Surname Clossen - Meaning and Origin

Clossen: What does the surname Clossen mean?

The last name Clossen is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "clossen," which means “to close.” Historically, it is believed the first bearer of the name would have been a locksmith or doorkeeper, who was responsible for closing off access to certain areas.

The most popular and common variant of the surname Clossen is the longer form Klossen. As with many German family names, different spelling variations can be found throughout the old world records, with some of these variants being Kloss, Klosser, Klos, Klose and Closs.

Many records indicate that the Clossen name originated in the area of Schleswig-Holstein, a former state granted to Denmark in 1667 and then to Prussia in 1867. Its use in Germany dates back to medieval times and became increasingly popular in the early 1500's, likely due to increased mobility across the country.

The Clossen family name is found predominantly in Europe, particularly in Germany and Switzerland. It is also found in North America, where many bearers of the name migrated to between the 17th and 19th centuries.

Today, the popular Clossen surname is still associated with the original locksmith and doorkeeper job of the name's first bearer. It is a beloved and respected family name for many and is often remembered by its bearers for its proud, strong, and noble roots.

Clossen: Where does the name Clossen come from?

The surname Clossen is of German origin and is found predominantly across Europe today. It is recorded in various forms including Claußen, Klossen, Clausen or Glausen.

In Germany, the Clossen surname is most prevalent in the states of Hesse, Lower Saxony, Bavaria and Rhineland-Palatinate. It can also be found in Russian-speaking countries like Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, and in Scandinavia, particularly in Finland and Norway.

In the United States, Clossen first appeared in Pennsylvania, but has since spread to other states. Clossens have a long history of settling in the Midwest, particularly states like Indiana, Ohio and Michigan.

The Clossen name in Canada can be found in the provinces of Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario—where it's become somewhat of a widely spread surname in Toronto.

No matter where the Clossen surname is found today, it's a reminder that even the most common surnames are rooted in far-reaching Germanic ancestry.

Variations of the surname Clossen

Clossen is the Anglicized spelling of the German surname Klossen, which is a patronymic name meaning "son of Kloss," a shortened form of the given name Nikolaus. It is sometimes spelled as Clausen.

Variants of Clossen include Klossen, Clausen, Clossens, Klossens, Claussen, Klassen, and Clessen. These variations are sometimes derived from dialectical differences and spelling variations used in the German language.

Variants of Clossen in other languages may also arise from transcription errors when the surname was adopted into a different language. For example, Clossen may be spelled “Klesen” or “Kleson” in Russia, or in Poland and Lithuania, it may be written as “Klos” or “Klesne”.

Alternatively, it may be derived from Splossen, which is an occupational name from the German Middle High German splos or sploss, which means “thrashing,” making this a possible derivative of the name Klossen. This would suggest that the Clossen surname originated for an ancestor that was involved in threshing and harvesting grain.

It is also possible that the Clossen surname is a variant of the Dutch and German surname Klus or Klusen, which is derived from the German word kluse, meaning “lock” or “bridge”, making this a possible name for someone who lived near a lock or bridge.

The surname Clossen or its variants may have other associated surname origins depending on geographic location. In some cases, it may be derived from a place name, or from a nickname, given name, or profession.

Famous people with the name Clossen

• Terry Clossen: American musician, record producer, composer, arranger, and conductor. His career has spanned over three decades and he has produced over two hundred works for both large and small ensembles.
• Robert Clossen: American professional golfer who won the 1933 PGA Championship and had 27 career PGA Tour victories.
• Martin Clossen: American voice-over artist and actor, best known for his roles as the voice of Dad in the animated Cartoon Network series Regular Show and the voice of Sal in the Disney Channel series The 7D.
• Jules Clossen: American actress, best known for her roles in the films Underworld and guessing with her blossoms.
• Roger Clossen: American Evangelist, author,and preacher. He founded the Pentecostal organization known as the United Pentecostal Church International. He expounded upon the teachings of the Oneness Apostolic movement and faith healing.
• Ellen Clossen: American country singer and songwriter, best known for her chart-topping single "For A Little While".
• Dave Clossen: American former Major League Baseball relief pitcher who played from 1974 to 1982 for the Montreal Expos, Philadelphia Phillies, and Chicago White Sox.
• Warren Clossen: American actor, director, and producer, best known for his roles in the films "The Wrong Guys" and "The Undertakers".
• Kevin Clossen: Canadian actor, best known for his roles in television series like Being Human, Lost Girl, and X Company.
• John Clossen: Australian politician, Member of the Australian House of Representatives from 2007 to 2010.

Other surnames

ClossClössClosseClosserClossmannClössner