Surname Klink - Meaning and Origin
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DNA Test Revelations: Venturing Beyond the Known Klink Lineage
Unlocking unanticipated lineage through iGENEA's DNA test, the writer embarked on a tremendous voyage back through centuries. This journey, exposing roots across multiple continents and diverse cultures, shattered the initial assumption of a purely German ancestry. Astounding revelations, signaling that the Klinks were inherently intrepid and immersive, intertwirled reality with a subtle touch of history, deepening the author's self-understanding and appreciation for a distinct and colorful past.
Q. Klink
read moreKlink: What does the surname Klink mean?
The last name Klink is of German origin and may refer to one of two distinct places where the name is said to have originated. The first is in the Rhineland-Palatinate area, in western Germany, where the name is thought to have originated in the Lower Rhine region. The second place where the name is thought to have originated is in the Palatinate region, which was at one time an important center of the Holy Roman Empire. The exact meaning of the name is uncertain, but it is believed to have derived from the term “Klingze,” which was a provincial term for a boundary or enclosure.
The Klinks were traditional landowners in Germany, whose occupation was primarily agriculture and forestry. In time, the Klink family came to acquire substantial landholdings, including ample amounts of timberland, which was a major source of income for them. By the late 19th century, many of the Klinks had inherited land, with some even becoming the owners of entire villages. The Klinks were also renowned for their hospitality, and regularly hosted large gatherings.
The surname Klink is still relatively common in Germany, and many of the original inhabitants of the Palatinate region may still have descendants living in the area. Many people with this last name have left Germany and migrated to other countries throughout the world, including the United States and Canada. There are now Klinks living in many parts of the world, and the name continues to be passed down through the generations.
Order DNA origin analysisKlink: Where does the name Klink come from?
The last name Klink is most commonly found in Germany. It is estimated that nearly 15,000 people living in Germany have the last name Klink. The vast majority of people with this name can be found in the North Rhine-Westphalia state and the nearby areas.
The Klink surname can also be found in other central and northern European countries, particularly in Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Scandinavian nations; around 2,000 people in the United States also have the last name.
Klink is derived from the Middle High German word 'klingen' which means sound or to chime. It is thought to have either been an occupational surname used for bell-ringers or a nickname for someone who clinked glasses when making a toast.
Klink is a relatively uncommon name, so many people with this last name are likely distantly related to more recent common ancestors. Currently, it is more likely that Klink is a name that has been passed down through many generations and is being used today than it is for the name to have been adopted by more recent immigrants to different countries.
Variations of the surname Klink
The surname Klink has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Common variants include Klinc, Klync, Klinck, and Klintz. Alternate spellings include Klinke, Klinnk, and Klynka. Surnames of the same origin include Klein, Klenke, Kleynke, Klinkewitz, Klinkhardt, Kleinknecht, and Kleinschmidt.
Klein is a German and Ashkenazi Jewish surname meaning “small” or “little” in German. This surname is an occupational name deriving from the ancient root of ‘klesrote’ meaning “cloth-maker”.
Klenke, Kleynke and Klinkewitz are all variants of the surname Klein originating from Germany. The Klenke and Kleynke surnames are most common in the Czech Republic and Poland. The Klinkewitz version of the surname is associated with Bavaria.
Klinkhardt is a surname of Germanic origin. It is derived from the root word ‘Harding’ and is believed to mean “hard” or “bold”. This surname can also be found as Klinkhard.
Kleinknecht is a surname of German origin meaning “small knight” or “servant”. It was an occupational name for a minor court official in medieval times. The surname can also be found as Kleinkecht.
Kleinschmidt is another German occupational surname derived from the German word “schmied” meaning “blacksmith” or “smith”. The suffix “schmidt” was often added to an occupational name to indicate a family of smiths. It can also be found as KleinSchmidt.
Famous people with the name Klink
- Henning Klink: German television presenter.
- Evert Klink: Dutch composer and jazz saxophonist.
- William Klink: American film producer.
- Marv Klink: American voice actor and radio personality.
- Frank Klink: American politician in Pennsylvania.
- Dieter Klink: German politician and member of the Bundestag.
- Gregory Klink: American athlete and basketball player.
- Lars Klink: Danish writer, musician, and composer.
- Kevin Klink: American soccer player.
- Kristof Klink: Belgian freestyle and mogul skiier.
- Johnny Klink: American race car driver.
- Nathan Klink: Canadian sports journalist and commentator.