Surname Klinkhamer - Meaning and Origin
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Klinkhamer: What does the surname Klinkhamer mean?
The last name Klinkhamer is thought to have originated in the Netherlands and is derived from the German word "Klinkenhammer," which translates as "hinge hammer." The name may have indicated an occupation associated with carpentry, such as a carpenter or blacksmith who worked with the hinges used to make doors and other openings. It could also indicate a person who was skilled at using a hammer to produce a specific type of sound – the ringing of the hinge as it opened or closed.
The Klinkhamer family reached North America in the 19th century, first settling in Pennsylvania and then dispersing scattered across the states. It has since become a widespread last name.
The Klinkhamer name still implies a close association to a trade or craft. As a result, those who share it can take pride in the fact that it reflects centuries of expertise passed down from generation to generation. Klinkhamers are strong-willed individuals, determined to make their own mark on the world. Klinkhamers are also known to be fiercely loyal and protective of their family.
Order DNA origin analysisKlinkhamer: Where does the name Klinkhamer come from?
The last name Klinkhamer is most commonly found in the Netherlands today. It is an occupational name, which means that its original bearers worked in a specific profession. In this case, Klinkhamer was historically a name for blacksmiths.
The name first appears in written records in Amsterdam as early as the 16th century, when blacksmiths were an essential part of society. Since then, its use has spread throughout the Netherlands and parts of Europe. It is even used in the United States, primarily among Dutch immigrants.
It is most prevalent in the Dutch province of Overijssel, followed by Zuid-Holland, Gelderland, and Utrecht. However, bearers in these areas may have spread the name elsewhere. In fact, it was exported to Germany during the 18th and 19th centuries, where it is still sometimes seen.
The name Klinkhamer was brought to the United States by Dutch immigrants who wanted to pursue a brighter future in the New World. As such, it is most commonly found in areas where large concentrations of Dutch immigrants settled, including Michigan, Pennsylvania, California, and New York.
Overall, the Klinkhamer surname remains well-established with over 3,000 bearers living in the Netherlands today. Most of its bearers live in the north-western part of the country, where the root of this unique surname still exists.
Variations of the surname Klinkhamer
The surname Klinkhamer is an occupational name referring to a person who was a maker of anchors and shackles. It is derived from the Middle Dutch word, ‘Klinkhemmer’, meaning "link pin maker". Variants of this surname include Klinkehammer, Klinkenhammer, and Klinkhammer. It was also anglicized as Clinkhammer.
Klinkhamer is most commonly found in Germany and the Netherlands, particularly in the areas of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Fryslân. It is also common in South Africa where many Dutch settlers arrived in the mid-17th century.
Other variants of the surname Klinkhamer include Klynhamer, Klynshamer, Klynshammer, Klynschamer, Klynschammer, Klynsmaker, Kleinhammer, Kleinschamer, Kleinschammer, Kleinskammer, Kleinskamer, Kleinsmaker, Klemshamer, Klemshammer, Klempshamer, Klempshammer, Klainhammer, and Klainhamer.
Other variants of the word ‘Klinkhemmer’ include Klinklamer, Klinkslamer, Klinkhamer, Klinkmeer, Klinksmeer, Klinkhemer, and Klinkenmeer. Spelling variations of the surname can also be found in the form of Klinchemmer, Klynchemmer, Klynckemmer, Klynckhemmer, Klynckmeer, Klynckhemer, and Klynckenmeer.
Many of the Dutch settlers who came to the United States of America in the 17th and 18th centuries had their surnames modified by immigration and naturalization agents, resulting in slight spelling variations of Klinkhamer. These include Clinkhammer, Klenkhammer, Klinkenhammer, Klunkhammer, and Klinkhammer.
Today, members of the Klinkhamer family can be found in countries all around the world. It is likely that, despite the numerous spelling and variant variations, they can trace their family history back to a common ancestor, the link pin maker of the Middle Ages.
Famous people with the name Klinkhamer
- Verity Klinkhamer: British actress most known for her role in the series “The Blinders”.
- Chris Klinkhamer: Dutch former football goalkeeper and former manager of Sparta Rotterdam and Excelsior in the Eredivisie.
- Mike Klinkhamer: Dutch track cyclist and three-time Olympic silver medalist in time-trial events at the 2003 World Championships, 2005 and 2008 Summer Olympics.
- Michiel Klinkhamer: Dutch former tennis player who represented his country at the Davis Cup.
- Kenneth Klinkhamer: Belgium footballer who represented Cercle Brugge K.S.V. in Belgium League over the course of his ten-year career.
- Shawn Klinkhamer: Canadian former soccer player who played for Toronto FC and eventually retired in 2018.
- Mary Klinkhamer: Australian former figure skater who competed in ladies’ singles for seven years in the 1990s.
- Janny Klinkhamer: Dutch journalist who won the 1992 and 1998 Radio Netherlands award for best international radio program.
- Paul Klinkhamer: German artist who created and showcased surreal collages and installations.
- John Klinkhamer: American basketball coach and former head men’s basketball coach at The Master’s University in California.