Surname Kleine - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling the Origins of the Surname 'Kleine' through an iGENEA DNA Test
The intriguing journey through my genetic ancestry via the iGENEA DNA test provided fascinating insights into the origins of my surname - Kleine. The definitive ties to Western Europe, particularly Germany, the unique occupations associated with it throughout history and the genetic links to ancestral migrations, offered valuable connections to significant periods in history.
O. Kleine
read moreKleine: What does the surname Kleine mean?
The last name Kleine is of German origin. It is an occupational surname originating from the Middle High German word "klein," meaning "small," typically referencing a person of small stature. The name was originally given to people who worked in service of a noble family or as small merchants and tradesmen. As time passed, Kleine became a more common last name due to it being associated with a talented and reliable individual.
In modern times, the surname Kleine remains popular in many parts of Germany, especially in the Rhineland-Palatinate area. People with the Kleine name tend to be independent and ambitious, having a strong desire to succeed. They have a knack for organizing and making things happen, and often value being in control.
Kleine is also found in areas of the Netherlands, Belgium, and the United States. Those from the United States with this surname may have come from immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and several other northern states.
As an occupational surname, Kleine has come to represent a person's occupation, whether it be small merchant work, other service work, or a job within their family. However, its meaning has expanded to describe an individual who is talented, reliable, and ambitious.
Order DNA origin analysisKleine: Where does the name Kleine come from?
The last name Kleine is of German origin and is one of the most common surnames in Germany. According to official records, it is among the top 500 names in Germany, making it one of the most popular ones around. In other European countries, like the Netherlands, the surname has somewhat dwindled in popularity. However, the United States has seen an influx of immigrants with the last name, making it one of the more popular surnames throughout the country. Today, the name Kleine can be found in all 50 states in the U.S., but it is more commonly seen in specific regions such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan. In other countries outside of the United States, like Canada and Australia, the name is less popular but can still be occasionally spotted in official records. All in all, the last name Kleine is one of the most common names in Germany, and although it may not be as popular in other countries, there is still a notable presence throughout the globe.
Variations of the surname Kleine
The Kleine surname is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word 'kleine'. It is commonly found in Germany and the Netherlands, and has various variants, spellings and surnames.
The most common spelling of Kleine is Klein, which means 'small' in German. Kleine can also be spelled Kleyne, Klain, Kleen, Kleinhans, Kleinehans, Kline, Klyn, Klyne and Kleinhans. The surname is usually a patronymic – meaning it derives from a father's given name – and often replaces the given name.
The Kleine surname also has some common variants, which include Kilian, Kleyne, Kilins, Kielisz and Kleins. Kilian is a version of the Latin name Cillian, which means 'warrior'. Kleyne is a Dutch form of Kleine, and Kilins is thought to be a derivative of an Old English name, Kilian. Kielisz is a Polish variant that is thought to mean 'like a cross' or 'shepherds'.
There are several other surnames from the same origin as Kleine, including Kleynian, Kleiman, Klimt, Klieber, Kleihauer, Kleefisch, Kleinschmidt and Kleynhans. These surnames have various spellings throughout Europe and were derived from the same Middle High German word.
In conclusion, the Kleine surname is of German origin and has various variants, spellings and surnames associated with it. Common spellings of the surname include Klein, Kleyne, Klain, Kleen, Kleinhans, Kleinehans, Kline, Klyn, Klyne and Kleinhans, and common variants include Kilian, Kleyne, Kilins, Kielisz and Kleins. Other surnames from the same origin include Kleynian, Kleiman, Klimt, Klieber, Kleihauer, Kleefisch, Kleinschmidt and Kleynhans.
Famous people with the name Kleine
- Ad Rudolf Kleine-Rosink: professional dancer and choreographer in Europe.
- Manfred Kleine-Kraneburg: German physicist who specializes in fluid dynamics.
- Alexander Kleine: German rower who represented his country in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
- Hannah Kleine: Actress who appeared in the television series The Vampire Diaries.
- Frederik Kleine: Dutch professional footballer who plays for De Graafschap.
- Paul Kleine: Dutch water polo player who competed at the 2000 Olympics.
- Grit Kleine: German sailor who competed in both the 1996 and 2000 Olympics.
- Thorsten Kleine: German decathlete who qualified for the 2012 Olympics.
- Wilma Kleine: taekwondo competitor from Belgium who made her Olympic debut at Rio 2016.
- Elly Kleine: Dutch rower who won a silver medal in the coxless four event at the 2012 Summer Olympics.