Surname Kleimaier - Meaning and Origin
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Kleimaier: What does the surname Kleimaier mean?
The last name Kleimaier is derived from the German language and is considered to be a locational name which indicates that the individual is originally associated with a particular location. The term is a combination of two words, 'klein' which means 'small' and 'Meier', which is a traditional German title that was given to people who owned, administered, or managed a farm, estate, or other type of land. Thus, Kleimaier can be translated to mean 'smallholder'.
Kleimaier is an old family name, first appearing in records in the 13th century. Its early bearers were often smallholders, or those who owned and operated a small farm or estate. In some cases, the term was simply used to indicate that an individual was employed on somebody else's property, usually as a tenant farmer or in a managerial role.
The prevalence of the Kleimaier surname can still be seen in modern times, particularly in the German-speaking countries of Europe. In many of these countries, such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, it is still considered to be a topographical name, denoting somebody with a connection to a particular region or town. It is also used to describe those who are related to a particular family line or heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisKleimaier: Where does the name Kleimaier come from?
The last name Kleimaier is an uncommon name today, though it has a long and varied history. It is believed to be of Germanic origins, with roots in South Tyrol, a part of modern-day Italy in the Eastern Alps. It is also a place name for various localities, such as Kleimaier in the municipality of Neustift im Stubaital, Austria.
The Kleimaier surname is most likely to be found in Germany and Austria, as well as nearby countries such as Switzerland and the Czech Republic. In the United States, it is not as common, though there are a few scattered families with the surname in Pennsylvania, Nebraska, Washington, and Oregon. According to the Social Security Administration, it has been recorded 105 times since 1880.
Kleimaier family members were traditionally involved in farming, especially livestock. Records indicate that by the 18th century, families with the Kleimaier surname had moved throughout Austria, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland, primarily due to the regional migration of farmers in search of better economic opportunities.
Today, the Kleimaier surname is relatively rare. In Germany, it is registered as belonging to only 118 people. In Austria, it is not listed at all in any official records. However, as immigration to the United States and other parts of the world continues, it is likely that more Kleimaiers will be found.
Variations of the surname Kleimaier
The surname Kleimaier is a surname of German origin. Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Kleimaier include Kleimayer, Kleimus, Kleimesser, Kleimuhl, Kleimacher, Kleimann, Kleimer, Kleimann, Kleimayer, and Kleimus.
Kleimaier is derived from the Old German word kleimo, which means someone who trades and works with leather. It is a combination of the prefix klei- and the suffix -maier, with klei- representing precious or expensive and -maier representing a person who works as a trader or merchant. An alternate spelling of -meier has also appeared.
The variants and other surnames derived from Kleimaier indicate the work and skills of the family of the original bearer that established the name. Variants such as Kleimus indicate an expert leather worker while Kleimuhl suggests a miller. These variant surnames also imply the family profession and the migration of related families around Europe.
Variants of the name have occurred in different parts of Europe, especially in Germany. Examples include Kleimann in Brandenburg, Kleimayer in Bavaria and Kleimuhl in the Rhineland. The diaspora of Kleimaier-related surnames further demonstrates the mobility of the family name and its family's ascendency in the Middle Ages.
The rise of literacy and the establishment of religious and civil records in the Middle Ages allowed for the creation and adoption of hereditary surnames. As a result, Kleimaier and its variants are the formal iterations of a name that has been handed down from father to son for centuries.
Famous people with the name Kleimaier
- Luke Kleimaier: Luke Kleimaier is an Australian reality TV star and social media influencer, known for appearing in the first season of Network Ten’s Australian version of The Bachelor.
- Jan Kleimaier: Jan Kleimaier was a Swiss footballer, spending his career playing for FC Basel in Switzerland. He is best known for winning the club championship with Basel in 1998.
- Miguel Kleimaier: Miguel Kleimaier is a Brazilian illustrator and street artist. He is well-known for his classic woodcarvings and graffiti art, much of which features themes from Brazilian folklore.
- Renate Kleimaier: Renate Kleimaier is an Austrian film and television actress. She has appeared in films such as The Piano Player (2003) and TV shows such as Guten Tag, Lieber Gentleman (2007).
- Peter Kleimaier:Peter Kleimaier is a German former professional footballer who played for FC Erzgebirge Aue in Germany. He was part of the squad that won the German Cup in 2004.
- Cameron Kleimaier: Cameron Kleimaier is an Australian electronic music producer and DJ based in Sydney, Australia. He is well-known for his ambient soundscapes and techno sound.
- Silke Kleimaier: Silke Kleimaier is an Austrian jazz musician, vocalist, and songwriter. She has released several solo albums and is also a member of the electro-pop project Fresku.