Surname Klases - Meaning and Origin
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Klases: What does the surname Klases mean?
The last name Klases comes from an ancient Prussian or East Germanic language, which is thought to be a derivation of the surnames ‘Klaus’ and ‘Klasing’. The surname likely reflects the characteristics of the person who first took on the name in the distant past. It is suggested that back then, the family line and their name went around in circles, and whoever was most knowledgeable about a particular affairs, was crowned with the surname ‘Klases’.
There is no one definitive explanation about the meaning behind the name 'Klases', however there are many theories. Some experts believe that it is derived from the ancient Prussian name for 'family', whilst others think it may refer to a 'circle' due to its etymological similarities to the Dutch words for 'circular' (klaas) and 'family' (klane). It's also possible that this could indicate a sort of family ring-like structure, which would have been an important symbol in medieval times.
Other sources suggest that the surname is derived from the Proto-Germanic word 'klaz', meaning 'to shout', with the surname implying someone who was loud and vocal in their views. It's also possible that the name has an occupational background, specifically referring to one who was skilled at teaching or instructing.
Ultimately, the exact origin and meaning of the surname Klases is not known, however the many theories surrounding the name offer some potential explanations.
Order DNA origin analysisKlases: Where does the name Klases come from?
The last name Klases is most common in southeastern Europe, specifically Hungary, Romania, Serbia, and Croatia. It is also found in the United States, where it made its way in the late nineteenth century when many European immigrants sought a better life in America. This family name is thought to derive from the old Germanic term “klaue,” meaning claw, and it first began appearing in records in the 12th century.
In Hungary, the Klases family was likely named for a producer of wooden shoes, and it may still be found in the modern Bela Klases Footwear Company. In Romania, the name is most commonly found in the Transylvanian region. In Serbia and Croatia, the name is both rarer and older; records there are thought to go back to the 15th century.
It is believed that the American Klases family originated from a Hungarian-born blacksmith named John Klases, who settled in the United States with his family in the late 1800s. Since then, the Klases family has spread across the United States, settling in different areas such as Illinois, California and New York.
In modern times, the Klases family continues to live in the United States, Hungary, Romania, Serbia and Croatia. There has also been more recent immigration, with individuals carrying the Klases name moving and settling in other parts of Europe and the United States.
Variations of the surname Klases
The surname Klases is a very common surname found throughout various regions of the world. It is most popularly found in Europe, especially in Germany, Poland, The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. In some cases, the name Klases can refer to different spellings, variants, and surnames of the same origin.
The most common and recognized variant of the name Klases is the spelling Klassen, which is mainly found in Germany, Netherlands, and Eastern Europe. Other variants of this surname can be found in various spellings and countries across the world, such as:
In Germany, the variants "Klässen", "Klass", "Klecke", and "Klese" are commonly used.
In Poland, it is often spelt as "Klaz" or "Kłaz".
In The Netherlands, the surnames "Klaasse", "Klassen", and "Klassens" are the most popular spellings.
In Germany, Denmark, and Norway, the surname is often spelled "Klasen".
In Sweden, "Klasson" is the most popular version of this hyphenated surname among families of Scandinavian origin.
In North America, it is often seen as "Klose", and in the UK, as "Kless".
Variations on the surname can also be found with the hyphenated spelling of "Klas-Lasse" and the double-barrelled hyphenated spelling of "Kla-ssen".
In some cases, the surname Klases can be confused with the similar sounding surname Claasen, although the two are often considered to be distinct surnames despite the phonetic similarity.
Overall, the surname Klases can vary greatly depending on the region, but the most common variants remain the spellings "Klassen", "Klasen", and "Klasson".
It is important to note that while the surname may not always be spelt the same way across all countries, the meaning or origin of the surname remains the same.
Famous people with the name Klases
- Rachael Klases: Actress best known for her role as Mattie on the television series Stolen Generations.
- James Klases: Producer and entrepreneur who developed the first independent television network in the UK.
- Andreas Klases: German filmmaker and director of several films, including The Lost Dream and The Dream Is Over.
- John Klases: Professional ice hockey player and actor with roles in the films Triple Threat and Triple Dog Dare.
- Diane Klases: Graphic designer and artist; her work has been featured at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City.
- Terri Klases: Playwright, poet, and visual artist, most known for her award-winning play, Stagedoor.
- Michael Klases: Musician, songwriter, and producer; known for producing hip hop/R&B recordings for A Tribe Called Quest and other popular artists.
- David Klases: Professor of linguistics at Harvard University; studies language in both its written and spoken forms.
- Paul Klases: Professional golfer; won two PGA Tour events in 1993 and 1994.
- Jane Klases: Emmy Award-winning television producer and executive; created the television series 30 Rock and Smash.