Surname Klett - Meaning and Origin

Klett - A Surname's Voyage Through Cultural History: My iGENEA DNA Test Discoveries

Delving into the compelling narrative unveiled by my iGENEA DNA test results, I basked in the discovery of my intriguing ancestral background linked to my surname, Klett. These findings transport me back in time, charting a course through the realms of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and extending to northern Belgium and Hungary, sketching an intricate historical and cultural landscape.

Z. Klett

Klett: What does the surname Klett mean?

The surname Klett is of German origin and is an occupational surname, referring to those who were employed as cloth merchants, traders and makers. According to the book The German Family Name Book, the name Klett is derived from the Old High German 'kleit', meaning a type of woven wool coat. It can be found in records of use in the sixteenth century, most notably a Kölner Aussag, which is a register of citizens in the medieval city of Cologne. The presence of this surname can also be found in other German States such as Hesse, Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.

In many immigrant communities across the United States, the surname Klett continues to be used and has also found a home in many other countries around the world. For example, the Klett family can be found in Austria, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom.

In the United States, Klett's are most likely found in major cities like Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. This is because of the high number of German immigrants who settled in these cities, making it a place of representation for German culture and heritage.

All told, the surname Klett is an occupational surname with historical significance for many German immigrants and their descendants. It's a name that continues to be used around the world and is a rich representation of the work and dedication of a people who left their homeland in search of a better life.

Klett: Where does the name Klett come from?

The last name Klett is particularly common in Germany, especially in the south and central regions of the country. In Bavaria, Austria and the German-speaking areas of Switzerland, it is estimated that there are approximately 15,000 people with the surname Klett living there today. Further north in Germany, in states like Hesse and Lower Saxony, the name is still quite common with hundreds of Kletts living in these areas.

The last name Klett is also quite common in Swedish-speaking areas of Finland, particularly in the city of Vaasa. Here, the name is also marred by a variety of spellings, such as Klet, Klett and Kletti.

Outside of Europe, the name Klett is found mostly in countries where German emigrants have settled such as the United States, Canada, Argentina and Australia. In the US, the name is particularly popular in Pennsylvania, New York, and Wisconsin.

All in all, the last name Klett is still quite common and is found in German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, as well as other places with a significant German population such as the United States, Canada, Argentina, Finland, and Australia.

Variations of the surname Klett

The surname Klett has a variety of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Some common spelling variations of the name include Klet, Klett, Klettt, Kletz, Kletzsch, Kletzsner, Kletzschner, Kletzner, Klettner, and Klettners. Other surnames of similar origin include Kleid, Kloft, Klofta, Klofte, Kloff, and Kloftzing.

The surname Klett is German in origin, derived from the Middle High German word 'klet', meaning ‘small house’. It was likely first borne by someone who lived and worked in a small house or cottage, and it came into regular use from the 15th century onwards. It is especially common in the Rhineland region of Germany, where it is the 6th most frequent surname. It is also found in several other countries, especially throughout Europe.

In addition to the spellings mentioned above, there are numerous other variations of the surname Klett, and related surnames, found throughout the world. Examples include Clet, Klette, Kletti, Kletto, Kletz, Kletzen, Kletzing, Kletzin, Klewitz, Klewit, Klewitzen, Kliwitz, and Kliwit. Additionally, in some countries the surname has been adapted to local language pronunciation, such as Clé in French or Klet in Dutch.

Overall, the surname Klett is a European surname with a variety of spelling variations, and numerous related surnames that derive from the same origins.

Famous people with the name Klett

• Julius Klett: German politician
• Rob Klett: American director and cinematographer
• Hildegard Klett: German computer scientist
• Diana Klett: American Olympic backstroker
• Kurt Klett:German WWI and WWII fighter pilot
• Erik Klett: German ski jumper
• Grimm Klett: German diver
• Martin Klett: German handballer
• Valery Klett: German canoeist
• Laila Klett: German diver
• Silke Klett: German ice hockey player
• Alois Klett: German jurist
• Johann Klett: German theologian
• Paul Klett: American mathematician
• Chris Klett: American singer songwriter
• Karl Klett: Canadian racing driver
• Nathalie Klett: Swiss active sport shooter

Other surnames

KletskinKlettnerKletzkin