Surname Kleylein - Meaning and Origin
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Kleylein: What does the surname Kleylein mean?
The last name Kleylein is a German surname derived from the Middle High German word "klehlîn," meaning "little." Consequently, the surname suggests a diminutive size or stature and may have had an occupational origin, with people having the last name Kleylein being shoemakers or leather workers. It is likely that the family with the last name Kleylein traces its origins back to the area of Central or Continental Europe.
The first known record of the Kleylein surname dates back to the 16th century in the town of Reileibe, in what is today's Thuringia, Germany. However, the name is also found in places such as Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic.
Although the last name Kleylein is not particularly common, there are a few people who still bear the name. Some descendant families of the original German Kleylein line may have adopted alternate spellings, such as Clain, Kleelain, Klaen, Kleink, and Klyne.
The Kleyleins of today may still have those same occupations their ancestors had centuries ago; however, the family is now most commonly found in various professions. Beyond Central Europe, there are Kleylein families living as far away as the United States, Canada, and South Africa, thus showing the name's remarkable tenacity and staying power throughout the years.
Order DNA origin analysisKleylein: Where does the name Kleylein come from?
The last name Kleylein is most common in the United States and Germany. In the US, the most concentrated Kleylein population is in the state of Montana, where it is the 1,400th most common last name. It is less common in other parts of the US, particularly on the East Coast.
In Germany, the highest concentration of Kleylein is around Hamburg. The Kleylein name is frequently found in southwestern Germany. It is the 848th most common last name in the country. The Cologne region also has a comparatively sizeable Kleylein population.
It is also found, albeit less frequently, in other areas of Europe, including France, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Kleylein can also be seen in Brazil, Canada, and the UK.
Kleylein is a variation on the last name Klaiber. It is derived from the German word klaiber, which means inhabitant of a small settlement or village. This link to rural roots reflects the origins of Kleylien as a name, which began in the villages of northwest Germany.
Variations of the surname Kleylein
Kleylein is a surname of German origin. It is derived from an old German word, "Kley" meaning small and "Lein" meaning a meadow or a grassy clearing. Common variants and alternative spellings of the surname Kleylein include Klein, Kleine, Kleinlein, Kleinele, Kleinelein, Kleinschmidt, Kleineveld, Kleinemeier, Kleibrok, Kleis, Kliese and Kleima.
Klein is the most common spelling of the name and is widely used in Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland in order to connote a meaning of small or little. The United States is home to the highest amount of people who bear this surname.
In many cases, the surname Kleylein has changed to Kleine. In some instances, the name was changed to Kleineveld, from the words for small field, Kleinfeld (small field) or Kleinefield (little field).
Kleibrok is an alternate spelling of Kleylein, stemming from the German words for small brook (Kleinbach), indicating the original bearer of the name lived by a small river or stream. Kleineveld and Kleinemeier are both variants which mean small meadow or clearing.
Kleis is a variant of Kleylein found predominantly in the Netherlands, and may have derived from an old name for a small cliff or hill.
Kliese is a variation of Kleylein which is found primarily amongst families based in Northern Germany. Kleima, yet another variant or spelling of the name, originates from multiple places and may have a connection to the old German words for “small meadow” (Kleinemeier) or “small island” (Kleininsel).
Overall, although the spelling of the surname has evolved over the centuries, the meaning and origin of the name Kleylein remains the same.
Famous people with the name Kleylein
- Karl Kleylein: an acclaimed German actor best known for his roles in German TV series and films.
- Carola Kleylein: a German composer who has written numerous soundtracks.
- Günter Kleylein: a prominent German politician and former secretary of state.
- Michael Kleylein: a German businessman and entrepreneur, founder of the software and IT services company SULOG GmbH.
- Nicola Kleylein: a professional German tennis player best known for her clay court successes.
- Paul Kleylein: a German television presenter and journalist.
- Yannick Kleylein: a former professional German footballer.
- Anna Kleylein: an acclaimed German sculptor whose works can be found at the Berlin State Museums.
- Karoline Kleylein: a renowned German opera singer and Mozart specialist.
- Maria Kleylein: a German fashion designer who has dressed prominent celebrities including German Chancellor Angela Merkel.