Surname Kleine-Nieße - Meaning and Origin

Kleine-Nieße: What does the surname Kleine-Nieße mean?

The last name Kleine-Nieße is a German surname, derived from two words. "Kleine," which translates to "small" or "little," and "Nieße," which translates to "heir" or "legatee." As a combined surname, it implies a small inheritance or legacy. The Kleine-Nieße last name can be found primarily in German-speaking countries, but it is also found in other parts of Europe, particularly in countries with a historical connection to Germany.

The name is believed to have originated in Germany during the Middle Ages. At this time, a majority of Germans were farmers and landholders, and inheritance was an important part of the legal system. It was common to leave a "Kleine-Nieße" to those who would be inheriting a small legacy, such as a small landholding or other asset.

The Kleine-Nieße surname is also suggestive of craftsmanship. During the Middle Ages, many trades, such as masonry, carpentry, and even musicianship, were passed down through family lines. The Kleine-Nieße surname could suggest that its bearer had ancestors who were especially skilled and highly sought-after tradespeople.

In addition to its historical origins, the Kleine-Nieße surname is still used today. Many with the last name can be found in German-speaking countries, as well as in many countries with a history of German migration. People with the Kleine-Nieße surname can trace their lineage back hundreds of years, to a rich and vibrant past.

Kleine-Nieße: Where does the name Kleine-Nieße come from?

The German surname Kleine-Nieße is a locational name, derived from the German word "nießen," meaning "to dun," in reference to the practice of collecting coins or other small forms of payment (Kleine meaning small). The surname can be found primarily in the area of Lower Saxony, Germany and a few parts of the Netherlands.

Kleine-Nieße is a very old family name that was likely first recorded during the time of the German Empire. It can be found as far back as the 15th century, when it was used as a hereditary surname. It was mainly found in the area of Lower Saxony, and it has remained in this area since then.

Today, the Kleine-Nieße surname is still quite common in parts of Lower Saxony, where it can be found in several variations such as Kleinenieße, Klein-Nießen, and Kleine-Nieße. There are also records of the surname in the Netherlands, particularly in the provinces of North Holland and Utrecht.

The current population of the Kleine-Nieße surname is estimated to be around 2,000, mostly in the region of Lower Saxony, making it one of the most common German surnames in the area. It is also found in the Netherlands, particularly in the above-mentioned provinces. The majority of those who bear the name are likely to be descended from the original Kleine-Nieße family of Lower Saxony.

Variations of the surname Kleine-Nieße

The surname Kleine-Nieße is a combination of the German words 'Kleine' (small) and 'Nieße' (puddle). The surname can be seen in many variants, spellings and surnames, given it is quite a common German name.

Variations include Kleinenieße, Kleine-Niesse, Kleineniesse, Kleynenieße, Kleeneniesse, Kleenenieße, Kleinenießen.

Other spellings and surnames of the same origin either derived from or based on the aforementioned include Kleine-Neese, Kleine-Nees, Kleeneneece, Kleeneniese, Kleyneniese, Kleine-Nissen, Kleyneniesen, Kleeneniesen, and Kleinenissa.

It is likely that the surname originates from an old German word 'nelse', a term used to describe an area of water that lay in a depression in a field. This could have been depicted as a small pool or puddle, and therefore the suffix '-nieße' (meaning 'puddle' in German) may have been added to the original given name.

In addition, the surname could have originated from a location, with a place where the original family settled having a marsh or a puddle nearby. The prefix 'kleine' (meaning 'small') may have then been added to emphasise the small stature of the water feature.

It is also possible that the name developed as a nickname, given to describe someone with either a small stature or a timid personality. It is common for German nicknames to end with '-nieße', and this could be the case with the surname Kleine-Nieße.

Overall, the surname Kleine-Nieße is incredibly versatile, seen in many variants and spellings as well as surnames of the same origin. With its potential roots in an area of water, a place name or as a nickname, it is an interesting surname with an intriguing history.

Famous people with the name Kleine-Nieße

• Henning Kleine-Nieße, professional surfer from Germany.
• Oliver Kleine-Nieße, former professional football player from Germany.
• Thomas Kleine-Nieße, German lawyer specialising in environmental law, business law and white-collar crime.
• Mathias Kleine-Nieße, German canoeing enthusiast and Olympic canoeist, competing in the 1992 Summer Olympics.
• Friedhelm Kleine-Nieße, former professional golfer from Germany.
• Tim Kleine-Nieße, MEP from Germany and a member of the Centrist Democrat International.
• Jens Kleine-Nieße, German composer specialising in popular music.
• Heinz Kleine-Nieße, artist from Germany, specializing in impressionism and expressionism.
• Gudrun Kleine-Nieße, German alpine skier, competing in the 2012 Winter Olympics.
• Dirk Kleine-Nieße, German actor and comedian, best known for his role in the television series “Good Karma Hospital”.

Other surnames

Kleine-Niermann