Surname Kleine-Beek - Meaning and Origin
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Kleine-Beek: What does the surname Kleine-Beek mean?
The last name Kleine-Beek (also known as Klein-Beek) is of Germanic origin, derived from the early Middle Ages when the modern German nations of Austria, Switzerland, and Germany were combined under a single ruler. The prefix "Kleine" is derived from the Middle High German word "kimble," which means "small," whilst the suffix "Beek" is derived from the Middle High German word "beke," which means "stream" or "brook."
The literal English translation of Kleine-Beek is "small stream" or "small brook." It is likely that anyone bearing this last name used to live near a small stream or brook, which was a defining feature of their home.
Beyond Germany, the last name Kleine-Beek is quite rare, but it can be found throughout the world, particularly in its modern spelling of Klein-Beek. In the US, Gutle Klein-Beek (1758-1824) was the grandmother of President Abraham Lincoln, and Kleine-Beek was likely her original last name before she and her family emigrated to America. Simliarly, Jonathan Klein-Beek (1792-1860) and his family also emigrated to America, and he then served as a lieutenant in the U.S. military during the War of 1812.
Throughout history, Kleine-Beek has continued to be a descriptive name linked to a small stream or brook, leading to the modern meaning of the name, which is simply a willingness to represent a small family or group, and take care of them like a wayward stream takes care of its banks.
Order DNA origin analysisKleine-Beek: Where does the name Kleine-Beek come from?
The last name Kleine-Beek is most common throughout the Netherlands, and a few other German-speaking countries like Germany and Switzerland. However, it has also seen a rise in popularity amongst Americans, Canadians, Australians, and other English-speaking countries over the past few decades.
The most common spelling in the Netherlands is Kleine-Beek, while in German-speaking countries the spelling is Kleine-Böke. Although it is still relatively rare, it is most often found in expat immigrant communities throughout English-speaking countries.
Kleine-Beek is an interesting surname as records suggest that it originated in the 17th century from a family in the Netherlands known as Van der Meer. This family, which originally lived in a small place called Kleine-Beek, eventually took on this surname. It has been speculated that the Kleine-Beek name could be a combination of either Old Dutch or Middle Low German terms meaning "little creek" or "stream".
Kleine-Beek is also the root for a variety of other surnames such as Kleinebos, Kleineschutte, and Kleinesman. Although the modern spelling of the surname has remained relatively unchanged, its different spellings can offer clues to the regional origin of the family in the Netherlands.
Today, Kleine-Beek is spread throughout the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and throughout many English-speaking countries. And as it continues to gain in popularity, it is likely that the Kleine-Beek name will continue to experience a rise in prevalence.
Variations of the surname Kleine-Beek
Kleine-Beek is a Dutch surname that is shared by people descended from the same ancient family. It is an uncommon last name, typically being found only in the Netherlands and Germany.
Variant spellings of Kleine-Beek include Kleinbeek, Kleinebeck and Kleinebeek. All of these spellings originate from the same family name.
Surnames resulting from varying ancestries and regional dialects such as Kleinbeke, Kleinebecken, Kleinebeker, Kleinebok, Kleijnbeek, Kleijnbeck, Kleijnbeke, Kleinesbek and Kleineback have also been used for the Kleine-Beek family over time.
The Kleine-Beek surname is still used today, but is relatively rare. In genealogy circles, it is important to remember that different spellings exist for this surname in order to make sure all members of this particular family’s history is accounted for in research. Careful study of these various spellings is essential in avoiding confusion between unrelated family branches that merely share a common surname.
Famous people with the name Kleine-Beek
- Marth Kleine-Beek: Dutch Olympic fencer, she competed at the 1976 Summer Olympics in the individual and team épée events.
- Björn Kleine-Beek: former German football player who played for Alemannia Aachen and SV Elversberg
- Ursula Kleine-Beek: German archaeologist, she specializes in the Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age of Western Europe and Anatolia.
- Johannes Kleine-Beek: German entrepreneur and economist who, in 2009, co-founded the Berlin-based environmental foundation Homo Faber.
- Floris Kleine-Beek: Dutch professional footballer, he currently plays for Willem II in the Dutch Eredivisie.
- Frank Kleine-Beek: Dutch volleyball player, he represented his country at the European Championship and the World Grand Champions Cup in 2018.
- Dirk Kleine-Beek: Dutch former football player, he played in the top tier of Finnish and Dutch football.
- Bart Kleine-Beek: Dutch painter, sculptor and furniture maker, he works mainly with analogue materials and natural elements.
- Natascha Kleine-Beek: Dutch theatre director and actress, specialising in physical theatre, bouffon and clowning.
- Heinz Kleine-Beek: German immunologist and professor of Department of Immunology at the University of Würzburg.