Surname Klingner - Meaning and Origin
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Klingner: What does the surname Klingner mean?
Klingner is a German surname originating from the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old German word ‘Kling’, which means ‘bell’ or ‘chime’, so the literal translation of Klingner is ‘bell maker’ or ‘bell ringer’. In some cases, Klingner may also refer to someone who is a clockmaker or a musician by trade.
During the 9th and 10th centuries, the Klingner surname spread to various parts of Europe and established roots in Italy, France, and England. In the Middle Ages, large families were common, often known by their trade. It is likely that the Klingner family were indeed bell ringers or musicians who made a living from performing in churches, festivals, and other large events, and this is where their surname originated.
Klingner is thought to be among the earliest known surnames in both Germany and in Europe. It is quite an unusual name, and with its musical connotations, it conjures up a feeling of wonderful joy and cheer. It is likely that those bearing this surname were welcomed into many places with a jovial attitude, and often found favour with neighbours and the people around them.
Klingner is now a rare surname and is found in mainly German-speaking countries. It is sometimes anglicized to ‘Klinger’, which simply denotes the same meaning. It is interesting to note its musical origins and the long history of the Klingner family as it has been passed down from generation to generation.
Order DNA origin analysisKlingner: Where does the name Klingner come from?
The surname Klingner is primarily found in Germany and is fairly common there. It is very rare in other countries and is likely to be found mainly among German immigrants and their descendants. In the 1930s, the name was most prevalent in Silesia and Bavaria. In more recent times, it is most commonly found in the states of Baden, Württemberg, and Bavaria.
In the United States, the surname Klingner is very rare and only two US citizens have been identified using this surname. The surname is also uncommon in the UK, with only one family living in East Anglia having been identified. In Australia, the surname Klingner is extremely rare and not a traditional surname of Australians.
A search of the internet does indicate, however, that a few people have the surname Klingner in South Africa, Argentina, Mexico and Peru, as well as in other countries.
Given the rarity of the surname, it is likely that anyone with the surname Klingner is probably descended from a German immigrant.
Variations of the surname Klingner
The surname Klingner has many variants depending on the origin of the family. The German variant of the name is Klinker, while a Jewish translation is Klinik. German variants also include Klinger, Klingler and Klinker, while the French variant is Klingeur. Variants of the Dutch spelling of the name are Klinkers and Klingers, while the English variant is Klinker. Some variants of the surname Klingner also include Klink, Klinge, Klingel, Klingerl, Klinkert, Klingen, Klincker, and Klinckerl.
In Jewish families, the surname Klingner was often changed to more common names such as Kleiner, Klein, or Kleinman. Common surnames derived from Klingner include Klingsberg, Klingsbergstein, Klingenstein, and Klingerstein. Furthermore, variations of Klingner in Austria include Klinger, Klingers and Clinger.
Many Jewish people adopted different spellings of the original surname Klingner during World War II to try and disguise their Jewish heritage. One example of this is Klien, however other common variants include Klingerich, Klingtner, Klinker, Klingnerich, Klinkers, and Klingles. Additionally, the English spelling of Klinger has been replaced by simpler spellings such as Kingor, Kingers, Kingser, Kingery and Kingsor.
Overall, the surname Klingner has a wide range of spellings, variants and surnames of the same origin. These variants depend mainly on regional dialect and which countries the family originated from.
Famous people with the name Klingner
- Michael Klingner: is a German classical violinist and music professor.
- Heinz Klingner: is a notable German sculptor and FAV (visual artist).
- Jonathan Klingner: is a Swiss freestyle skier and member of the Swiss snowboarding team.
- Caroline Klingner: is an Austrian freestyle skier who is a member of the national ski team.
- David Klingner: is a former American football defensive tackle who played professionally for the Baltimore Ravens.
- Lloyd Klingner: was an American cartoonist known for his political cartoons in the 1930s and 1940s.
- Lotte Klingner: is a German actress who has performed in both television and stage productions.
- Robert Klingner: is a German composer and conductor who has composed numerous operas, symphonies, and chamber works.
- Sybille Klingner: is an Austrian figure skater and member of the International Skating Union.
- Grete Klingner: was a German novelist and playwright, and one of the most popular authors of her time.