Surname Klehmann - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
Klehmann: What does the surname Klehmann mean?
The last name Klehmann originated in Germany, and, like many other German surnames, is derived from a professions or occupation. The name Klehmann is derived from the words kleemann and meister, which mean “master” and “tradesman” respectively. This surname is thought to have been the occupational name of a master craftsman, such as a blacksmith, carpenter, shoemaker, or goldsmith, and suggests that the original bearer of the name had achieved a certain level of skill in his chosen craft.
The Klehmanns were part of the emerging middle class of the late medieval period, indicating the family was likely economically successful at that time. Their craftsmanship skills and adherence to traditions was integral part of the German social system during that time, and this was reflected later in many Klehmann family members other forms of commerce, including trading and owning smallholdings.
Today, the name Klehmann is relatively common across Europe, typically most prominent in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and is starting to appear in smaller numbers in other countries across Europe, Canada, the United States and South America. The Klehmann family name reflects a long line of craftsmanship and tradition passed down through the generations and is a tribute to the long-standing contribution the family has made to their community and society.
Order DNA origin analysisKlehmann: Where does the name Klehmann come from?
The last name Klehmann is most commonly found in Germany today, especially in the largely German-speaking regions of the south. The Bavarian region has the highest concentration of the name. Additionally, the surname can be found in other Central European countries, such as Switzerland, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Outside of Europe, rural areas of the United States with significant German immigration such as Texas and New Mexico also have a number of Klehmanns.
The surname Klehmann is believed to have originated in the German-speaking region of the Rhineland sometime in the Middle Ages. It’s derived from the German word “Kleh” meaning “clay”. This likely refers to a connection to either clay-working or pottery, or to the clay-heavy soil in the area. The “mann” suffix leads us to believe that the surname was originally used to indicate a profession, such as being a clay worker, as was common for most German surnames.
The Klehmanns have spread out among the German diaspora over hundreds of years, making their presence known in many parts of the world. From the United States to Australia, and around Europe, the last name carries on in many places and still names those with a strong German heritage.
Variations of the surname Klehmann
The common variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for Klehmann are Kelleman, Kellemann, Kellemannn, Klehman, Klleman, Kleehman, Kleehmann, Klenmann, Klemm, Klemann, Kleman, Kleinman, Kliemmann, and Kliemman.
Klehmann is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German words clīnemann, which means ‘clever man’. It is also derived from the German personal name Klaiman or Klemens, which is a diminutive of the German name Clement. The spelling became standardized to Klaiman in the 15th century and later changed to Kleheman and then to Klehmann.
Kelleman is derived from the variant Kleheman and is also German in origin. It is a combination of the words clanimann, which means ‘bold man’ and heil, which means ‘hale’. Originally, the spelling was Kellemannn.
Kleehman is derived from the variant Kleeheman and is also of German origin. It is also derived from the Middle High German words clīnemann, meaning ‘clever man’.
Klenmann or Kleinman is of German origin and derived from the Middle High German words kleene man, meaning ‘little man’, as well as the name Clemens, meaning ‘mild’ or ‘merciful’.
Klemm is derived from the Middle High German elements ‘clin’ meaning ‘brave’ or ‘daring’ and ‘man’, meaning ‘man’. It is an occupational surname derived for someone who was a craftsman, such as a wheelwright.
Kleman is derived from the variant Kleheman and is of German origin. It is composed of the elements ‘cle’ which means ‘proud’ and ‘man’ which means ‘man’.
Kliemmann is derived from the Middle High German words clīnemann, meaning ‘clever man’, as well as from the German personal name Michel, meaning ‘who is like God’.
Kliemman is derived from the variant Kliemmann, and is of German origin. It is composed of the elements ‘clin’ which means ‘brave’ or ‘daring’ and ‘man’, meaning ‘man’.
Famous people with the name Klehmann
- Paul Klehmann: Paul Klehmann was a German neurologist born in 1847. He contributed greatly to the field of neurology with his writings on aneurysms, brain tumors, and multiple sclerosis.
- Heike Klehmann: Heike Klehmann is a German entrepreneur and businesswoman who is the Chief Executive Officer and chairwoman of the supervisory board of the cosmetics company Alverde.
- Friedrich Klehmann: Friedrich Klehmann was a German composer and musician whose works spanned the late Romantic era and early 20th century.
- Johannes Klehmann: Johannes Klehmann was a German American Lutheran clergyman and missionary to China during the late 19th century.
- Fritz Klehmann: Fritz Klehmann was born in Germany in 1911 and served in the German army during World War II. Afterward, he worked as a technical consultant in the gas industry in the U.S.
- E. Klehmann: E. Klehmann, a German electrical engineer, was the inventor of the torsion balance, an important tool for measuring the earth's gravitational field.
- Hermann Klehmann: Hermann Klehmann was a German geographer born in 1866. He was renowned for his work on the distribution and climatic changes of vegetation in Europe.
- Carl Klehmann: Carl Klehmann was a German botanist born in 1825 who was active in the 19th century and was particularly interested in the geographical distribution of plants.
- William Klehmann: William Klehmann was a German American painter born in the 19th century who had works shown in national and international exhibitions.
- Margaret Klehmann: Margaret Klehmann is an American writer and editor whose work has appeared in various publications, including The New York Times.