewer or woodcutter.” In other words, the original inhabitants who were given the name Kleffel most likely worked in the woodcutting industry. Over time, the surname spread to regions including Switzerland, Germany, and France, which may account for some of the variations of spelling we see today.

The Kleffel surname has been around for centuries, but the true origins of the name are a bit of mystery. It’s believed that the name gets its roots from someone who was a woodcutter or woodworker, which is why it's predominantly found in regions where woodworking was a popular trade. While it's unclear if the original family was descended from an important family or was simply given the name because of its trade, the Kleffels have left behind a long and distinguished legacy.

The Kleffels have held positions of power, been successful businessmen and entrepreneurs, and contributed to their local communities in many ways, all of which highlight the importance of the name. In addition, the Kleffel name has been passed through multiple generations, making it an integral part of many family histories. From woodcutters to business leaders, the name Kleffel has certainly left its mark on history and will continue to do so for years to come.

Kleffel: Where does the name Kleffel come from?

The last name Kleffel is most commonly found in Germany, where it is estimated that around 600 people carry the surname. It is also found in countries with large German populations, including the US, Austria, Canada, and Belgium. In the US, the prevalence of the surname is somewhat more dispersed geographically, with the US Census Bureau listing it as primarily found in Illinois, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Nebraska.

The origin of the name is believed to come from the Middle High German “kleff” or “klef” meaning “small area of burrowing”. This makes sense given that the German word for “digging” is “Graben” and the family name Kleffel is often linked to the digging of graves in some regions of Germany. Some believe the name was derived from an individual who worked as a grave digger, and over time the name was passed down to their descendants.

The name was likely adopted as far back as the 13th century, although records of its first use are vague and hard to come by. What we do know is that Kleffel has been used as a German surname for many centuries, and today it can be found primarily among people of German-speaking descent.

Variations of the surname Kleffel

The surname Kleffel is an old German variant of the word Klaue, which means claw. This surname is primarily of German origin and is quite rare. It is usually found in the former German states, such as in the regions of Westfalen and Hesse.

The most common spelling of the surname Kleffel is Klaue, but there are several variations on this spelling such as Klefel, Kleefel, Kloeffel, Kleffel, Kloffel, Klefl, Kleffeln, Kleffles and Klefflers.

Other surnames of the same origin include Klefner, Kaffe, Klepper, Klaus, and Kliepfel. These variants are less common than the spelling of Kleffel and may be found in different regions of Germany.

The variations of Kleffel are used more frequently as given names than as surnames. In fact, Klefel is used more often as a first name, with Klaue being used as a surname.

Kleffel is an old German surname and is quite rare. It is usually found in the former German states, such as in the regions of Westfalen and Hesse. Variants of the surname include Klaue, Klefel, Kleefel, Kloeffel, Kleffel, Kloffel, Klefl, Kleffeln, Kleffles, Klefflers, Klefner, Kaffe, Klepper, Klaus, and Kliepfel. Although these variations are less common than the spelling of Kleffel, they can still be found in different regions of Germany. Instead of being used as surnames, the variants of Kleffel are usually used as first names.

Famous people with the name Kleffel

• Connor Kleffel: age 18, UK professional footballer from England.
• Emily Kleffel: award-winning American athlete.
• Frank Kleffel: death row inmate in California, United States.
• King Kleffel : former basketball player and coach in the NBA.
• Paul Kleffel: German art connoisseur and philanthropist.
• Mary Kleffel: American entrepreneur, bestselling author, and business coach.
• Heather Kleffel: American businesswoman and former Olympic skier.
• Scott Kleffel: American film producer and directing.
• Dan Kleffel: American singer-songwriter.
• Carolyn Kleffel: award-winning American poet.
• Reuben Kleffel: stage and television actor from Los Angeles.
• Caleb Kleffel: Australian Olympic diver.
• Chris Kleffel: former professional soccer player from the United States.
• Johnny Kleffel: Hall of Fame German-American boxer.
• Mervin Kleffel: American painter and sculptor.

Other surnames

KleffKleffmann