Surname Kleuss - Meaning and Origin
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Kleuss: What does the surname Kleuss mean?
The last name Kleuss is derived from the Old German words “klus” or “klusser,” which mean “cleaner” or “closer” respectively. The original meaning of the name was associated with those who cleaned the homes and belongings of the wealthy members of medieval Germany's upper classes.
Throughout the centuries, the name developed its own unique meanings based on the spelling variations and regional locations of its holders. In parts of northern Germany, Kleuss became a surname for those associated with making and selling locks, while in parts of Holland and Belgium, the name was reserved for members of the clergy.
The history of the Kleuss name is tied to an important movement in the late 18th century known as the Kleusstiener. This was an association of German families sharing the same professions and last name who collected money from their members to support the common cause. The members organized their own taxation and generated their own education system, giving a sense of communal identity and identity to the name Kleuss.
Today, those with the last name of Kleuss can trace their family histories back to these days of rural communalism. The name has spread across Europe over the centuries, and now can be found in a variety of countries. While the original meaning of the word might have been lost in modern usage, it still carries with it a profound sense of family and community, and is an honorable reminder of the past.
Order DNA origin analysisKleuss: Where does the name Kleuss come from?
The last name Kleuss (or variants like Klæss, Klaess, and Kläss) is most common in its birthplace of Germany today, where over 1,700 people bear the surname. It is particularly plentiful in the states of Bavaria and Schleswig-Holstein, where it ranks in the top 1,000 most common surnames.
The name is also sometimes found in the United States and beyond, where it is slightly more uncommon. In particular, some descendants of German migrants in the 19th century and their kin bear the name in American cities such as New York, New Jersey, and Milwaukee. Beyond the U.S. it can be found in the United Kingdom, Argentina, Switzerland, Canada, Brazil, and Australia.
Kleuss is thought to be derived from the Middle High German klein or klaue, meaning "small" or "claw," perhaps referring to a small, agile figure or a branch-like, claw-shaped object; alternatively, it may reference some kind of bird or animal associated with the original bearer of the name.
Whatever the source of the name, the Kleuss of today represent a tradition stretching back hundreds of years in the German-speaking world, and their presence is felt around the world by the many people who share this distinctive last name.
Variations of the surname Kleuss
The surname Kleuss is of German origin and is also spelled as Kleus, Kleuß, and Kleuss. It is also sometimes seen as Klauss and Clauss. The surname Kleuss is related to the German word Klause, which means “enclosure” or “enclosed area.” It likely originated as a nickname for someone who lived or worked near to an enclosed area, such as a courtyard or garden.
Kleuss is a popular surname in Germany, many of whom are Roman Catholic and come from the Catholic province of Bavaria, where the surname has its roots. It can also be found in Switzerland, Austria, and in the Netherlands.
The surname also appears in different forms in other languages. Examples include Kloos, Clusius, and Clus in Dutch, Kloess and Klose in German, and Kleus in Danish. There are also variants of the surname found in other European countries, such as Clerc and Clercne in France, and Klausing. or Klasing in Russia.
In the United States, the surname Kleuss was among the earliest German immigrants to arrive in the country, often arriving through the port of Philadelphia between 1730 and 1740. The surname has also spread to other countries, such as Canada and Australia, with immigrants from Germany.
Famous people with the name Kleuss
- Dinah Kleuss (also known as Deejay Terry): German DJ, record producer, music procurer and event organizer
- Götz Kleuss: German voice actor, motion capture performer, athlete, and stuntman
- Steve Kleuss: Predominantly a stage actor, he also made some appearances on television throughout his career
- Melissa Kleuss: German businesswoman, CEO, and entrepreneur
- Lauren Kleuss: German theater and film actress
- Götz Kleuss Jr.: German voice actor
- Hannes Kleuss: German singer and composer
- Jan Kleuss: German opera singer
- Margot Kleuss: German theater and film actress
- Heinz Kleuss: German actor and stage director