Surname Kleeves - Meaning and Origin

Kleeves: What does the surname Kleeves mean?

The last name Kleeves is thought to be of German origin. It is derived from the old German word “klif,” meaning “cliff” or “crevice.” The name is closely related to the more popular surname Kloef, which is of the same origin.

The Kleeves surname may have been given to individuals who were born or lived near a prominent cliff face. It is thought that the Kleeves family may have first established themselves at a place with a cliff, perhaps a prominent landmark that was easily identifiable from afar. This practice of place-naming wasn’t uncommon among medieval German families, in which a family name was derived from the natural landscape in which they lived.

Other variations of the Kleeves surname exist as well. Kraeves or Kleefs are very common forms. It is unclear whether it was an intentional change or simply an alteration in spelling over time. Either way, the origin and meaning of the last name Kleeves remains the same.

Ultimately, the last name Kleeves is associated with the German word klif, meaning “cliff” or “crevice.” This surname likely originated from a prominent cliff face, and it is thought that many individuals with the Kleeves surname were likely born or lived near a cliff. Variations of this last name exist, such as the more popular Kloef, but the meaning remains the same.

Kleeves: Where does the name Kleeves come from?

The last name Kleeves is most commonly found in the United States today. The exact origin of the name is unknown, but it likely has roots in one of several countries in Europe. Records from the 1800s and earlier indicate that the name has German or Czech origins.

In the United States, Kleeves first appeared in the late 19th century, likely with German or Czech immigrants. As of 2020, the name is most concentrated in states like Pennsylvania, New York, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Over the course of the 20th century, Kleeves-descended individuals would move from Eastern states to both the Midwest and Western states, but the name is still most predominant in its traditional places.

At the height of its popularity in the US, the Kleeves name was the 6,618th most common name. While still recognizable, it’s likely to have fallen in rank due to population changes. Its current ranking is unknown, but it can still be found commonly in local telephone books and online surname databases.

The name is also found in parts of Europe, most prominently in Germany and Czech Republic, and to a lesser extent in Austria, Denmark, and Poland. It’s much less common than it is in the US, likely due to immigrants leaving for America in the 19th century.

Overall, the name Kleeves is most commonly found in the United States today, with historical roots in Germany and Czech Republic. Even though its popularity has declined in recent decades, it is still recognizable and can be found in telephone books and databases across the country.

Variations of the surname Kleeves

The name Kleeves is an uncommon variant of the more widely known surname, Cleeve. It is derived from the Old English word 'clif' which means a steep slope or hill. In the Middle Ages, it was used as a habitational name for someone who lived near such a topographic feature or landmark.

Throughout history, there have been a variety of different spellings used of the surname Kleeves, such as: Cleeve, Cleeves, Cleave, Cleaave, Klieve, Klaive, Kleef, Kleife, Kleefs, and Kleeves.

In England, many variants of the name can be found, such as Cleavland and Cleaves. Other English variations include: Cleave, Cleaveland, Klaive, Kleave, Cleefs, Cleaves, and Kleeves.

In Europe, some of the forms of the surname Kleeves have been used for centuries, such as Kleife, Kleef, Kleefs, and Kleeves. Many of these variants can also be found throughout Germany, Holland, and Denmark.

The surname Kleeves is also sometimes used as a given name, and there are various types of spellings. For example, the name Kleeve is sometimes given, as well as other variations such as Kleeves, Kleefs, and Cleeves. In some cases, Kleeves is a shortened version of Cleeve.

No matter the varying spellings or countries of origin, Kleeves is ultimately an unusual surname based on the Old English word 'clif' for a steep slope or hill. Variants of this origin can be found throughout many countries, making it a name recognized by many cultures across the world.

Famous people with the name Kleeves

• Zoë Kleeves, American actress.
• Sam Kleeves, former American football player and coach.
• Joshua Kleeves, American television writer and producer.
• Justin Kleeves, American musician and singer-songwriter.
• George Kleeves, former professional baseball player.
• Robert Kleeves, American academic and author.
• Thomas Kleeves, American television director and producer.
• William Kleeves, English former professional cricketer.
• Andrew Kleeves, English actor.
• Christopher Kleeves, Canadian television composer and producer.

Other surnames

KleevKleevisch