Surname Klöppels - Meaning and Origin

Klöppels: What does the surname Klöppels mean?

The last name Klöppels is a German surname that originated in central Germany during the Middle Ages. It is believed to be derived from the word "Klöppel," which means "small bell," "knob," or "peg."

The earliest known use of the last name dates back to the 15th century, when a family of Klöppels was first recorded in the town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Bavaria. This suggests that the name was likely first used as an occupational surname to describe someone who made bells or other objects with small knobs.

Today, the last name Klöppels is most commonly found in Germany, although it has spread to other parts of Europe and to North America through German immigration. In more recent times, individuals bearing the name have adopted variations of the spelling, including Kloeppels and Kloepels.

In the United States, Klöppels is often associated with people who are of German descent and Lutherans, although there are many people from other backgrounds with the name as well. Those with the name are typically described as hard-working, loyal, and modest.

Klöppels: Where does the name Klöppels come from?

The surname Klöppels is most commonly found today in central and eastern Germany, primarily in the state of Saxony-Anhalt. The last name Klöppels originates from the medieval trade of making small gold and silver decorations out of thin threads, such as lace or metallic fibers. These decorations were known as 'klöppels', meaning 'tiny ball of thread'. This trade was first recorded in Saxony-Anhalt during the Middle Ages and is likely the source of the surname. In the early 20th century, the region of Saxony-Anhalt was divided up and became a part of East and West Germany. To this day, Saxony-Anhalt remains one of the most populous states in Germany, with nearly 80,000 inhabitants.

Those who bear the surname Klöppels can trace their roots back to Saxony-Anhalt throughout the centuries. Through the use of census and vital records, along with other familial documentation, these individuals are able to ascertain a direct line of ancestry to the region and trace their surname to its medieval origin.

Today, the surname Klöppels remains relatively rare throughout Germany. In 2017, the surname Klöppels was ranked as the 3,504th most common surname in Germany. In the Saxony-Anhalt region, Klöppels is the 631st most common surname, though exact figures are far less known due to the region’s multiple divisions throughout history. Outside of Germany, the last name Klöppels is much rarer, and can predominantly be found in regions that had large amounts of German emigration in the past, such as the United States, Canada, and South Africa.

Variations of the surname Klöppels

The surname Klöppels (or Kloepke, Klaepple, Kloepel, Klöppel, Klöppeler, Kleppel, Kleinpiel, Kleppela, Klepp and Klöppeling) is a common surname which originates from the Middle German word “kloppen”, which means “to beat, hammer, blink”. This name is found in many different variants, resulting from the many different dialects in Central-Europe during the Middle Ages.

The name Klöppels is commonly variation of other surnames, such as: Klepp, Kleppela, Kleppeler, Kleppels, Kleppen, Kleppla, Kleppl, Kleppling, Klepplix, Klepply, Klippel, Klippl, Klippling, Klopel, Klöpel, Kloepel, Kloepke, Klöppels, Klöppel, Klöppeler, Klöppelhof, Klöppling, Klöpply, Kluumppel, Klüppel, and Kolopels.

The name Klöppels can also often be seen as a separate name, as it is more common in certain parts of Germany while other countries, like the United States, may only recognize it as a variant of Klepp, Kleppeler, etc. Despite this, it is a fairly common name, especially in Germany. In some parts of Germany, Klöppels may even be found as a variant of Klopfer, Kloetter, or Klöer.

In addition, the German “Surname Book” lists numerous additional variants for Klöppels, such as Koidorp, Klevin, and Klevner.

Overall, the surname Klöppels is a popular German surname, with many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. It is also found in other countries, though it often appears as a variant of other surnames as opposed to a completely distinct, standalone name.

Famous people with the name Klöppels

• Caroline Klöppels: German fashion designer and founder of the fashion label Caroline Klöppels.
• Joseph Klöppels: German entrepreneur reputedly responsible for developing Bavaria's biggest brewery.
• Werner Klöppels: a German-Canadian historian and Professor Emeritus of the University of Manitoba.
• Manfred Klöppels: a German war hero and recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves.
• Gustav Klöppels: a prominent German artist, mainly known for his various oil painting masterpieces in which his impressionist style was expressed.
• Luc Klöppels: a Belgium-born, German astrophysicist and popularizer of science, prominent for his works, such as “The Planet Mars”.
• Jörg Klöppels: a renowned German art auctioneer.
• Jakob Klöppels: a German mathematician recognized for his contributions to the development of local field theory.
• Otto Klöppels: a German sculptor and engraver whose works have been exhibited in galleries in numerous cities across Europe.
• Friedrich Klöppels: a German microbiologist famous for his diverse studies on the aspects of infection and its transmission.

Other surnames

KlöppelKlöppelt