Surname Klesse - Meaning and Origin
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Klesse: What does the surname Klesse mean?
The last name Klesse is of German origin and appears to be derived from the Middle High German word “klesen.” It has a variety of meanings, such as “to close” or “to shut,” and “to make small or little”, “to restrict”, or “to displace”. The name has appeared in the records of German knights since the early 1200’s, and individuals from this family played a prominent role in the Medieval period.
Throughout the Ages, Klesse has been found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. The earliest record of this surname is from the 12th Century, when it was used as a personal name associated with the knightly class. By the 18th Century, it had also become a surname, as it was first noted in the Schumacher family history book in 1743.
Today, the name Klesse is a popular name across Germany, as well as other parts of Europe. It is particularly revived in the United States, as it is the name of a popular restaurant chain within Milwaukee. In addition to this, it holds a special place in the hearts of many Germans, who trace their roots back to the great knights of the Middle Ages.
In conclusion, the last name Klesse is a powerful name which has withstood the test of time. It is a moniker of honour, having been used by many German nobles of the past, and continues to be held in high esteem by many personnel both in Europe and the United States today.
Order DNA origin analysisKlesse: Where does the name Klesse come from?
The last name Klesse is a German family name, which proves it was likely first adopted by someone from a region where German was spoken. Records indicate that the Klesse name is most common today in Germany and Austria.
In Germany, the Klesse surname is most commonly found in the western regions, specifically in North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony, as well as in the spa town of Aachen. In Austria, the Klesse name is concentrated in the eastern regions, with the largest frequency in Styria and Burgenland. Over the past century the Klesse families from these regions have also migrated to other parts of Germany and Austria, as well as to other countries in Europe including Belgium, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic.
Outside of Europe, Klesse families may be found in various other parts of the world. Due to internal and international migrations, the Klesse surname can be seen in the United States, Brazil, Argentina, as well as Australia and New Zealand. This expansion across the globe is likely due to the different waves of immigrants that have moved to different countries in search of a better life.
Overall, the German surname Klesse has a long history and is still common today in several regions of Europe and beyond.
Variations of the surname Klesse
The surname Klesse is of Germanic origin and has a number of variants, spellings and surnames with the same origin. Some of the more common variants of the surname Klesse include Kehse, Kleese, Kleiss, Kless, Klitz, Kloos, and Klose.
Klesse is derived from the name Klaas which is an old German form of Nicholas. Klaas is a short form of the name Nikolaus which was usually pronounced differently in different German dialects. For example, in some dialects the name Nikolaus could be pronounced nickel or klaas.
The modern spelling of the surname Klesse is derived from two old German words which mean victory and shield. This is due to the fact that Klesse was adopted as a surname by Germanic warriors in the Middle Ages as a sign of strength. This means that all variants of the name could be used as a sign of victory and bravery.
Over time various variants of the surname Klesse may have evolved in different regions such as the Netherlands, Germany and other parts of Europe. These variants can be found in the records of birth, marriage and death throughout Europe, although most of them are quite rare or no longer in use.
Common surnames related to the Klesse family include Kleissman, Klesseman, Klesmer, and Klessen. It is also worth mentioning that the Klesse family is associated with a number of noble and aristocratic titles such as Baron von Klesse, Count von Klesse, and the Knight of Klesse.
Famous people with the name Klesse
- Torben Klesse, German handball player who has won 3 gold medals at the European Championships.
- Alfred Klesse, German journalist, writer and businessman.
- Reinhold Klesse, German actor and stage and film producer.
- Ursula Klesse-Kleve, German race car driver and multiple German Formula Three Championship winner.
- Jürgen Klesse, German Switzerland-based conductor and composer.
- Bernd Klesse, Director of the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control.
- Eva Klesse, German shot putter who has represented Germany in the Olympics.
- Johann-Peter Klesse, German business analyst, author, and entrepreneur.
- Claus Klesse, former head of the German Armed Forces Military Office.
- Lothar Klesse, German sculptor, woodcarver and installation artist.