Origin of the surname Klein

This is one of the most famous of all surnames of Germanic origins. It is a nickname, and is recorded in some fifty spellings ranging from Klein, Kleyn, and Cline, to De Cleyne, Kleinermann, and Klejna, and with many compounds such as Kleinbaum and Kleinhandler. However spelt the origination is pre 7th century a.d., and the derivation is from the words klein or kleyne meaning "small". In ancient times before the introduction of surnames in about the 12th century, nicknames, particulary those of endearment were very popular.

In this case the word was probably applied to the youngest member of a family, although it could also have applied to one of small stature or even the reverse! Pre-medieval humour was both robust and personalised, so "Klein" may on occasion have been a nickname for a large person! The surname is one of the first ever recorded anywhere, and early examples taken from the authentic German charters and registers of the period, confirm its popularity. These include Walthem der Kleine of Kassel in the year 1209, Kounrad Claineman of Oberschwaben in 1283, Conrad Klainer of Friedingen in 1424, and Johan Klainhain of Konstanz in 1469. The first known recording of the surname anywhere in the world is probably that of Herolt der Kleine from Wurzburg, Germany, in the charters of that city for the year 1185. Surnames throughout the world have continued to "develop" over the centuries. This often leads to spellings far from their original form.

The surname Klein. Genealogy, origin, history, meaning, and significance

Discovering the historical roots of klein is deeply interesting, as it takes us back to the ancestors and relatives who established this lineage. Research into the possible origins of klein leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname. The origin, the coat of arms or the different heraldic shields, and the bibliography in which the surname klein is mentioned are part of this exciting investigation. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of klein.

The surname Klein around the world

Although surnames have a specific origin at a certain time and region of the planet, many of them have spread far and wide across the world for various reasons, as is the case with the surname klein. There is a considerable probability that klein has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where klein is most abundant are the following. The list of countries with a higher presence of people with the surname klein provides us with a perspective on the history of the surname, beyond its origins, focusing on its migrations.

History of Klein

The historical chronicle of klein is based on a striking series of events that were led by those who have carried this surname throughout history. The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named klein are found in every look back in the history of this lineage. For those like you, who are interested in the history hidden behind the surname klein, it is essential to find all kinds of information, both direct and tangential, that helps to construct a solid narrative of how the birth and expansion of klein developed. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname klein.

We suggest that if you want to learn more about the surname klein, try to locate it through the bibliographic sources we suggest. It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of klein could be modified. We keep our website updated through our own research and also thanks to contributions from people like you, after verification; so if you have information about klein and send it to us, we will update it on this website.

Notable Figures Named Klein

It's more than likely that there have been some distinguished kleins throughout human history. We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname klein, even though not all have been documented to our present day. Sadly, not all the contributions of those who bore the surname klein were recorded by the chroniclers of the time. If you or someone you know bears the surname klein, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues.

The surname Klein and its bibliographic sources

Thanks to a significant bibliographic review, we have so far compiled information on the heraldry, history, and genealogy of klein. The bibliography collects information related to the surname klein, which allows us to learn more about its meaning. The origin, history, coat of arms or different coats of arms, and the heraldry of klein are recorded in a wide variety of sources and documents that are essential to know for better compilation. Accessing the archives of the town or towns where your ancestors were born and lived is, of course, a good way to trace the origins of klein.

SOURCES

These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of klein, and at the same time, of surnames in general.

Origin of Klein