Surname Kleinlein - Meaning and Origin

Kleinlein: What does the surname Kleinlein mean?

The last name Kleinlein is of German origin, likely originating from the Middle German compound surname Kleinchen (“small one”). In modern German, the surname Kleinlein refers to someone who is small or “tiny” and is often used as a term of endearment. It’s also used to refer to someone who is polite, humble, and unassuming.

The name Kleinlein has been present in Germany since the 1500s and was likely brought there from France or Switzerland. By the late 18th century, the name had spread to the United States and Canada, where it was mostly found in immigrant communities with German heritage. Over time, it became more commonly used than its English translation, Little.

Today, the name Kleinlein has remained a popular German surname and is used in various countries around the world. It’s also spread to other surnames, including Klinglein and Kleinleib. Many people with the last name Kleinlein or its variations are now found in the United Kingdom, Austria, Australia, and other countries with strong German ties.

The diverse history of the name Kleinlein speaks to the name’s origins as a descriptive family name, reflecting both the geographic and cultural past of the families who have carried it. Whether it’s used as a simple term of endearment or to represent a unique heritage, the name Kleinlein will continue to be a part of many families’ histories for generations to come.

Kleinlein: Where does the name Kleinlein come from?

The last name Kleinlein is most commonly found today in Germany. It is a German surname derived from the Middle High German word "klein," which means small. The addition of -lein to the end of a word is a diminutive suffix, so this last name is indicative of someone or something that is small in size.

The variants of Kleinlein include Kleinlay, Kleinle, Kleinly, Kleinschmidt, Kleinhans, Kleindienst, and Kleinert. Statistics show that the Kleinlein surname is most prevalent in the country of Germany, with approximately 1,700 people carrying this name in the region. The name is also found in Austria, Switzerland, the United States, and the Netherlands.

The origin of the Kleinlein name dates back to 14th century Germany when the region was divided into minor principalities. People from the region began using surnames to identify themselves. The Kleinlein surname is thought to have been used to differentiate between families living in neighbouring villages who shared the same Christian name.

Variations of the surname Kleinlein

The surname Kleinlein is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word “kleine”, meaning “small” or “little”. It is most commonly spelled as Kleinlein, but also has several other variants and spellings.

These include Kleynlein, Kleylin, Kleingeln, Kleinling, Klynglin, Kleinel, Klienlen, Klinling, Kinnlen, Klinklin, Klinlin, and Clingelin.

Variations of the surname can be found in other European countries as well. In the Netherlands, Kleinlein may be spelled as Kleinleinhout, while in the United Kingdom, it is common to find variations such as Klein-Leen or Kleinsley.

In the United States, the surname has been Americanised to Clelian and Cleland, while descendants living in Canada often use the spelling Kleinleine. In addition, quite a few families with the name Kleinlein have adopted the hyphenated variants Kleininger-Kleinlein or Kleinlein-Kleininger.

The name Kleinlein is also a surname used by Jewish families who came from Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, and other European countries. In the Jewish tradition, the surname may appear in alternate spellings such as Kleinleib or Kleindl.

Finally, some German families have adopted the French form Klinelein.

In conclusion, the surname Kleinlein has multiple variants and spellings, depending on the country and culture in which it is found.

Famous people with the name Kleinlein

• Marissa Kleinlein: American singer and actress
• Lucy Kleinfelter: American author and lecturer
• Richard Kleinlein: German basketball player
• Tom Kleinlein: American college athletics director
• Bill Kleinlein: American professional golfer
• Bob Kleinlein: American former politician
• Dale Kleinlein: American college football player
• Jill Kleinlein: American businesswoman and real estate broker
• John Kleinlein: American television and radio personality
• Duke Kleinlein: German professional football manager

Other surnames

Kleinle