Surname Kleese - Meaning and Origin
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Kleese: What does the surname Kleese mean?
The surname Kleese is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle Low German word "klauwe," meaning claw. This most likely originated as an occupational name or a nickname for one who was a blacksmith or even a bird catcher or trapper. It could also have referred to someone with large or strong hands. The earliest record of the surname is written in the city of Tostedt in 1259.
Kleese has long been an uncommon but longstanding surname in Germany, known since the 13th century where it was used for families based in the district of Rotenburg and Verden. Today, it is most common in the states of Lower Saxony, Schleswig Holstein, and Hamburg. The name also spread to other countries, especially to the United States in the 19th century with German immigrants.
The phonetic variation of Kleese varies, with some pronouncing it "Klee-se" and others pronouncing it "Klee-zuh." Regardless of the pronunciation, the surname has been a part of multiple generations of families for centuries and it holds its own unique history of culture, identity, and tradition.
Order DNA origin analysisKleese: Where does the name Kleese come from?
The last name Kleese is most commonly found in the United States today, particularly in the Central and Midwestern states. It has German origins with the earliest records of the name coming from the 16th century in Bavaria.
A majority of American Kleeses can be found in states such as Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, and Missouri. Ohio with a population of over 114,000 Kleeses has the second highest concentration of the last name next to Illinois which has the most with a population of over 201,000.
The name is also found in various parts of Europe such as Austria, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Hungary among other countries. Canada also has a growing population of the last name.
Kleese is a relatively uncommon last name. That, combined with the various cultural influences of the immigrants who brought the name to the United States, has contributed to the diversified spelling and pronunciation of the name.
Variations of the surname Kleese
The surname Kleese has various spelling and variants, and can be spelled as Clise, Clyce, Klise, Klyce, and Kleese. These spellings can appear with any number of suffixes, including -man, -son, and -er. Some other surnames of similar origin are Kyles, Klyce, Kleese, and Kleis.
The origin of the surname Kleese is believed to be Germanic in origin, and in its most ancient form, would have been found as 'Clitz.' The name was likely indicative of a person who lived near a cliff or rock, or one who was brave or hardy. Variations of the surname are found in various Germanic languages of the Middle Ages, such as Dutch, where it is found as 'Klijse' or 'Klesse.' As it spread across Europe, many different forms of the name became more varied, as native languages would have emphasized different aspects and Least common forms of the name.
Today, the surname Kleese is predominantly found in the United States, although its variants and other surnames of similar origin are scattered throughout Europe and the British Isles. As a result, the various spellings and surnames of this origin all derive from the same common ancestor and can be traced back to a single source.
Famous people with the name Kleese
- Ryan Kleese: Ryan Kleese is an American actor, writer, and director known for his roles in films such as Conception, Black, and Offside.
- William C. Kleese: William C. Kleese is an American mechanical engineer who has authored numerous books and journal articles in the field.
- William Kleece: William Kleece is an American race car driver and entrepreneur. He competed in the NASCAR West Series from the early 2000s through 2012.
- Walter Kleece: Walter Kleece was an American jazz pianist and educator who taught at the New England Conservatory of Music for many years.
- Kelly Kleese: Kelly Kleese is a nationally ranked tennis player who competed in college tournaments in the 1990s.
- Charles Kleese: Charles Kleese was an English artist and illustrator who lived and worked in the 19th century.
- Edward Kleese: Edward Kleese was an American architect from the early 20th century who designed many public buildings throughout the midwest.
- John Kleese: John Kleese was a British historian who wrote extensively about the history of Lincolnshire during the Tudor period.
- Robert Kleese: Robert Kleese was an American biologist and conservationist who co-founded the National Wildlife Federation in 1936.