Surname Kloessler - Meaning and Origin
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Kloessler: What does the surname Kloessler mean?
The surname Kloessler is of German origin and is thought to have derived from the Middle High German word ‘Klot’ or ‘klotze’, which is a word of uncertain origin that referred to a rounded hill or shield, an elevated landmark. In the Middle Ages, at a time when family surnames were being adopted, some families adopted the name Kloessler to refer to a geographical location or landmark that was important to them.
The name could also have been derived from a Middle High German personal name, Clotz, Cloots or Klottz. This name is derived from the Old Germanic elements ‘kluh’ meaning ‘prominent’ or ‘famous’, and ‘hari’ referring to a warrior. The name is thought to have been adopted by a family of warriors who wanted to signal their military might and strength.
For some, the last name could have been influenced by other languages or cultures, such as the Dutch. ‘Kloet’ is a Dutch word for ‘strong’ or ‘tough’ which may have been adopted by families who were particularly strong in mind, spirit or body.
The last name ‘Kloessler’ is quite common in what are now Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands, as well as in the United States and Canada. The most likely explanation is that the name refers to a place, a family of warriors, or something admired or valued in the individuals’ ancestors.
Order DNA origin analysisKloessler: Where does the name Kloessler come from?
The last name Kloessler is primarily found in Germany, especially in the northern region of Westphalia. It is a very common name in this region and is also found in the Netherlands, Denmark, and Poland. In the United States, Kloessler is a relatively uncommon last name and is concentrated in the Midwestern states such as Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Iowa.
The surname is thought to be derived from the Old German word Kloerchen, which literally translates to "a small piece of land", suggesting the family may have originated from landowners. The original form of the name, Kloers, may also derive from the Middle High German word k LOeder, which translates to the modern word "claw." In the United States, the surname has most likely been anglicized due to assimilation to the American culture.
The last name Kloessler is found in a majority of records up until the twentieth century. For example, records show there were over 4,000 individuals with the last name Kloessler living in Prussia in 1867. In the United States, there are an estimated 1,500 - 2,000 households with the last name Kloessler living today.
Variations of the surname Kloessler
There are many variants and spellings for the surname Kloessler. The spelling most often used is “Kloessler,” but variations may include “Klösser,” “Klössner,” “Klößner,” “Kloessner,” “Kloeser,” “Kloesner,” “Kloester,” “Kloester,” “Kloeßner,” “Kleyssler,” “Klassler,” “Kleissler,” “Kleßler,” “Klieser” and “Kliesser.”
Surnames associated with the same origin and spelling of Kloessler include “Kloeßl,” “Kclaessli,” “Klassli,” “Klassl,” “Klessel,” Klesseler,” “Kleissl,” “Kleisslin,” “Klelser,” “Kliessel,” “Kliesser,” “Klosser,” “Kloseer,” “Klosener,” “Klusener,” “Klozener” and “Klößner.”
The term Kloessler is most likely derived from the division of the name into two distinct elements; in this case, “Kloe” and “Sler” – most likely meaning a “smaller” version of something. Alternatively, “Kloe” could come from a form of Middle High German and means “someone from the corner,” while “Sler” is derived from the German word ‘schlägel’ meaning “a striker,” or one who strikes heavy blows.
Kloessler is an old and infrequent German and Austrian surname. When it first began to be used in the German speaking world is not known but, due to its origins, it is likely to have been used before the early eighteenth century. It is most common in the regions of Southern Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Northern Italy.
Famous people with the name Kloessler
- Stephen Kloessler: an American television journalist and Larry King Live alumni.
- Peter Kloessler: a German-American industrialist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.
- Mark Kloessler: a former American football running back.
- Zach Kloessler: a former American football wide receiver.
- Quincy Kloessler: an American basketball player for the Utah Jazz.
- John Kloessler: a former Major League Baseball pitcher.
- Walter Kloessler: a prominent German mechanical engineer and founder of Kloess Brothers, a company that produced the first automobiles in Berlin.
- Martin Kloessler: a German composer, performer, and poet.
- Robert Kloessler: an American jazz drummer, composer, and producer.
- Annie Kloessler: an American luthier and violin maker.