Surname Klews - Meaning and Origin
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Klews: What does the surname Klews mean?
The last name Klews is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is often found in North America. It is derived from the pre 7th century Olde English word ‘cleow’, thought to have been a bye-name for a clumsy or heavy-footed person. It is believed that the surname Klews was most likely referring to someone who was skillful or had a particularly good grip.
During the Middle Ages in Europe, the use of last names began to become more common. As a result, surnames such as Klews became established, and members of the same family could eventually trace their start from a common ancestor. This could come from either a village or a physical location, or from the occupation of a family member.
The Klews family is thought to have originated in the United Kingdom, which explains why the surname could still sometimes be found in some parts of the United Kingdom today. The earliest known records of the name in England date back to 1273, when a William Cleowes was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of County Surrey.
Today, the last name Klews is commonly found in the United States and Canada. People bearing this name usually share common characteristics such as being hardworking and down-to-earth. Additionally, people with this surname are often creative problem solvers, often having an eye for detail.
Order DNA origin analysisKlews: Where does the name Klews come from?
The last name Klews is not particularly common today, however it does have a long and interesting history.
The name Klews is a patronymic surname derived from the first name Klaus, which comes from the medieval German name Clovis, eventually being adapted into English as Lewis. It is likely that the name arose in areas where German was spoken, such as southern Germany as well as parts of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Austria.
The last name Klews is still found mainly in areas of the world where German was once spoken or where German-speaking people migrated. This includes parts of the United States such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. In Canada, it can be found in Ontario and Quebec. The name is also scattered throughout Europe, primarily in the countries of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.
The name has likely been around for centuries, but it is not particularly common today due to migration, intermarriage, and other factors. Despite this, the name is still a small reminder of geographies gone-by and family lines that may have been long forgotten.
Variations of the surname Klews
The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Klews come from a variety of sources. The most common variations of the name are Klews, Kloos, Kloeze, Kless, Kleiss, and Klause. These related surnames have origins in both German and Dutch cultures.
In German, the name is derived from the word “klause” which means a closed room or chamber. This may refer to the home or estate of a medieval nobleman. In Dutch, the name can be linked to the Low German word “kloos” meaning “to close” or “to lock.” This could have been used to describe the fortified walls of a castle or estate.
In Germany, the surname is most prominent in the Westphalian region where it was recorded in the late middle ages. It’s also believed to have spread to other parts of Europe, including to England and the Netherlands. In the United States, the Americanized spelling of the name is generally “Claus” or “Clouse.”
Despite being related to Klews, alternative spellings and surnames for the family may not always point to a common origin. In some cases, the surname may have been changed to reflect regional dialects of a specific culture or nationality. For example, instead of Klews, Kloos may be related to a Dutch family. Similarly, Kloeze may have been adopted to reflect the region of the family’s origin, such as the East Prussian region of Samland.
In conclusion, Klews is the common name associated with the surname, however there are several variations and spellings that also hold the same origin. These alternative surnames can be found in both German and Dutch cultures and may have been adopted due to their local dialects.
Famous people with the name Klews
- Matthew Klews: Former executive director of the California Realtors Association.
- Brad Klews: Professional ice hockey player for the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL.
- Stephen Klews: Former World Bank executive and public finance specialist.
- John Klews: Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of lululemon athletica.
- Brandon Klews: Lead project facilitator and research member at Energy Innovation.
- Jessica Klews: Digital Programming Producer at CNN.
- Michael Klews: Award-winning journalist and editor for the Times Union newspaper.
- Neil Klews: Professional MORA Bouldering World Champion.
- Laurie Klews: notary public and wedding officiant.
- David Klews: Senior Director of Marketing at Nerd Street Gamers.