Last Name Kleban

The surname Kleban has roots that can be traced back to Eastern Europe, specifically Ukraine and Belarus. It is derived from the Old Slavic word "kley" which means clay. This surname was often given to people who lived near a clay pit or worked with clay as their profession. Over time, variations of the name such as Klebanov, Klebanoff, Kliban, and Klibansky emerged due to differences in spelling, transliteration, and migration patterns.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kleban

The meaning and origin of the last name Kleban

The surname Kleban is of Slavic origin, specifically from Eastern Europe, particularly Ukraine and Russia. It derives from the Old East Slavic word "клебан" (kleban), meaning "baker." This surname was often given to individuals who were bakers by profession or to those who lived near a bakery. Over time, variations of the name have arisen due to differences in spelling and pronunciation in different regions. Some common variations include Kleben, Kljaban, and Kloban. It is also important to note that surnames were not always hereditary in Eastern Europe, but rather they were often occupational or geographical indicators. The surname Kleban can be found among various Eastern European ethnic groups today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kleban

The surname Kleban is predominantly found in Eastern European countries, particularly Ukraine and Belarus. It originates from the Jewish population in these regions, as it is a patronymic derived from the given name Kliment or Klim, which means "mild" or "gentle" in Slavic languages. Smaller populations of Klebans can also be found in Israel and Russia, due to migrations during the 20th century. In North America, the name is most prevalent among Jewish communities in the United States and Canada, especially in urban centers with a significant Eastern European diaspora. While rare elsewhere, it has been recorded in countries such as Australia, England, and Israel due to immigration and assimilation over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kleban

The surname Kleban has several variants and spellings due to differences in translation, transcription, and regional dialects over time. Some variations include Klaban, Klabanski, Klibanov, and Klibensky, which are found primarily among individuals of Eastern European descent, particularly those from Russia or Ukraine. In some cases, the name may also be spelled as Clebanoff, Klebanoff, or Clibborn, reflecting changes in pronunciation and assimilation into different cultures. Other less common variations might include Klebanski, Klibensky-Rosen, and Klibanovsky, demonstrating the versatility of this surname in various regions and historical contexts.

Famous people with the last name Kleban

Notable individuals with the surname Kleban include:

1. Sheldon Allan Kleban (1930-2004), an American composer and lyricist, best known for winning the Tony Award for Best Original Score in 1968 for "Cabaret." He also established The Richard Rodgers Awards for Theatrical Writing.

2. Paul Kleban (born 1952), an American politician who served as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives from 1997 to 2004, representing the 9th District.

3. Michael Kleban (1936-1987), a British television scriptwriter, known for his work on shows such as "The Avengers," "UFO," and "Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons."

4. Igor Klebanov (born 1952), a Russian mathematician specializing in differential geometry and geometric analysis, known for the Klebanoff invariant and the Calabi-Klebanov metric.

5. Eugene M. Kleban (1867-1934), an American lawyer and politician who served as the Attorney General of New York from 1909 to 1912.

Genealogical research on the last name Kleban

The Kleban surname is of Jewish origin, predominantly found among Eastern European Jews, particularly those from Poland and Russia. The name is believed to have derived from the Yiddish word "kleb," meaning glue or adhesive, suggesting a possible occupation in the past.

Historically, many Kleban families emigrated from Eastern Europe to various parts of the world due to religious persecution and economic hardships. In the United States, the name is most commonly found in New York and Pennsylvania, with the earliest recorded immigration being Jacob Kleban who arrived in Philadelphia in 1856.

In Israel, the surname Kleban is also prevalent, particularly among immigrants from the former Soviet Union. Notable individuals with the last name Kleban include composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz and mathematician Grigory Perelman, both of whom were born to families with the Kleban surname.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kleban"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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