Surname Klinkhammer - Meaning and Origin

Klinkhammer: What does the surname Klinkhammer mean?

The German surname Klinkhammer is derived from the Middle High German Klinker or Kleinhammer, meaning "small hammer". It has a number of variants in spelling such as Klinkhard, Klinkheur, Klinkhamer, Klenkamer, and Klinkamp. It is likely to have first been a nick name for someone who was small or of slight stature.

The German language provides clues to better understand the cultural context in which a surname originated, in this case, Klinkhammer. The German word “klingen” means to sound or to ring while “Hammer” indicates a metalworking tool. This combination suggests that the Klinkhammer family originally belonged to a long line of metal smiths. Historically, these were important tradesmen in many European societies.

The Klinkhammer family likely originated in the German-speaking regions of Europe, as evidenced by its language and spelling. In modern times, the Klinkhammer surname still predominates around Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. German-speaking immigrants also brought the surname to North America in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

From smiths to carpenters, the Klinkhammer family tree includes many talented craftspeople. Although the original meaning of the name has long since been forgotten, its survival and prevalence over centuries serves as a reminder of the hard work, resilience, and endurance of the Klinkhammer family.

Klinkhammer: Where does the name Klinkhammer come from?

The last name Klinkhammer is most commonly associated with the region around the Lower Rhine in Germany. Due to the migrations within Europe following the second world war, the last name Klinkhammer is also found in other countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Overseas, the name Klinkhammer can also be found in the US, where it is mainly associated with German immigrants who settled there in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The last name Klinkhammer is derived from the German words 'Klinge' (blade) and 'hammer' (hammer), hence the name means 'blade hammer'. This likely refers to a family of blacksmiths who forged blades out of metal. This trade would often rely on word of mouth, suggesting that the family could have had its origins in a particular area.

The Klinkhammer name is not as common as it used to be, but it can still be found in German-speaking countries such as Germany, as well as in the US. As of 2020, Klinkhammer was the 1,089th most common last name in Germany, giving a rough indication of its prevalence in the country. Furthermore, the US Census Bureau has registered 6,317 people with the last name Klinkhammer in the US since 2011.

Variations of the surname Klinkhammer

Klinkhammer is a surname of German origin. It is derived from the German words "Klinken" and "Hammer," which mean a latch and a tool. It originated in the Middle Ages as a metonymic occupational surname for a locksmith or blacksmith who made latches, hinges, and locks.

Variants of this surname include Klinkenhammer, Klinkenhaemer, Klinkammer, Klinkhamer, Klinckshamer, and Clinkhamer. Alternate spellings that can be found include Klenkenhammer, Klinkenhamm, Klinkhemmer, Klinckshammer, and Klinkshammer.

Surnames which may be derived from the same root word as Klinkhammer include Klinck, Klink, Klint, and Klinghammer. Variants of these surnames include Klingenhammer, Klynk, Klinke, Klinte, and Klingehamer. Alternate spellings of these variants may include Klyng, Klintz, Klinkheym, Klynck, and Klynke.

In all, there are numerous variants and forms of the Klinkhammer surname. Whether written as a given name or as a surname, the root word is recognizable in many of the variants, whatever spelling or form may be found. As a surname representative of a particular trade, Klinkhammer is likely to remain recognizable in many parts of Germany and across the world.

Famous people with the name Klinkhammer

• Dr. Joel Klinkhammer: Clinical and Translational Research Facilitator at Creighton University School of Medicine
• Matthias Klinkhammer– Former ski jumper
• Dr. Jürgen Klinkhammer: Astronomer, Professor at the observatory of the University of Heidelberg, Germany
• Monika Klinkhammer: Freestyle Swimmer and Olympic Coach
• Erwin Klinkhammer: Former professional football player
• Wolfgang Klinkhammer: Professional hockey player
• Traudl Klinkhammer: former Post-War German singer

Other surnames

Klinkhamer