Surname Kinlein - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
Kinlein: What does the surname Kinlein mean?
The last name Kinlein is an Ashkenazi Jewish surname that originated within German-speaking countries. It is derived from the German phrase “Kleinlein,” which translates to “little one.” This last name is believed to have originally been used as an endearing nickname for someone who was small in stature or even young, although it was eventually adopted as a surname.
The Jewish community has traditionally used patronymic surnames, and many believe that the Kinlein surname was created from the given name “Klein.” This given name is derived from the Germanic word “klein,” meaning “small in size.”
This name is believed to have been quite common throughout Germany, Austria, and ultimately even in the United States. It is likely that Kinlein is a variation of the names Klein and Kline, which are commonly found in those areas. Individuals with this last name likely come from families that have long been residing in Northern Europe or East-Central Europe.
The meaning of the Kinlein last name has persisted through the centuries and has become a symbol of strength and pride for those who carry it. Its meaning of “little one” highlights the values of family and close bonds, and ethnic origins of belonging to Ashkenazi Jewish culture.
Order DNA origin analysisKinlein: Where does the name Kinlein come from?
The last name Kinlein is most commonly found in Germany. It is a German surname that has been recorded in Church records as far back as the 1600s. In more modern times, Kinlein is a fairly common surname throughout Germany. It is also somewhat common in Austria, where it was first documented in the late 1700s. The surname has also spread to the United States, where it is particularly concentrated in New York, Illinois, California, and Florida. It is, however, still a comparatively rare name in the US. The name Kinlein is also found in other parts of Europe, including Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands. It is less common in the UK and other English-speaking countries. It is important to note that there are alternate spellings and variations of the last name Kinlein, such as Kinnlein, Kleinlein, and Klinelein. All these variations are believed to be derived from the same surname. Overall, it is a fairly common name in Germany, and it has spread to other parts of Europe and the United States.
Variations of the surname Kinlein
The variant spellings and surnames of Kinlein are varied and diverse, ranging from the traditional to the very rare spelling variations.
The traditional German surnames of Kinlein, Kőnlein, Köhnlein, and Kohnlein are some of the most common alternatives to the more familiar Kinlein surname. These spellings are all derived from the Old German given name "Konrad," meaning "brave counsel," and usually signify a person of strong moral and ethical character.
In America and other parts of the world, the "K" in Kinlein is often replaced with a "C," making the surnames Cohnlein, Conlein, and Connlein. This change is due to an English version of the name being used over time.
Other rare spellings include Keinlein, Kaenlein, Kenlein, Kenleyn, Kainlyne, Kaynleene, Keonleane, Konlein, Konlayne, and Koenlein.
A few changed surnames parents and descendants of Kinlein may use include Klein, Kline, Cline, Coyne, and Kleinman.
Famous people with the name Kinlein
- Heinz Kinlein: German actor
- Laila Kinlein: German singer and a famous YouTuber
- Ezra Kinlein: American children’s author
- Robert Kinlein: Academy Award-winning film director
- Theodore Kinlein: American historian and political writer
- Robert Kinlein: Composer and songwriter
- Paul Kinlein: German physicist and mineralogist
- Karl Kinlein: German-Swiss pre-eminent landscape artist
- Paul Kinlein: Austrian-born film director, writer, producer
- Charles Kinlein: American civil servant and mayor of Washington
- Albin Kinlein: German sculptor and painter
- Roy Kinlein: American astronaut
- Karen Kinlein: Canadian-American Olympic synchronized swimmer
- Gail Kinlein: American author and playwright
- Norm Kinlein: American lawyer and politician
- Barbara Kinlein: French author and ski instructor