Last Name Klare

The surname "Klare" has Germanic origins. It is an occupational name derived from the Middle High German word "klar," meaning clear or bright. Initially, it may have been used to identify a person who worked in a clear or well-lit place, such as a lighthouse, a marketplace, or a public square. Over time, the name came to be more generally associated with individuals who were considered clear-minded or intelligent. Variations of this surname include Klar, Klaere, and Kleare.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Klare

The meaning and origin of the last name Klare

The surname Klare is of Germanic origin, deriving from the Old High German word "klar," which means clear or bright. Originally, it was likely a nickname for someone with clear complexion, bright eyes, or living in a well-lit area. Over time, as family lines developed and populations migrated, the name became more widespread among German-speaking communities. The spelling variations of Klare, such as Klar, Klaire, and Clare, are due to changes in transcription and pronunciation over centuries. The name remains common in Germany, Austria, and other regions with significant German-speaking populations, although it is also found among the diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Klare

The last name Klare is primarily distributed across various regions within Central and Eastern Europe, with significant concentrations in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, and Czech Republic. It is also found in smaller numbers in neighboring countries such as Slovakia, Hungary, and the former Yugoslavia states. Additionally, a noticeable diaspora of Klare descendants can be traced back to the United States, Canada, Australia, and other English-speaking countries, predominantly due to emigration waves in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The name Klare is also found, albeit sparsely, in South America and Israel, further attesting to its dispersal through historical migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Klare

The surname Klare possesses several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some common variants include Clare, Claré, Kleer, Klaar, Klahr, and Klier. These variations stem from the original German and Dutch root "Klare," which means "clear" or "bright." Over time and through assimilation, migration, and transcribing errors, slight changes in spelling have occurred, leading to the existence of these different forms. Additionally, regional dialects and language adaptations further contribute to these differences. For example, in Scandinavian countries, Klare might be anglicized as Clar or Clair, while in French-speaking regions, it could become Cléar or Claré.

Famous people with the last name Klare

The Klare surname has produced several notable individuals across various fields. Born in Germany, Klaus Klare is a renowned philosopher who specializes in hermeneutics and philosophical anthropology. In the United States, Dana Klade-Klare is a distinguished professor of political science at Purdue University, known for her work on citizenship, immigration policy, and democratic theory. Meanwhile, Andreas Klarer is an Austrian architect whose designs have won multiple international awards, including the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture - Mies van der Rohe Award. Lastly, in the realm of entertainment, Daniel Klawitter, also known by his stage name Dan Klass, is a Canadian actor who has appeared in numerous television shows and films, such as "Battlestar Galactica" and "Continuum." These individuals demonstrate the diversity and accomplishments associated with the Klare surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Klare

The surname Klare, originating from Germany, has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. It is believed to be an occupational name for a merchant or trader, derived from the Old High German word "clar," meaning clear or bright, possibly indicating a stall in a market that was clearly visible due to its location or merchandise. The family's lineage can be traced back to the Rhineland region, particularly in areas such as Westphalia and Hesse, where many Klare descendants still reside today. Notable individuals with the surname Klare include Rabbi Leo Klare, a prominent 20th-century Jewish scholar, and Johann Klare, a German poet from the 18th century. The Klare family tree has expanded globally due to migration and assimilation, with significant populations in North America, Israel, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Klare"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 June 2025

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