Surname Kleman - Meaning and Origin
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Kleman: What does the surname Kleman mean?
The last name Kleman is of Jewish origin, derived from the Yiddish name Klemant, which is derived in turn from the Hebrew name for “faithful” or “fidelity” - Klemyon. Traditionally, a person with the name Kleman was believed to be dependable and trustworthy, an attribute valued greatly by communities of the past and the present.
The Kleman surname is particularly common in Lithuania, where it originated, as well as in countries with significant Jewish populations such as the United States and Russia. This is due in part to the persecution of Jews in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries, which led to a large-scale emigration of Lithuanian Jews throughout Europe. In addition, intermarriages between Jewish and non-Jewish families were common, helping to spread the Kleman name.
The Kleman family crest is composed of three gold stars against an azure blue backdrop, with a palm tree in the center. The stars symbolize the three brothers in the Old Testament who held onto their faith despite pressure to convert. The palm tree represents peace, suggesting that faith and peace go hand in hand. This crest is representative of the Kleman’s commitment to their faith and values.
Today, the Kleman name and legacy are still going strong. The Kleman family has produced successful and respected leaders, doctors, authors, and Jewish teachers, among other professionals. The name is a testament to the endurance of the Jewish people and their determination to preserve their faith and culture throughout time.
Order DNA origin analysisKleman: Where does the name Kleman come from?
The last name Kleman is a predominantly German surname, which is commonly found in both Germany and Austria today. It is also found in some parts of Switzerland, France, and the Czech Republic.
In Germany, Kleman is found mainly in the east and in the south, including the states of Bayern, Baden-Wurttemberg, and Nordrhein-Westfalen. It is also occasionally found in the former German Democratic Republic, now a part of Germany.
In Austria, the surname is most common in the states of Salzburg, Vienna, and Lower Austria. It is also found in some other states, including Vorarlberg, Upper Austria, and Styria.
In Switzerland, the surname can be found mainly in the Zurich and Aargau cantons. In France, it can be found mainly in the Alsace region.
Finally, in the Czech Republic, the surname is most commonly found in the western part of the country, in the states of Karlovy Vary, Plzen, and Usti nad Labem.
Overall, the last name Kleman is quite common in German-speaking countries, as well as some other European countries.
Variations of the surname Kleman
The surname Kleman is of German origin. It is most commonly spelled as Kleeman, Klemen, Klemans, Klämann, Kleimann, or Kleimanns. Similar sounding variations which may be of the same origin include Klebe, Kleeb, Kleemann, Kleen, Kleener, Kliman, Klimpke, Klimt, Klomann, Klöpp, and Klöpper.
Kleman is an occupational surname believed to come from the Middle High German word "Kleiman," the precursor of the modern German word “Klempner”. Both words mean plumber and refer specifically to metal workers. Alternately, this name may be derived from the German word “kleemannsch,” meaning “an inspiring singer” or “a masterful artisan.”
In some cases, it is possible that Kleman could be a variation of Kleiman or Klemans, a surname originating from Dutch, signifying a man, likely of German origin, who worked in a grocery store or market. Kleeman can also be an anglicized spelling of the Dutch-German Battiaanse name Kleijmeer, meaning “lake with reeds.”
Over time, the spelling of this surname has been known to change due to various external factors such as prevalent dialects, orthography or scribes changing the language of the surname as it was written into their documents. Additionally, human error can cause a great deal of variation in the spelling of surnames from one generation to the next.
Famous people with the name Kleman
- Paul Kleman: Paul is an American film producer and actor with a prolific career in entertainment that has spawned over 50 years.
- Jennifer Klemans: Jennifer is an American reporter and news anchor, best known for her work on NBC affiliate KCRA in Sacramento, California.
- Josh Klemans: Josh is an American actor who has appeared in films such as Beerfest, He's Just Not That into You, and Superbad among many others.
- William Klemans: William was a Dutch-Swiss Reformist theologian and professor.
- Bob Klemansky: Bob was an American professional sports car driver who raced in the 1958 24 Hours of Le Mans.
- Ethel Klemans: Ethel was an American film and television actress, best known for her role as Alice in The Munsters.
- Mattie Klemans: Mattie was an American illusionist, best known for her act of cutting a woman in half and then rejoining the two halves to make the woman appear to be alive and standing.
- Phil Klemans: Phil was an American musician from Delaware, best known for his work with the band Blues Magoos.
- Rudolph Klemans: Rudolph was an American educator and scholar who specialized in the study of international security.
- Charly Klemans: Charly was an Austrian ski mountaineer and snowboarder known for his ability to adeptly traverse the Alps.