Surname Kloeckner - Meaning and Origin
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Kloeckner: What does the surname Kloeckner mean?
The last name Kloeckner is a German surname. It derives from the German word “Klocker” which means locksmith or smithy. In former times, metalworking and lock-building were very important occupations in Germany, and as a result, many of the surnames originating from this occupation are very common in Germany and other German-speaking countries.
The surname has very ancient roots; the earliest known records of the name date back to the Middle Ages. Kloeckner is a very widespread name since the 1400s, and variations of it continue to be very common throughout Germany today.
The surname is derived from the German root word “Kleck,” which means to hammer. This would have indicated that the first bearers of the name were very likely associated with any kind of metalworking or locksmithing.
The modern meaning of "Kloeckner" denotes a craftsman, someone who is skilled in their work and takes pride in doing it. The name is a testament to those of a hard-working nature. It is a name that is still relevant today and stands as a symbol of dedication and craftsmanship.
Order DNA origin analysisKloeckner: Where does the name Kloeckner come from?
Kloeckner is a German surname, with a prevalence in Germany and other Eastern European countries such as Latvia, Estonia, Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Within Germany, the name is particularly prevalent in the regions of North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony. Outside of Germany, the last name appears throughout the United States, particularly in heavily-populated German American states such as Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, and California. It is also noteworthy in Canada and Australia.
In the US, the number of individuals bearing the Kloeckner surname is generally low, with 1,400 persons reported in the 1990 US Census. Today, the surname is seen primarily in the Southwest, with states Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada measuring in the top five for most Kloeckner-affiliated cities. The most promising locations for Kloeckners in the US are Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
In Germany, the last name was likely derived from the German words “klock” and “ner”, which refer to bell-makers. It is suggested that the surname is a reference to a person who made church bells or other church items. The various spelling variations of Kloeckner (i.e. Klinger, Kloecker, Klockner) reflect varying dialects throughout Germany.
Though the surname is not particularly widespread, there’s no denying the strong presence of Kloeckner roots in Germany and its prominent expatriation history in the US. As Kloeckner’s continue to grow and prosper in both countries, the last name will undoubtedly remain a representation of German heritage and culture in years to come.
Variations of the surname Kloeckner
Kloeckner is a German surname that has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common variant is "Kloeckner," which can also be spelled "Klockner," "Klockenauer," and "Klockner." The surnames Kloeker, Kloekinger, Kleckner, Klockener, and Klockenerr are all variants of the same origin as well.
Variants of the surname Kloeckner include Kleeckner, Kleekner, Kloeckener, Kloecknerr, Kloeckenauer, and Kloeker. Spellings of the name such as Klockner, Klockenauer, and Klockener are also possible, as is the shortened form of the name, Kloek.
There are a few surnames of the same origin that have various spellings and are related to Kloeckner. The ones listed above include Cleckner, Klicner, Klukner, Klykner, Klynnner, and Kluknerr. Other related surnames are Klockhuber, Kleiner, and Kleckner.
All of these different variants and spellings of the Kloeckner surname can be found throughout German-speaking countries and their regions between the 16th and 19th centuries, when surnames began to be adopted in many areas of Europe. The tradition of adopting new surnames has also been passed down to the present day, and many descendants of those who adopted the Kloeckner surname still carry this name.
Famous people with the name Kloeckner
- Anja Klöckner: German politician, member of the Bundestag
- Milena Klöckner: German downhill ski racer
- Christian Klöckner: Swiss hockey defender
- Fabian Klöckner: German basketball player
- Austin Kloeckner: American writer and director
- Kevin Klöckner: German football goalkeeper
- Stephanie Klöckner: German field hockey player
- Wolfgang Klöckner: German former cyclist
- Christina Klöckner: German politician, member of the Sächsische Landtag
- Leonhard Klöckner: German weightlifting champion
- Lilly Klöckner: German footballer
- Matthias Klöckner: German footballer
- Nicolai Klöckner: German Royal Navy officer
- Olaf Klöckner: German alpine ski racer
- Tobias Klöckner: German footballer