Surname Klavsen - Meaning and Origin
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Klavsen: What does the surname Klavsen mean?
The last name Klavsen is of Danish origin, derived from the Old Norse words “kla” and “svane”, meaning “swan” and “son” respectively. It is an occupational surname, referring to one who was either a professional swan-keeper or someone who lived near a swan pond. It is likely derived from a place name “Kla-Svanen”, which literally means “swan pond”.
The Klavsen surname is most popular in Denmark and other Scandinavian countries, such as Norway and Sweden. It is also common in countries with large Danish immigrant populations, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The Klavsen surname comes to life in many notable people, both past and present. For instance, one of the earliest known uses of the name dates back to the 1700s, when Hans Klavsen was a successful merchant and ship captain in Denmark. Closely related to this, famous sailor and navigator Nim Klavsen helmed the ship Ariel on a trading voyage to the Far East in 1765, making him one of the first Europeans to return from that part of the world in centuries.
More recently, Major Richard Klavsen, a Danish Medal of Honour recipient from the Second World War, was a strong testament to the strength and bravery of the Klavsen surname. Over time, the Klavsen family has branched out into many different professions, but always cherished its place of origin.
Order DNA origin analysisKlavsen: Where does the name Klavsen come from?
The last name Klavsen is most commonly found today in Denmark and Norway. Klavsen is a patronymic surname, meaning it was originally derived from the first name of the paternal ancestor. In this case, it was either Klav or Klavs, both of which are diminutive forms of one of the many names derived from the Norse god Loki.
As the surname is from Scandinavia, it is likely that the earliest bearers of it arrived in Denmark or Norway from someplace else. There is a tradition of immigration to and from these nations, so it is quite possible that the Klavsens moved around a bit before settling down in one place.
In Denmark, the surname is most commonly found around Jutland, the largest Danish peninsula located in the North Sea. Around 9,000 Danes bear the surname today. In Norway, the majority of the 1,100 people with the first name are found in the Trøndelag and Troms regions in the North of the country.
The largest concentration of the Klavsen last name outside of Scandinavia is in Canada, where around 200 people are believed to bear the name. Smaller populations can also be found in the United States and Australia.
Variations of the surname Klavsen
The surname Klavsen is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Klaus. Variations of the surname Klavsen include Claussen, Klassen, Klaasen, Klauss, and Clausen. All of the above-mentioned variations of Klavsen can be seen in both English and Dutch.
In English, the most common spelling variations of Klavsen include Claussen, Klassen, Klaasen, Klauss, and Clausen. Spelling variants of Klavsen in Dutch include Klase, Klas, Klaas, Gleesen, complexion, Klesen, Klessen, Kloos, kloosen, Kleizen, Kleyn, kheizen, Klaze, Klasz, and Kloes.
Other nicknames of Klavsen include Klaas, Klaru, and Klerks. Klerks is derived from the name Klaas and is a variation found in Dutch-speaking nations where the surname Klavsen originated.
Surnames that are related to Klavsen include Klass, Klaus, Kliebenstein, and Klebs. Surnames of distant origin which are related to Klavsen include Klaasen, Kleissen, and Clesson.
Klavsen is a patronymic surname, which refers to a surname that is derived from a given name. In the case of Klavsen, the surname is derived from the name Klaus. In many cultures, sons will adopt their father's given name as their surname. In this case, offspring of Klaus would have adopted his name, and eventually, the given name evolved into a surname, Klavsen.
Famous people with the name Klavsen
- Ove Klavsen: Danish comedian
- Gavin Klavsen: Australian Fashion Designer
- Arne Klavsen: Former Norwegian footballer
- Linda Klavsen: Norwegian Actress
- Eilif Klavsen: Norwegian Director and Screenwriter
- Elizabeth Klavsen: American Olympic Gold Medal Winner
- Agnes Klavsen: Danish Businesswoman
- Aleksander Klavsen: Norwegian Musician
- Kenneth Klavsen: American Physician
- Karianne Klavsen: Norwegian Politician