Surname Klepper - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
Klepper: What does the surname Klepper mean?
The surname Klepper is of German origin and it comes from Middle Low German "klęper" or "kleper", which means cobbler or shoe-maker. The name was likely occupational, referring to an ancestor who was a shoe-maker by trade. Variations include Klepfer, Kleppen, and Klepner. The name has also been associated with clappers or knockers, used in mills or for scaring birds. As with many last names, it can be traced back to a specific task, trade, or region that either an individual or family was associated with, often many centuries ago. Despite its origins, today, Klepper is a surname found all over the world due to migration and movement of people over time. It is important to note that the specific meaning or story behind a last name can vary greatly depending on family history and tradition.
Order DNA origin analysisKlepper: Where does the name Klepper come from?
The surname Klepper is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "kleppern," which means to make noise or chatter. Historically, it was often used as a nickname for someone who talked a lot, or as an occupational name for a town crier or watchman, who would use a clapper or rattle (klepper) to make noise and get people's attention. Today, the Klepper surname is relatively common in Germany, particularly in the western and northern parts of the country. It is also found in the United States, primarily among descendants of German immigrants. However, it is still much more common in Germany than in the USA or other countries. It's important to remember that the distribution of a surname can change significantly over centuries due to migrations, local cultural phases, and intermarriage between different ethnic groups.
Variations of the surname Klepper
The surname Klepper appears to be of German origin and can be traced back to the Middle Ages in the German regions. Different variations and spellings of the name could include Kleppen, Klepp, Klepfer, Kleppinger, Kloepper and Kleper. It can also be found as von der Kleep or von der Klepp in more aristocratic branches.
In some cases, regional variations may exist — for example, variations might have developed based on local dialects in different German states. Common adjustments might include changing the "K" to a "C", or adjusting the ending from "er" to "ar" or "or", resulting in variants like Clepper, Cleppar or Cleppor.
It's also worth noting that names containing "Klep" are often associated with the occupation of a "cobbler" or "shoemaker", as "Klep" is an old term for a type of clog or shoe.
As with any surname, spellings and variations could have changed significantly throughout history due to migration, changes in language, and cultural blending, so it is also possible that further variants of the name exist.
Famous people with the name Klepper
- Jordan Klepper: Emmy-nominated American comedian, writer and former Daily Show with Jon Stewart correspondent.
- Jay Klepper: Kalamazoo College professor, writer, filmmaker and researcher.
- Dolph Klepper: Former mayor of Schertz, Texas.
- Chris Klepper: Senior software engineer at Google.
- Andrew Klepper: Chairman of the board of the National Gallery of Art.
- Charles Klepper: Former philosophy professor at Georgia State University.
- John Klepper: Bassist and songwriter in the punk group Ed Gein.
- Don Klepper-Smith: Connecticut economist and financial analyst.
- Greg Klepper: Founding member and former president of the Law Office of Greg Klepper.
- David Klepper: Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer and former Marion Star photojournalist.