Surname Kloke - Meaning and Origin
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Kloke: What does the surname Kloke mean?
The last name Kloke is most commonly of German origin, with some possible variations such as Klöck and Klöke. It is a patronymic name derived from the personal name Klaus, itself derived from the Latin “Claudius,” meaning “lame.” This name is believed to have originally been a nickname for those afflicted with a physical disability, as opposed to being borne as a name out of reverence for the apostle.
The literal translation of Kloke in German is “lame,” but it can also be considered a positive thing within this context, as it may imply someone with strength, adaptability, and resilience due to their condition. Over time, the name has been adopted as a surname, often associated with tradesmen and farmers.
It is thought that these individuals achieved success in spite of their physical limitations, suggesting that the Kloke name is a symbol of strength and perseverance. This strength and determination often comes from within the family, as many families bearing this name work together to help one another and make the most of any opportunities given.
Today, the surname Kloke is still quite common in certain regions, particularly those where German is widely spoken. Furthermore, thanks to immigration and its broader cultural impact, the name can now be found in many other parts of the world. Although the meaning may have changed somewhat over the years, is still conveys an air of determination and resilience.
Order DNA origin analysisKloke: Where does the name Kloke come from?
The last name of Kloke is a German surname and is mainly found in Germany today. It is also a common surname throughout Europe, especially in countries with large German populations such as Austria, Switzerland, and Poland.
The first known instance of the Kloke family dates back to the town of Baden-Württemberg, located in the southwestern region of Germany. It is thought that the family originated from the area near the Rhine river in the 12th century. The origin of the name is uncertain, but it is believed to be a combination of 'klein' meaning small, and 'locke' meaning lock of hair.
The Kloke family has spread across many countries throughout the centuries as members of the family have sought new opportunities. The USA, Canada, Australia, and France all have Klokes living there today.
The most populous region for Kloke families in Germany is the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. This is a large industrial region with many cities including Dortmund, Duisburg an Cologne. It is thought that many of the Kloke families in this area originally came from the Bavarian region of Germany.
The current estimated population of people with the last name of Kloke in Germany is around 37,100 people.
Variations of the surname Kloke
The surname Kloke is a German-language surname, derived from the Middle High German word Klôke, meaning a small bell. It is mostly found in today’s Germany, specifically in Bavaria, although it is also used occasionally in other German-speaking countries.
Alternate spellings, depending on the dialect of origin, are Kloeck, Cloeck, Kleck, Klocke, Klock, and Kloek. Variations of this surname include Kloeken, Klekok, Klecken, Kleck, Klokk, Kluke, Klucke, Klocker, Klecker, Klocken, Klockel, Clocker, Kleckel, and Klöcker.
Other surnames derived from the same root are Klockert, Klokemann, Clokemann, Klekert, Klokmann, Klokener, Kluken, Kucken, Kuckel, Clöcker, Klokkenberg, Klokkenberg, Kluchener, Klöckener, Clockerberg, Klockenberger, and Klokel.
Variants of the surname Kloke can also be found in other countries outside of Germany due to migration or emigration. For example, the variations Dollen, Kloen, and Klyne are observed in the Netherlands. In the United States, it is seen as Klock and Cloke, with some individuals even adapting the surname to its English translation Bell.
Famous people with the name Kloke
- Andrew Kloke: Painter and musician from Indianapolis, Indiana.
- Christian Kloke: German film director, actor, screenwriter and film producer.
- Christina Kloke: Actress and current member of the Canadian Improv Duo "Sheep No Wool".
- Erich Kloke: Austrian writer, photographer and film director.
- Eva Kloke: Austrian-born sculptor and installation artist.
- George Kloke: Austrian photographer and documentary filmmaker.
- Hanna Kloke: German film writer and director.
- Hans Kloke: Austrian-born film director and screenwriter.
- Helmut Kloke: Austrian producer, director and film editor.
- Jack Kloke: American actor best known for his roles in films like "The Cotton Club" and "F/X2".
- Johann Kloke: German painter and decorative artist.
- Joseph Kloke: American jazz drummer and recording artist.
- Kurt Kloke: German sculptor.
- Laura Kloke: American painter and mixed-media artist.
- Michael Kloke: German goalkeeper.
- Paul Kloke: German-American sportswriter.
- Robert Kloke: German music producer and owner of the record label "Orange Sun Records".
- Stanley Kloke: American lawyer.
- Thomas Kloke: German-American pianist and organist.
- Ulrike Kloke: German psychotherapist and trauma specialist.