Surname Kleinefinke - Meaning and Origin
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Kleinefinke: What does the surname Kleinefinke mean?
The last name Kleinefinke is of German origin, derived from the word “finke,” which means “bird” in that language. In some instances, it is also spelled Kleinfinke.
For some people, the name may be a reference to a small bird, which can be interpreted as symbolic of someone who is small yet powerful, agile, and alert. It can also refer to the kind of bird symbols associated with civil law and justice in German tradition, such as the hawk and the eagle.
The addition of “klein” (meaning “small”) before “finke” is thought to indicate a more humble, yet purposeful individual, or someone who is entrepreneurial and independent. It can also be interpreted as someone who is wise beyond their years and capable of making far-reaching decisions.
The surname Kleinefinke can also be a nod to a person’s chosen field of labor. The origin of the name could be a reference to a person’s occupation, such as a sailor or a fisherman, which would be reflective of the bird’s affinity for water, its natural element.
In modern times, this surname is found all over the world, in places such as Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States. It is also sometimes found in England, suggesting that it may have been brought over there by German immigrants. Regardless, the last name Kleinefinke continues to embody characteristics that have been passed down through generations: wisdom, focus, and purpose.
Order DNA origin analysisKleinefinke: Where does the name Kleinefinke come from?
The last name Kleinefinke is not particularly tied to any one region or country today. The surname is quite rare, and can be found across the globe. Despite its rarity, there is a reason why this name exists in so many countries.
The origination of the name is difficult to pinpoint. It could have originated in Germany, as this is where many of its modern-day bearers have roots. As the name is quite uncommon in Germany today, it is more likely that the name spread over the course of centuries as its bearers migrated all over the world in search of better opportunities.
It is also possible that the name originated somewhere else, and simply spread to more countries over time as well.
Today, Kleinefinke is a common last name in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, as well as countries in Central and South America. It is less common in Europe, though it can be found in countries like the UK, France and Germany.
Overall, the Kleinefinke name is now a global name found in various parts of the world. Its origination is unknown, but its rarity and global spread is certainly interesting.
Variations of the surname Kleinefinke
The surname Kleinefinke is of Germanic origin, derived from the Middle High German words "klein," meaning "little" and "finke," meaning "starling" or "finch." It is an occupational surname, designating one who kept, bred, or sold small birds. The variants and alternate spellings of this surname are Klinefink, Kleinfinkle, Klinfinkle, Kleinfincke, Kleinfinke, Kleinfunk, Kleinefink, Kleinefincke, Kleinefinkle, Kleinefinken, Kleinfingk, Kleinfinck, Kleinfink, Kleinfunk, Klinefingk, Klinefincke Klinefink, Klinefinke, Klinerfink, and Klinerfinke.
The surnames Kleinfein, Kleinfeind, Kleinfinger, Kleinfisch, Kleinschmidt, Kleinhans, and Kleinmann, while not true variants of Kleinefinke, are related as they also derive from Middle High German terms. For instance, Kleinfinger comes from the Middle High German term "finger" meaning "finger" or "end," Kleinfein means "dainty" or "small and delicate," Kleinfeind is from the term "feind" meaning "enemy" or "rival," Kleinfisch is from the Middle High German term "fisch" meaning "fish," Kleinschmidt is derived from the Middle High German word "schmid" meaning "smith," Kleinhans comes from the word "hans" meaning "Gift of God," and Kleinmann is derived from the word "mann" meaning "man."
Overall, the surname Kleinefinke is considered quite rare. It's variants, spellings, and related surnames, while having Germanic origins, appear to be dispersed throughout Europe.
Famous people with the name Kleinefinke
- Hans Kleinefinke: The German physicist, engineer and inventor Hans Kleinefinke (1854-1927) was one of the pioneers in developing what became known as ‘electrical engineering’.
- Bernd Kleinefinke: A long-time member of the German Bundestag, representing for the Social Democratic Party, Bernd Kleinefinke is a well-known television and radio personality.
- Mathias Kleinefinke: Mathias Kleinefinke is a German engineer and entrepreneur. A former CEO of SBS Business Solutions, he now serves as CEO of Visitare Germany.
- Klaus Kleinefinke: The German digital media pioneer Klaus Kleinefinke is at present CEO of lexo and member of the Doubleclick management board.
- Simon Kleinefinke: Simon Kleinefinke is a German film director responsible for the films ‘Un baiser pour la nouvelle annee’ and ‘Conrad The Human Submarine'.
- Anna Kleinefinke: Anna Kleinefinke is a German film actress, best known for her roles in ‘The Rabbit Breeder’ and ‘My Soul to Take’.
- Anja Kleinefinke: Anja Kleinefinke is a German fashion model who has appeared in a variety of television commercials and magazine adverts.
- Lothar Kleinefinke: Lothar Kleinefinke is a German academic and financial market progressive, who is presently professor in the Finance Department at the University of Munich.