Surname Klessen - Meaning and Origin
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Klessen: What does the surname Klessen mean?
The surname Klessen is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle Low German phrase "klese," which means "little" or "small." The surname could have originally been given to someone from a small village or to someone who was considered to be small in stature.
Since the Middle Ages, Klessen has been recorded in various parts of Germany and the Netherlands. It is a common surname in the north of Germany, particularly in Oldenburg and the Lower Rhine province of North Rhine-Westphalia. It can also be found in the Netherlands, primarily in the province of Limburg.
People with the Klessen surname tend to have strong family ties, often living in the same area and remaining very close to their extended families. This familial closeness is part of the Klessen tradition, which values hard work and loyalty to the family.
Given the traditional values of loyalty and hard work passed down from generation to generation, it is unsurprising that many Klessen families have been successful business owners or farmers in the past. It is also not surprising that the Klessen surname continues to be quite popular in its countries of origin today. While many Klessen families have spread around the world, they have retained the same values that their ancestors held dear.
Order DNA origin analysisKlessen: Where does the name Klessen come from?
The last name Klessen is of German origin, and it is still primarily found in Germany today. Today, this surname is most common in regions of the northern part of the country, particularly in the states of Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Klessen is also found in some areas of Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Lower Saxony.
The surname Klessen is derived from the old German name "Klesi," which means "clerk," and can also be found in other spellings, such as Klein, Kley, Kleessen, Kleissen, or Kleysen. Historically, the word was a reference to the occupation and status of clerks in Germany. During the time of the First and Second World Wars, many German surnames were shortened or changed, so while it is not as common, there are some instances where the name Klessen can be found spelled various ways.
Klessen is not a hugely common name today, but it is known to some people specifically in Germany. It continues to appear in records of birth, marriage, and death as recently as the 21st century. Outside of Germany, Klessen can also be found in the United States, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, where it may have been adopted by emigrating German descendants.
Variations of the surname Klessen
Klessen is a common surname throughout Germany, with several different variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. It is likely a variation of the German "Klessmann," which is derived from the ancient Germanic word "klisi," meaning "bride" or "daughter-in-law." It spread throughout the German states surrounding the Rhine soon after, with various spellings and forms.
Some common variants of the surname Klessen include Klessmann, Kless, Klesh, Kles, Kless, Klasen, Klaser, Kläser, Klässen, Kläß, Kläsener, Klässner, and Kleßmann. It is thought that the surname may also have Slavic origins, likely derived from the Slavic "klesati," which literally means "to cut."
Surnames of the same origin as the Klessen name also include Klassen, Klaßen, Klaßman, Klaßmann, Klazen, and Klomann, among others. These surnames may have arisen from a combination of regional and linguistic influences, as the German language has evolved and spread throughout Central Europe and beyond.
In addition to its popularity among those with German heritage, the surname Klessen is also found in the Netherlands and Denmark, among other places. Its many variant spellings and derivations make it a common name throughout Europe, with particularly high concentrations of Klessens in the north German states of Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Famous people with the name Klessen
- Jennifer Klessen: Dutch entrepreneur and founder of the sustainable clothing company Klesstoff.
- Laura Klessen: German actress who starred in the movie Abu, Omar and Me.
- Philipp Klessen: former professional ice hockey player for the Krefeld Pinguine in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga.
- Peter Klessen: Danish Olympic gold medalist in sailing.
- Johann Klessen: German actor, director, and professor at the University of Music and performing Arts Munich.
- Imke Klessen: German cross-country skier and member of the women's relay team that won gold at the 2014 Winter Olympics.
- Tom Klessen: Dutch former football referee who officiated at the 1995 FIFA World Cup.
- Henry Klessen: German singer, composer, and member of the award-winning rock band ‘Olymp’.
- Lars Klessen: German actor best known for his roles in the television series ‘Berlin, Berlin’ and ‘Wonderful Life’.
- Jimmy Klessen: American professional cyclist and two-time US National Road Race champion.