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Last Name Kelemen

What is the origin of the last name Kelemen?

The last name Kelemen is of Hungarian origin, derived from the personal name "Kelemen," which is a form of the Latin name "Clement" meaning "merciful" or "gentle." It is a common surname in Hungary and is also found in other countries in Central and Eastern Europe.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Kelemen

The surname Kelemen has its origins in Hungary and is derived from the Hungarian word "kelemen," meaning gracious or merciful. As a surname, it is mainly found among Hungarian-speaking populations. The word "kelemen" itself originally comes from the Slavic name "Clement," which means gentle or compassionate. It is believed that the surname originated as a given name during the time when Hungary was under the rule of the Kingdom of Croatia and the Slavic influence was prevalent. Over time, this given name evolved into a surname and was adopted by individuals as a way to identify themselves and their lineage. Individuals with the surname Kelemen may have ancestors who were known for their kind and merciful nature, or perhaps they were descendants of individuals who held the given name Clement. Today, the name Kelemen can be found in various countries, particularly in Hungary and within Hungarian-speaking communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kelemen

The surname Kelemen is of Hungarian origin and has a relatively narrow geographical distribution, as it is primarily found in Hungary and its neighboring countries. In Hungary itself, the name is fairly common and can be found across the country, with concentrations in regions like Pest, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, and Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg. It is also prevalent in other countries with historic connections to Hungary, such as Romania, Slovakia, and Serbia. In Romania, for example, the name is prevalent in areas with Hungarian minority populations, like Transylvania and Crișana. In Slovakia, it is predominantly found in regions near the Hungarian border, such as Košice and Banská Bystrica. Overall, the geographical distribution of the surname Kelemen reflects its historical and cultural connections to Hungary and its surrounding regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kelemen

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Famous people with the last name Kelemen

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Genealogical research on the last name Kelemen

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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