Surname Klinkhardt - Meaning and Origin
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Klinkhardt: What does the surname Klinkhardt mean?
The last name Klinkhardt is of German origin, and translates to “clover tough”. It is thought to have been derived from the Germanic terms “klint” (clover) and “hardt” (strong, hard), which gives a literal interpretation of the name as “sturdy clover”.
The surname is thought to have originally been adopted by a founder of a German family in the Middle Ages. This founder was likely a person of notable fortitude and toughness, which led to the surname likely being meant to honor him and keep his memory alive.
As German immigrants spread around the world, the last name Klinkhardt has since become more common in some parts of North America. In some instances, the spelling of the name has changed to more closely resemble certain languages in different countries, such as Klinkardt or Klinkart.
The coat of arms associated with the last name Klinkhardt is an upturned silver hand, extending out of a blue shield. The symbolism behind this is believed to represent strength, power, and loyalty of the family’s ancestors. These are also qualities that the Klinkhardt family name continues to denote, even today.
Order DNA origin analysisKlinkhardt: Where does the name Klinkhardt come from?
The last name Klinkhardt is believed to have originated in Germany and is recorded in Germany since the 13th century. Today, the name is most common in Germany, particularly in regions of eastern Germany, and is also concentrated in other German-speaking areas like Austria, Switzerland, and Luxembourg. In the United States, the name is less common but it is still present in many states. For example, Klinkhardt is the 176th most-common surname in Minnesota, the 313th most-common surname in South Dakota, and the 339th most-common surname in Iowa. In other countries, the name is less common but still appears in some countries such as in Canada, the Netherlands, and Norway. The name has undergone some spelling variations, such as Klinkhard, Klinkhart, and Klinkhardt. It is likely related to the German word ‘kling’, which means ‘ring’ or ‘bell’, and may have denoted people who lived or worked near a bell or bell tower. The Klinkhardt family heraldry includes a black ring tied with a gold cord on a black and silver background.
Variations of the surname Klinkhardt
Klinkhardt is an uncommon German surname of a hedgehog-like appearance. It can be spelled and pronounced in various ways depending on the geographical region.
In Northern Germany, the name is often spelled Klinkhart and pronounced "Klinkhårt". In Southern Germany, it is typically spelled Klinkhard and pronounced "Klinkhård".
Similar surnames of the same origin include Klinkharde, Klinkert, Klinkhört, Klinkhorst, Klinkenhard, Klinkerth, Klinkhärt, Klinkén, Klinkhardt-Eiben, Klinkhärd, Klinkharder and Klinkhardtly.
Some of these variants are more common than others, such as Klinkhardt-Eiben, which is most frequently found in East and West Prussia. Klinkhärt and Klinkharder are also popular in Germany.
Klinkhardt is also commonly found as a given name in Spain and Germany. In Spain, it is often spelled Clinkhardt.
The Klinkhardt name can be traced back to the medieval German town of Klinkhard, which is now known as Kleindöln. Kleindöln was earlier called Kleinken, which is derived from the Old German term klein, meaning 'small'.
Klinkhardt is related to its Dutch counterpart Klinkert, and both surnames could have emerged from a common ancestor. Other surnames sharing the same origin include Klinkhört, Klinkhorst, Klinkenhard, Klinkerth and Klinkhardtly.
Famous people with the name Klinkhardt
- Sophia Klinkhardt: German art historian, renowned professor at the University of Munich
- Klaus Klinkhardt: American composer, best known for writing musicals
- Peter Klinkhardt: American physicist, particularly renowned for his work in theoretical physics
- Ludwig Klinkhardt: German zoologist, pioneer in comparative anatomy
- Erwin Klinkhardt: Austrian-born entrepreneur, founder of several successful businesses
- Carl Klinkhardt: German mathematician and astronomer
- Saskia Klinkhardt: German linguist and philosopher
- Willem Klinkhardt: Dutch painter and sculptor
- Thomas Klinkhardt: American film director and producer
- Franziska Klinkhardt: German author, particularly celebrated for her children’s literature