Surname Kläs - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
Kläs: What does the surname Kläs mean?
The last name Kläs (pronounced Ka-RES) is a German name, derived from the German word “Kleide”, which translates to “clothing”. The name likely originated from someone who worked with clothing either as a tailor or seamstress. Alternatively, it could be a toponym meaning “someone from Kleid,” a small village located in what is now the German state of Brandenburg.
Kläs is a relatively common German surname, being present in regions from as far south as Swabia to as far north as Berlin. It is also found in areas with a historical association with the German enclave of Danzig.
The etymological meaning of the name lends itself to several symbolic interpretations. Clothing in general represents protection, warmth, and comfort. These associations could be read into Kläs as a family name, suggesting that those who bear it will take on a supportive, protective role in their family and community.
On a more individual level, luggage and clothing have come to be associated with journeys and travel. This symbolic interpretation of Kläs could refer to one's willingness to take on physical and metaphorical travels in their life, or to the willingness to embrace change and opportunity.
Overall, the surname Kläs has many interpretations, but is generally associated with protective and warm characteristics, as well as being open to change.
Order DNA origin analysisKläs: Where does the name Kläs come from?
The surname Kläs is most commonly found in Germany today. It is found mainly in the north and east of the country, with higher concentrations in the states of Saxony and Thuringia. In Saxony, Kläs is the fourth most common surname in the state, while in Thuringia, it is the fifth most common.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a number of people with the surname Kläs emigrated from Germany to North America, particularly to the United States and Canada. This diaspora has led to Kläs also being found in other parts of the world, particularly in North America.
The Kläs family is one of the oldest German-Jewish families. During the Middle Ages, family members can be traced back to the former principality of Magdeburg where they were well known merchants. In August, 1941, the last members of the family were deported from Magdeburg, with the majority of them ending up at Auschwitz.
Outside of Europe, many members of the Kläs family still exist, although the surname is much less common. It can be found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. In the United States alone, Kläs ranked 5,634th in popularity in 2018, with 149 people with the surname.
Today, Kläs is a common enough surname that it is recognized across Germany and in other countries where members of the Kläs family exist.
Variations of the surname Kläs
The surname Kläs is of German origin and is most likely a variant of the common German surname Klaas. Alternative spellings of the Kläs surname are Claas and Claes. More uncommon spellings include Klaes, Klas, Claesen, Klazen, Classen, and Klassen. These variations of the name are found in countries with German, Dutch, Scandinavian and Flemish cultural roots, including Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Belgium.
The main variation of the Kläs name can be found in the Netherlands. The Dutch surname Claes is a Dutch translation, belonging to the surname Klaas, and it has many of the same spellings. Other popular variations in the Dutch language are Klazen, Claessen, and Klassen.
In parts of Belgium, the surname Kläs is most often seen as Claus or Claessens. Other variations in the Dutch language are Claessens, Clausse, and Claessen.
The surname Kläs is also found in Denmark and parts of Germany. Getz and Klets are two common variants of the surname Kläs that you may find in these areas of the world.
In the United States, the Kläs surname is occasionally seen as Claasson, Clason or Classon.
Overall, the variations of the Kläs surname are numerous, and all of the above have a common origin.
Famous people with the name Kläs
- Dirk Kläs: German drummer, member of the pop/rock band ‘Martinengröße’
- Björn Kläs: German singer and composer known for his songs in the music style of Schlager
- Stefan Kläs: German actor who has starred in several movies and television series
- Frederick Kläs: German actor, writer and director who has appeared in several shows and films
- Thomas Kläs: German musician and composer who has written numerous pieces of music
- Wolfgang Kläs: Retired German footballer who played as a defender for several clubs
- Johannes Kläs: German physician and writer known for his medical books
- Willi Kläs: German sport shooter who won a bronze medal at the 1908 Summer Olympics
- Maria Kläs: German actress who has appeared in films and television dramas
- Hermann Kläs: German sculptor who was a student of the eminent artist Gerhard Marcks