Surname Kleys - Meaning and Origin
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Kleys: What does the surname Kleys mean?
The last name Kleys is of German origin, derived from the ancient Hebrew word Klail, meaning “eminent” or “towering”. It was a popular name among many of the ruling families of the medieval Germanic kingdoms. Over time, the surname was altered to the spelling of ‘Kleys’.
The surname can be found in many German ancestral documents in the Bavaria region, the name originating in the 12th century in Nuremberg, as the region was known then. It was during this period that the Kleys family clans began to form.
The ponderous elements of the name reflect a family of stature, ambition and nobility. This is often reflected in the arms of the family members, which have often consisted of a pattern of successive knots intertwined with a third knot in the centre position. To this day, the design of the arms representing the Kleys family is an unmistakable emblem of a family proud of its ancient ancestry.
Occasionally, the surname of Kleys has been found elsewhere in Europe and the Americas. But in whatever part of the world the Kleys family are found in, they take with them a proud legacy of their impressive past, with a name derived from the ancient Hebrew word for ‘eminent’ or ‘towering’.
Order DNA origin analysisKleys: Where does the name Kleys come from?
The last name Kleys is most commonly present today in the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg, but also has some presence in Denmark, Poland, and Austria. Geographical genetics suggest this is the region of origin of this last name.
One hypothesis suggests the name originated with the Kleve Dynasty in Germany, which existed from the 11th century CE until the early 16th century CE. Kleve is a former state located in the present-day Lower Rhine region of Western Germany, and the associated last name likely resulted from the spread of the Kingdom's borders. Evidence of the name in this area exists from the 13th century CE onwards, alongside the introduction of hereditary surnames.
The last name can also be found in various localities across The Netherlands, with the earliest records dating back to the 15th century CE. It is likely this second population of Kleys' were descendants of the former Kleve dynasty members, as well as those of Dutch origin.
Due to the flourishing of the trading industry across Europe in the 17th century, it is possible the name was able to spread even further than previously thought. It is possible the Kleys' relocated to Central and Northern European countries in pursuit of employment opportunities, and it is likely their presence is still seen today in these countries.
Overall, the last name Mleys is most commonly associated with the Low Countries of Europe, but its reach may be far wider than first expected.
Variations of the surname Kleys
The Kleys surname is derived from a German and Dutch surname. Variants of the Kleys surname include Kley, Kleye, Klee, Kleey, Kleie, Klei, and Cleijs. Furthermore, many spelling variations of the name Kleys are found in the records. Notable spellings include Kleis, Cleis, Clais, Klaes, Klaassen, Klause, Kleese, Kleese and Kloos.
In German, the Kleys surname likely originates from the word “Klaus,” which was an old form of Claus and was a name that roughly translates to “victor of the people.” In Dutch, the Kleys surname likely has its roots in the word “kleij,” which originally meant “clay” or “clayey.”
Surnames of the same origin as Kleys include Klaassen, Klause, Kleese, Kleese , Kloos, Klaus, and Claus. In addition, similar sounding surnames could include Klay, Klaye, and Klee, as well as Clais and Claase.
It is important to note that there are not many people with the Kleys surname. According to Ancestry.com, estimates suggest that only 9,000 people worldwide have the name Kleys. Thus, it is quite rare.
Famous people with the name Kleys
- Brittney Kley LaBranche: Artist, Painter and Writer.
- Patricia Kley: Brazilian actress.
- Jim Kley: Canadian retired professional ice hockey player.
- Henry Kley: American Physician.
- Tammy Kley: Instagram Influencer.
- Jorge Kley: Brazilian Lawyer and Businessman.
- Rodrigo Kley: Brazilian Singer and Songwriter.
- Gus Kley: Founder of a leading financial services firm.
- Jussara Kley: Brazilian Singer.
- Fer Kley: Brazilian actor and model.
- Paul Kley: Retired Netherlands Singer.
- Steve Kley: American Photographer.
- Rachel Kley: American Filmmaker and creator.
- Gustavo Kley: Brazilian cinematographer and designer.
- Vitor Kley: Brazilian Singer.
- Dave Kley: Dutch Comedy Writer and Writer.
- Eva Kley: Austrian fashion designer and businesswoman.
- Wendy Kley: Canadian Artist.
- Rosário Kley: Brazilian model, actress and TV presenter.
- Gil Kley: Brazilian writer and journalist.