Surname Klein - Meaning and Origin
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Unlocking My Ancestral Past: A Vivid Genealogical Exploration of the Klein Surname through My iGENEA DNA Test
Exploring my genealogical history through a DNA test was an illuminating journey into my ancestral past. My DNA test results offered striking insights into the geographic distribution and fascinating history underlying the Klein surname, tracing back its roots in Central Europe, its dispersal influenced by historical events, and a potential lineage connection to Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. This genetic journey not only enhanced my personal identity but also unravelled centuries-old migratory patterns, creating a vivid, genetic narrative of the Klein lineage.
T. Klein
read moreKlein: What does the surname Klein mean?
The last name Klein is of German origin and it translates to "small" or "little" in English. The surname initially might have been a descriptive nickname for a person of small stature, or it could have been used to distinguish between two people of the same first name, often a younger person or someone who is smaller in some way. Additionally, 'Klein' could also refer to someone who lived in a small house or owned a small parcel of land. Over time, it has been adopted and adapted across various regions and languages, leading to different spelling variations like Cline, Kleine, Clyne, and others. It is a common surname in Germany and among Jewish families of Eastern European descent.
Order DNA origin analysisKlein: Where does the name Klein come from?
The surname Klein is of German origin, meaning 'small' or 'little'. It's a descriptive surname often given to a person of smaller stature. Despite this diminutive meaning, Klein is a big name in Germany and is one of the most common surnames in the country. The name has spread internationally, most notably to other European countries, the United States, Israel and South Africa, often carried by Jewish families as well as German emigrants. In particular, Klein is prevalent among the Ashkenazi Jewish community. Variants of the name can be found worldwide including Kleine in Germany, Kleyn in the Netherlands, and Kline in the United States. Due to the sizeable migration of German and Jewish populations over the centuries, these surnames have become established in many countries around the globe.
Variations of the surname Klein
The surname Klein originates from the German word for "small" or "little." Therefore, one of the common variants of Klein is Kleine. Other variants can include different spellings that still conform to the phonetic sound, such as Kline or Clyne. Incorporating other languages, Klijn is a Dutch variant and Kleinman is an Ashkenazi Jewish surname.
But it's worth mentioning that, in German-speaking countries, this name could have different spellings based on regions. For example, in Bavaria you may find the surname spelled as Kleyen; in Prussia as Kleyn; and in those other territories influenced by the German language like Alsace region, a spelling like Kleihn could be found.
Historically, Klein has also been regularly Americanized, primarily in two forms as Cline and Kline. The surname could also be sometimes integrated into compound surnames such as Kleinert, Kleinfeld, or Kleinsmith. Because surnames often reflected an ancestor's characteristics or profession, it's possible to encounter vastly different surnames that still root back to Klein.
Overall, the surname Klein and its variant spellings represent a significant group of the Germanic last names spread across different countries.
Famous people with the name Klein
- Calvin Klein: American fashion designer who founded the eponymous brand.
- Chris Klein: American actor known for his role in the "American Pie" series.
- Lawrence Klein: Winner of the 1980 Nobel Prize in Economics.
- Naftali Klein: A renowned clarinetist in the Jewish music world.
- Daniel Klein: An American economist and professor.
- Ezra Klein: American journalist, blogger, and political commentator.
- Fred Klein: Former American Major League Baseball player.
- Joey Klein: Canadian actor, director, and screenwriter.
- Abby Lee Kershaw: English model who uses the name Abby Lee for her work, known for her pouting expression.
- Melvyn Klein: An American entrepreneur and business executive.
- Robert Klein: American stand-up comedian and actor.
- Steve Klein (musician): Ex-guitarist for the band New Found Glory.
- Yves Klein: French artist considered an important figure in post-war European art.
- Judith Klein: Hungarian-born American psychologist.
- Anne Klein: An American fashion designer.
- George Klein: Noted promoter and disc jockey during the rock n roll era.
- Bernard Klein: British artist.
- Klein Kubiak: Former American football coach.
- Al Klein: Former American professional baseball player.
- Brian Klein: English television director and producer.