Surname Kleinpeter - Meaning and Origin
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Kleinpeter: What does the surname Kleinpeter mean?
The last name Kleinpeter is a German surname of two parts and is thought to have originated as early as the 12th century. The first part of the name, 'Klein' is derived from the German word "klein", meaning small, indicating someone who was of small stature or of short status. The second part of the surname, 'Peter', is derived from the Greek word "Petros", meaning 'rock', likely indicating a reminder of strength and stability.
The two words together compose the modern-day name Kleinpeter, which in German translates to "little rock", and denotes someone who was small in stature as well as a symbol of strength and stability.
The early historical records show that the Kleinpeter surname was widely adopted across the German-speaking states of Europe throughout modern-day Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Surnames were typically associated with the area of origin, so a significant concentration of the Kleinpeter surname originates from several regions in what is now Germany and Austria.
In the modern day, descendants of the Kleinpeter surname through Europe and the United States continue to uphold the values and qualities associated with the little rock. The surname Kleinpeter today is still representative of someone who is steady, reliable, and faithful, in addition to effervescent, energetic, and full of life.
Order DNA origin analysisKleinpeter: Where does the name Kleinpeter come from?
Kleinpeter is an uncommon German surname derived from two German words: "Klein," meaning "small," and "Peters," an abbreviation of Peter, a popular personal name. Today, this surname is most commonly found in the United States, particularly among people of German or Alsatian descent.
In the United States, Kleinpeter is most common in the southern states, especially in Louisiana, where it is currently ranked the state’s 477th most common surname. Other states where the name has a high frequency include North Dakota, Iowa, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and New York. The Kleinpeter family can also be found scattered throughout the United States, with many having emigrated from Germany, Alsace, and Switzerland in the 19th century.
Today, members of the Kleinpeter family living in the United States are often part of a large cultural network of German descendants. This network is known for celebrating its German heritage through the practice of many holiday traditions, such as Old World recipes, parades, Oktoberfest celebrations, and other activities that bring the community together.
The Kleinpeter family also has a rich history that stretches back to its roots in Germany. It was often associated with agricultural endeavors, particularly in its earliest days in the 16th and 17th centuries. While the family no longer farms, it has carried these traditions and values with it as some of its members have emigrated all across the globe.
Variations of the surname Kleinpeter
The Kleinpeter surname is an occupational surname of Dutch origin. It is derived from the Middle Dutch term kleijn peter, which means “little Peter”. It is an altered form of the name, Peter, which was very popular among Christians during the Middle Ages. The surname first appeared in the belgium region of Westflanders in the 13th century.
Variants of the Kleinpeter surname include: Kleinepeter, Klein Peters, Kleine Peters, De Kleine Peter, Kleinepeter, Kleine Pteer, Kleine Peter, Kleine Peders, Kleiner Piter, Kleiner Peter and Kleine Peter.
Spelling variations of Kleinpeter include: Kleier, Kleir, Kleire, Kleyer, Kleyers and Kleyre.
Surnames of similar origin include: Klein, Van Kleijn, Kleijnen, Kleine, Kleyven, Kleynen and pets.
Kleinpeter is a fairly rare surname. It is found mainly in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. A majority of the population with the surname Kleinpeter are Roman Catholic, due to its connection to the religious name, Peter. It is also found in varying frequencies throughout the United States, having been brought to the U.S. by immigrants during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Famous people with the name Kleinpeter
- Reinier Kleinpeter, Dutch music producer
- Errol Kleinpeter, American college basketball coach
- Kelly Kleinpeter, Professional Makeup Artist
- John Kleinpeter, former CEO and President of Louisiana Chemical
- Mary Kleinpeter, author of the children's historical fiction novel "The Mermaid and the Musket"
- Jody Kleinpeter, American professional rodeo bullfighter
- Bradley Kleinpeter, Interior Design Expert and Entrepreneur
- Laura Kleinpeter, business owner and coffee connoisseur
- Robert Kleinpeter, American painter whose works capture the spirit of the South
- Marty Kleinpeter, former boxing champion and actor