Surname Klöker - Meaning and Origin
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Klöker: What does the surname Klöker mean?
Klöker is a German surname originating from the Middle Low German word ‘kleker’ meaning "one who makes something out of clay". It is most commonly found in Northern Germany, particularly in the Rhineland-Palatinate region.
Often, the family name Klöker is associated with potters and earthenware makers. The Klöker family goods were highly sought after in medieval German towns and villages as they were well-known for the production of common and everyday earthenware items including storage jars, bowls, plates, and cups.
Today, there are several variations of the Klöker surname, such as Klöcher, Klecker and Klöcker, that have spread throughout Europe. Outside of Germany, Klöker is more commonly found in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia.
The Klöker surname is also associated with many notable individuals, such as German industrialist Wilhelm Klöker who is credited with the development of the industrial drying process for elastic yarns, and German composer Siegfried Klöker who wrote a range of operas and sacred music.
Overall, the Klöker surname can be traced back centuries and represents individuals with a creative and craftsmanship background. While it is most commonly associated with pottery making, the Klöker family has also left its mark in many other fields from music to industrial development.
Order DNA origin analysisKlöker: Where does the name Klöker come from?
The last name Klöker is most commonly found today in Northern Germany, particularly in the states of Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Bremen, and North Rhine-Westphalia. The word “Klöker” originated from the Middle Low German verb “kliken”, meaning “to tie”, “to clip”, or “to clinch”. In the 16th century, the Klökers were known as farm owners in the northern parts of Germany; many of them took on the surname of the towns or districts in which they lived.
The first records of the Klökers in Germany appear in Friesland as early as 1150. The earliest record of a Klöker family in the United States is 1868, when a Rudolf Klöker and his family emigrated from Germany to St. Louis, Missouri. From there, descendants have spread throughout the United States and beyond.
The Klökers are closely related to the Kloekers and Kloekerchen surnames, which are found in both Germany and the United States. The Klökers have a strong presence in Pennsylvania, while the Kloekers can also be found in Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota. Kloekerchen is primarily seen in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana.
Today, Klöker is used as a name for both men and women throughout Europe, America, and the world, and is seen as people of modern yet ancient heritage. As the popularity of the Klöker surname continues to grow, so too will its presence around the world.
Variations of the surname Klöker
Klöker is a surname of German origin. It is derived from the occupational name for a locksmith or similar tradesman. Different spellings and variant forms of this name that can be found include Kloecker, Klecker, Kleeker, Klocker, Kloecker, Kloeker, Kloeker, Kluker, Kluker, and Clocker. It is believed that the earliest form of this family name was Klöker, which originated in northern Germany.
In some cases, the surname Klöker has evolved into other surnames, for example, Klockenbrock, Klocker, and Klockenbrinck are all related to the surname Klöker. Kloeckner and Klocker are also variant forms of Klöker, likely influenced by the dialects and languages of other nearby countries. In some cases, the surname has come to take on different spellings, such as Klocker, Kleeker, Klecker, Kloeker, or Kloeker. In certain parts of the United States, the word "icker" was often added to Klöker, giving the surname a new form that still honored its original form.
The surname Klöker can also be found as a variant form in other countries around the world. In the Netherlands, the surname often became spelled as Kluker or Kluk, while in Denmark and Sweden it changed into Klocker. Some French-speaking Canadians also have adopted the surname Klöker as a variant spelling, as well as localized pronunciation of the name.
Overall, the Klöker surname has evolved and spread in different parts of the world, taking on various spellings and variant forms that still honor its original German form.
Famous people with the name Klöker
- Ennio Klöker: German actor and author.
- Jürgen Klöker: German equestrian, won an Olympic bronze medal at 1996 Summer Olympics.
- Hermann Klöker: German football manager.
- Peter Klöker: German politician and member of the CDU.
- Paul Klöker: German fought in World War II.
- Karl Klöker: German footballer who playsg center back for 1. FC Magdeburg.
- Antonie Klöker: German actress.
- Markus Klöker: German football defender who last played for SG 99 Andernach.
- Hans Klöker: German politician and member of the SPD.
- Bruno Klöker: German chess player.