Surname Klemeyer - Meaning and Origin
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Klemeyer: What does the surname Klemeyer mean?
Klemeyer is a German surname with roots in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany. It derives from the Old German word "kleme", which means "fountain of strength" or "fountain of faith". The name suggests an ancestor with a strong faith or a fortunate fortune.
The most common versions of the name are Klemm and Kleem. The spelling changed depending on the region and time period. Klemeyer is more common today.
In German, the name would typically be spelled with two m’s (Klemm) and with an e at the end (Kleme), so it is likely that the “eyer” is a combination of the two forms of the name. It is possible that the two forms of the name were combined to form Klemeyer when the name was transferred to other countries.
Klemeyer is a popular German surname, and its usage has spread across other countries and cultures through immigration. It is also possible that some families changed the spelling over time as the spelling was adapted to their language or pronunciation.
Klemeyer is still a popular name in Germany and other countries across Europe, but it is not as common in the US as it once was. Nevertheless, it is still associated with family values and a strong sense of faith, making it a proud and respected surname.
Order DNA origin analysisKlemeyer: Where does the name Klemeyer come from?
The surname Klemeyer is most commonly found in Germany. Its origins can be traced back to the late 1300s when it was found in the city of Cologne. It then slowly spread as German immigrants moved away from the region, with Klemeyers settling in areas of Russia, the United Kingdom, Sweden and other European countries.
Today, the Klemeyer surname remains common in areas of Germany, specifically in the East and West. It can also be found throughout North America, especially in the United States, with many descendants of those that immigrated from Germany in the mid-to-late 1800s. There are also Klemeyer’s that can be found in the United Kingdom and even a few scattered around Australia and New Zealand.
The surname is relatively common, but not widespread. However, a search for members of the Klemeyer family on genealogical websites can reveal a surprisingly large number of people still living today with this surname who are related in some way.
Although the surname is in decline, those who do still bear the surname can take pride in its history and the legacy that it has left behind. Those who are descendants of these original settlers can continue to trace its routes and find out where they originated from, while those who are more recent immigrants to the countries where it is found can share their family stories and keep the history of the Klemeyer name alive for generations to come.
Variations of the surname Klemeyer
Klemeyer is an occupational surname of German origin, derived from the Middle High German 'klehe', meaning 'clay'. It is also sometimes seen as Klemere, Kleemeyer, Klemer or Klemerer.
Variations of the spelling of this surname highlight its regional origin. In Germany, it is found as Klemerer; in Austria, as Klemeyr or Klemey; and in Switzerland, as Klemeyer. The Netherlands also has a spelling variation of Clemer or Clemers.
In America, spellings such as Klemmer, Klemar, Klemer and Kleemor exist. Similarly, variant spellings can also be found in Brazil, where Kleimann, Kleimão, and Kleimanish are quite common. In Russia, the spelling can be found as Klemmers, while in Finland and Norway it is known as Klemerer.
Interestingly, Klemeyer is also aJewish surname, most likely derived from the Middle High German 'Klemer'. It is found as Kleymey, Klemaid, Klemaier, Klemyer, and Clammeyder.
There is one known sept, or family, of Klemeyer surnames. The Klemeyer family of Oberste Sieben is documented to have had a coat of arms, and is one of the most notable Klemeyer families.
Klemeyer does not have any known variant surnames, meaning that all family members of this name share the same origin. However, spellings have changed over time, and the many regional variations mean it is important to trace family origins through records in relevant countries.
Famous people with the name Klemeyer
- Max Klemeyer: Actor best known for his role in the film "Lost in Space"
- Erwin Klemeyer: German composer and organist
- Wilhelm Klemeyer: German structural engineer who designed the Cologne Cathedral and other notable structures
- Katrin Klemeyer: German journalist active in the 1950s
- John Klemeyer: American lawyer and musician
- Holger Klemeyer: German Olympic rower
- Johann Klemeyer: German geologist active in late 1800s
- Wilhelm Klemeyer: German painter best known for his floral still-lives
- Karl-Heinz Klemeyer: German doctor known for his research on sleep apnea
- Bas Klemeyer: Dutch professional soccer player