Surname von Kleinsorgen - Meaning and Origin
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von Kleinsorgen: What does the surname von Kleinsorgen mean?
The last name von Kleinsorgen is a German surname of nobility. It originated as an hereditary name, likely used by a family of the privileged social class in Germany. The prefix “von” indicates that the family had a noble title—whether baron, knight, or baroness.
The literal translation of the surname “von Kleinsorgen” is “of small duty.” This may refer to the perception of the family in the eyes of their peers; those who bore the name were presumably thought to not have to do too much to maintain their social standing. It could also simply be an attempt to describe the family's humble nature in comparison to those with greater wealth and power.
The origin of the surname, like many others of German descent, is unclear. Various theories suggest the name could have derived from a place-name, or from an occupation such as an official of some kind.
The “von Kleinsorgen” surname has been analyzed to be related to the Proto-Germanic compound name “Karol Klein-sorgen” which is composed of the components “Karol,” meaning free man; “Klein,” meaning small or little; and “Sorger,” meaning duty. This suggests that the meaning of the surname was that of a free man who had little responsibility.
While the “von Kleinsorgen” family may have been of noble origins, the meaning of the surname is entirely up to interpretation. Whatever connection the name may have had to the family's past, one thing is for certain, those who bear the name of “von Kleinsorgen” are unique and carry a fascinating history of nobility and prestige.
Order DNA origin analysisvon Kleinsorgen: Where does the name von Kleinsorgen come from?
The last name von Kleinsorgen is a relatively rare German surname, and is not very common today. It derived from a noble family in the Middle Ages, who resided in Northern Germany. Over time, the family settled in areas all over the country, including Prussia, East Frisia, and Brandenburg.
By the beginning of the 20th century, the name had spread to other parts of Europe, mainly by emigration. In particular, members of the family were found in parts of Scandinavia, Belgium, and Holland.
Today, the von Kleinsorgen surname is most commonly found in Germany, particularly in the north and east. It is not particularly common elsewhere in the world, although some people with the surname have immigrated to other countries, notably in North America, South America, and the United Kingdom.
Germany continues to be the main area where the von Kleinsorgen family name is found today. With its long history in the country, it is likely to remain so.
Variations of the surname von Kleinsorgen
The von Kleinsorgen surname has a variety of variants, spellings, and surnames that share the same origin. It is perhaps most commonly spelled Klein- or Klien-sorgen, with or without the hyphen. The prefix "von" is often included in this spelling but can sometimes be left out in modern contexts. The alternate spellings Kleinsorg, Kleinsorge, Klainzorgen, Kleinesorgen, Klaenzergen, Kleinzergen, Kleinesorg and Kleinsaurg can also be included in this family of surnames.
The surnames are also found in a variety of regional variations. These include Kleinsorgen-Sauer, Klinsorgen, Kleinsorgen-Förster, Klein-Zergen, Klönsorgen, Kleinsaugen, Kletzsorgen, Kleinseugen and Klensorgen.
Beyond the variations in spelling, several surnames of a similar origin have also emerged, such as Kleinsönder, Kleinsorgen-Baur, Kleinsorgen-Bühl, Kleinsorgen-Krohn, Klein-siegel, Klein-Sieg, Klein-Stoltz, Klein-Stoll, Kleinstül, Klönsorgor etc. All these surnames are derivatives of the same original name.
The origin of von Kleinsorgen is a German one and refers to a type of terrain, where the prefix von comes from. It is thought to derive from the Latin word clivus, meaning a "hill" or "slope." This is evidenced by the suffix sorgen, which indicates a "sheltered place" (derived from the Old High German word sorgan). Put together, the origin of the surname von Kleinsorgen has thus been interpreted to mean "hill- or slope-sheltered place."
Famous people with the name von Kleinsorgen
- Johann Caspar von Kleinsorgen (1620–1683): German theologian, philosopher and exegete.
- Maximilian Nicholaus von Kleinsorgen (1745−1801): German painter and draughtsman best known for his views of the Rhineland.
- Franz Heinrich von Kleinsorgen (1795–1864): Landowner, politician and master builder of Lebell Castle in the Ahrweiler district of Germany.
- Georg Wilhelm Ernst von Kleinsorgen (1812–1880): German lawyer and civil servant who served as head of the Prussian National Bank of Berlin.
- Friedrich Alfred von Kleinsorgen (1819–1885): German lawyer and politician who served as the State Secretary of Prussia.
- Max von Kleinsorgen (1866–1926): German botanist and entomologist.
- Wilhelm (Willy) von Kleinsorgen (1911–1977): German barrister and former president of the German Air Force Association.
- Martin von Kleinsorgen (1949–2010): German chemist and civil servant who served as the director of the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Mainz.