Surname Kleinfeld - Meaning and Origin
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Kleinfeld: What does the surname Kleinfeld mean?
The last name Kleinfeld is a German-Jewish surname that translates to “small field.” It is derived from the Middle High German kleine, meaning “small” and flet, meaning “field.” The Kleinfeld family likely adopted this surname to represent their occupational history as farmers.
Today, the Kleinfeld family is found throughout Europe and the Americas. In 1933, the Third Reich placed restrictions on Jews that forced most families to flee Germany. As a result, many Kleinfeld families immigrated to nearby countries such as the Netherlands, Poland, and the United States, where the last name is now most common.
In addition to their original meaning, the Kleinfeld surname has come to symbolize perseverance and resilience. The Kleinfelds who faced immense adversity in their pursuit of peace and prosperity demonstrate the power of the human spirit to overcome great obstacles.
The Kleinfeld family today is diverse and widely dispersed, but it's members still share a deep connection to their ancestors and their heritage. The Kleinfeld surname continues to evoke a sense of strength and remarkable resourcefulness.
Order DNA origin analysisKleinfeld: Where does the name Kleinfeld come from?
The last name Kleinfeld is primarily found in Germany and other central and northern European countries. In Germany, Kleinfeld is a relatively common name that is mainly located in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony. It is also found in the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Luxembourg, and Denmark.
The name is derived from the German word "Kleinfeld" which means "small field." It is believed that it was given to those with a small plot of agricultural land, and is widely believed to have referred to farmers in particular.
In the United States, the name has become more widespread in recent years as immigrants from Central and Northern Europe migrate in search of better opportunities. The name is gaining recognition particularly in larger metropolitan areas like New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
In Australia, a large number of German immigrants chose to settle in New South Wales during the late 1800s, and Kleinfeld is known to have been a common surname during this time. The Kleinfeld name is likely to have spread with subsequent waves of immigration, making it a recognizable name around Australia.
Variations of the surname Kleinfeld
Kleinfeld is a surname derived from the German words “klein,” meaning small, and “feld,” meaning field or countryside. It originated in Germany during the Middle Ages and has since spread to other countries, such as the United States and Canada.
Variant spellings for the surname Kleinfeld include Kleinfel, Kleinfelb, Kleinfelm, Kleinfell, Kleinfellb, Klainfeld and Kleinfilde. These spellings are most commonly seen in areas where German is spoken, such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland and in parts of the United States.
Surnames of similar origin from Kleinfeld include Kleinfeldt, Kleinfelt, Kleinfental, Kleinfielt, Kleinfeyer, Kleinfield, Kleininger and Kleinknecht. These surnames evolved from the same German terminology and can be found in areas with German-speaking populations.
Kleinfled is also a variant spelling of Kleinfeld that is of Jewish origin. This spelling is common among Jewish families of German or Eastern European descent. It is also found in areas of the United States with high concentrations of Jewish communities, such as New York City and Los Angeles.
Variants of Kleinfeld have also developed in areas with large German-speaking populations, such as High German dialects of the Middle Ages. Examples include Kleinfeller, Klainfeldt, Kleinfielder, Kleinfellner and Kleinfelder. These surnames are not commonly seen outside of areas with strong German cultural influences, and may vary slightly from region to region.
In conclusion, the surname Kleinfeld has a long and varied history that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It has spread to many countries and regions, and has developed many variant spellings and surnames of similar origin.
Famous people with the name Kleinfeld
- Sascha Kleinfeld: German writer
- Leonard Kleinfeld: American pioneer and entrepreneur
- Benjamin Kleinfeld: German nazi party member
- David Kleinfeld: American neuroscientist
- Arthur Kleinfeld: Swiss molecular biologist
- Howard Kleinfeld: American entrepreneur
- Harry Kleinfeld: American political activist
- Lisa Marie Kleinfeld: American lawyer
- Robert Kleinfeld: British CEO and television producer
- Matthew Kleinfeld: American Army veteran and psychologist