Surname Kleyser - Meaning and Origin

Kleyser: What does the surname Kleyser mean?

Kleyser is a German surname, a variation of Kleiser. The exact meaning of the name is not known but it is believed to be derived from the German word "Klein" meaning "small". This suggests that it could have been given as a nickname to someone who was small in stature or as a descriptive name for someone who was small in speech or action. It could also be a variation of the word "kleren," which means to clothe.

Although the meaning of the name is uncertain, there is evidence to suggest it dates back to the medieval period in central and eastern Europe. In the 17th century, it was recorded as a given name in an area of present-day Poland known as Silesia. The occurrence of the name gradually spread westward and it is now found in many other countries, including the United States.

Today, people who bear the Kleyser surname are widely dispersed around the world. Though most common in Germany, it can be found in other parts of Europe as well as North America, South America, Australia, and New Zealand. The name is a reminder of the ancestral heritage of its bearers and serves as a connection to their past.

Kleyser: Where does the name Kleyser come from?

The last name Kleyser is most commonly seen in Germany and elsewhere across Europe. It is also found in the United States, due to immigration.

Kleyser is a German surname, meaning ‘key maker’. Records from the 1300s indicate first use of the surname in the city of Leipzig, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. Kleyser is considered an occupational surname, likely derived from the German kloss, meaning ‘locksmith’ or ‘key maker’.

Records suggest the family was part of the ruling class in the early 1500s, based on mentions of Hofmeister beschaffen, meaning ‘court master’. Over time, Kleyser families spread throughout the region, and today, they continue to be found in areas of Germany, including Saarland, Bavaria, and Nordrhein-Westfalen.

In the late 1800s, many Kleyser families emigrated to the United States, dispersing to cities like Chicago and Philadelphia. As of 2020, Kleyser is the 14,678th most common surname in the United States.

The presence of the Kleyser surname is a testament to the long history of German visitors and settlers in many countries. It is a reminder that, over time, many people sought the freedom of travel, exploring the world and settling in foreign lands, where they could find new opportunities and a new way of life.

Variations of the surname Kleyser

Kleyser is a Jewish surname of German origin, derived from the given name Claus or Nicholas. The name is also sometimes seen spelled as Kleiser, Clayser, Klayzer, and Clazers. Variants of the name may also be found using similar spellings, such as Kleisar, Kleisser, Kleyzer, and Klayse.

The Jewish ancestry of the name goes back to the 14th century, when Jews living in Germany began to take up family names. For this reason, many Kleyser family lines can trace their roots to the Jewish communities of Germany.

Surnames with a similar origin include Klaser, Kleischman, and Klayman. Although the names may look and sound similar, they may have different derivations or alternate spellings. All of these are variations on the same root name, and all are of German Jewish origin.

In the present day, the Kleyser surname can be found among Jewish, German, Eastern European, and other populations of Europe and beyond. Depending on the family or country of origin, the spelling may vary; example, American descendants of immigrants from Germany may spell the name Kleser, whereas those from Russia and central Europe may spell the name Kleyser. Additionally, families that have lived in German-speaking areas may also spell the name Kläser. It is also possible to find the name spelled as Klayzer, Claser, Klajser, Kleisar, and Kleser in various parts of the world. Regardless of the spelling, all of these represent the same surname.

Famous people with the name Kleyser

• Edward Kleyser: German-born American cinematographer
• Matthew Kleyser: Canadian stand-up comedian
• Marcin Kleyser: Polish Olympic basketball player
• Leslie Kleyser: South African cricketer
• Kasper Kleyser: Danish film director
• Joe Kleyser: French-born American professional snowboarder
• Johannes Kleyser: German sculptor
• Thomas Kleyser: Belgian chess master
• Charles Kleyser: Swiss freestyle skier
• Nils Kleyser: Dutch writer and radio DJ

Other surnames

KleysKleysteuber