Surname Klotz - Meaning and Origin
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Discovering the Klotz Lineage: A DNA Test Experience With iGENEA
The results of a recent DNA test performed at iGENEA baffled me with unexpected revelations about my Klotz ancestors, reshaping my understanding of my heritage and self-identity.
V. Klotz
read moreKlotz: What does the surname Klotz mean?
The last name Klotz is of Germanic origin and is derived from two Middle High German words, "klotz," meaning a wooden post or chip, and "loz," meaning castle or fortified house. This suggests the name may have referred to a fortified house located near a wooden post. The surname was first recorded around the 11th century in Bamberg, Germany.
In the Middle Ages the Germanic world was divided into many small states, and families often adopted the name of the area in which they lived. Because of this, many variants of Klotz have emerged such as Kloz, Clotz and Clutz. The surname can also be found in other countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic and has an especially large number of bearers in Poland.
In North America, the Klotz surname is mainly found in the United States and Canada. It is believed that the first Klotz in America was a Jacob Klotz, who arrived in the US from Germany in 1772.
Today, the Klotz surname can still be found in many parts of the world and can serve as a reminder of the ancestral roots of its bearers. It also carries with it the reminder of the work and livelihood of those who lived in the Middle Ages and the family values they held in high regard.
Order DNA origin analysisKlotz: Where does the name Klotz come from?
The last name Klotz is most commonly found throughout Germany, with the highest concentration in the states of Bavaria, Baden-Wuerttemberg, and Rhineland-Palatinate. It is also fairly common in the United States, particularly in the states of New York and Pennsylvania. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were an estimated 35,000 individuals with the last name Klotz living in the U.S. in 2020.
The surname has likely been in use for centuries in Germany, owing to its Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old German words "klotz," meaning "block," and "hlud," meaning "loud." The combination may have referred to a block or slab of timber making noise when struck or simply a strong, loud individual.
Though the last name is less common in other parts of the world, it may be found in Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries, including those with significant German populations. Despite its Germanic roots, the family name has numerous spellings in other languages, including Klč in Czech and Kleč in Slovak.
In recent years, the Klotz family has spread from its original German homes into other parts of the world. As a result, the number of individuals with the surname is growing, resulting in a higher prevalence in various countries.
Variations of the surname Klotz
The surname Klotz is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German term “klote” which means “lump or block”. Variants of the surname Klotz may include spelled Clots, Kloetz, Kloetzke, Clodt, Kloste, Klosterman, Kleotta, and Cloots.
Klots is a Dutch variant of the surname Klotz, and is derived from the Middle Dutch term “kloet” meaning “to thump”. Variants of the surname Klots may include spelled Clotz, Kleet, Klotz, Kloits, Clooths, and Cloots.
Kloetzke is another German variant of the surname Klotz and is derived from the Middle High German term “klotzke” meaning “small block”. Variants of the surname Kloetzke may include spelled Kloetske, Klette, Kletzke, Cletske, and Kloets.
Klosterman is also a German variant of the surname Klotz and is derived from the Middle High German term “klooster” meaning “monastery”. Variants of the surname Klosterman may include Kleistman, Klosterman, Closterman, Klistman, Klostermann, and Kleitzman.
Kleotta is another German variant of the surname Klotz and is derived from the Middle High German term “klot” meaning “block”. Variants of the surname Kleotta may include spelled Kleotz, Kleota, Kleott, and Kleyott.
Lastly, Cloots is a Low German variant of the surname Klotz and is derived from the Middle Low German term “cloots” meaning “lump”. Variants of the surname Cloots may include spelled Kloosters, Klooster, Clotaur, Cloth, and Klotz.
Famous people with the name Klotz
- Timo Klotz: German swimmer, represented Germany at London 2012 Olympic Games in the four-man bobsleigh team.
- Célia Klotz: French judoka, debuted at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games.
- Jackie Klotz: American actress known for her role in “Carrie” and “9-1-1”.
- Friedrich Klotz: German chemist and former president of Leipzig University.
- Tobias Klotz: German composer and conductor.
- Leo Klotz: American cinematographer who has won two Emmy Awards for his work on the show "Ellen".
- Louiza Klotz: Swiss-Albanian fashion designer who has presented her collections at international fashion shows.
- Bernd Klotz: German architect and professor of architectural design at Technische Universität München.
- Alexander Klotz: German composer and music producer who has released music under the monikers "Lunick" and "Oh La".
- Claudine Klotz: French author and speaker on international development.