Last Name Kleiman

The surname Kleiman has origins that can be traced back to several Germanic-speaking regions, particularly Germany and Eastern Europe. It is an occupational name derived from the Middle High German word "klein" meaning small or little, and "mann" meaning man or worker. As such, it was likely originally given to a small craftsman or artisan, or someone who worked in a minor capacity within a larger trade or profession. Variations of this surname include Kleimen, Kleimann, and Kliman. The Jewish form of the name, often spelled as Cohen-Kleiman, indicates that it was adopted by a family of Cohens (priests) who were involved in minor crafts or occupations. Over time, the name has been carried to various parts of the world by German and Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kleiman

The meaning and origin of the last name Kleiman

The surname Kleiman is of Ashkenazic Jewish origin, derived from the Yiddish word "kleym-lid," which translates to "key maker" in English. It was initially a professional name given to individuals who were artisans or craftsmen who specialized in making keys. Over time, as the profession became hereditary within families, these surnames were passed down through generations. The Kleiman surname is relatively common among Jewish communities worldwide, particularly in Europe and America. Variations of this name can include Kleiman, Klieman, Kleimann, Kliebman, or other similar spellings due to variations in spelling and transliteration over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kleiman

The surname Kleiman is predominantly found in populations of Jewish ancestry, particularly those from Central and Eastern Europe, including Poland, Russia, Lithuania, and Ukraine. It is also present to some extent among the Ashkenazi Jewish communities in Israel, United States, Canada, and other Western countries due to migration patterns. However, it is important to note that the distribution of a surname does not necessarily indicate genetic relationship, as the use of family names was often adopted for administrative purposes and may have been changed upon relocation or conversion. In addition, variations such as Kleiman-Tikochinsky, Kleimann, Kliman, or Kleim, can be found in other parts of Europe and beyond.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kleiman

The surname Kleiman has several variations and spelling forms, primarily due to differences in transliteration and transcription. Here are some common versions:

1. Kleiman - The most common form, derived from the German or Yiddish surnames that mean "little child-man" or "little man of the meadow."
2. Kleimann - A variation with a double 'm', often found in German-speaking regions. This spelling is phonetically closer to the original German pronunciation.
3. Kleyman - An alternative spelling, common among Jewish families with roots in Eastern Europe, that reflects the Yiddish pronunciation of the name.
4. Klajman - A less common variant that originated from countries such as Romania or Bulgaria and may represent a phonetic adaptation to local languages.
5. Cleiman - Another variation, though less commonly used, which could result from errors in transliteration or assimilation when the family name was passed down through generations.

Famous people with the last name Kleiman

Notable individuals with the surname Kleiman include:

1. Edward S. Kleiman: An American economist and professor who specialized in industrial organization theory, particularly in the areas of regulation, competition policy, and public utilities. He was a professor at Harvard Business School from 1967 to 2005.

2. Paul Kleiman: An American mathematician known for his work on algebraic geometry and mathematical logic. He made significant contributions to the study of commutative algebra and the Minimal Model Program in algebraic geometry.

3. David B. Kleiman: An American screenwriter, producer, and director, best known for collaborating with John Landis on various films including "An American Werewolf in London" and "The Blues Brothers."

4. Dan Kleiman: A British-American actor who has appeared in numerous television shows and films, including "The Office," "NCIS," and "Bones." He is also known for his work as a voice actor, particularly in animated series like "Futurama" and "Family Guy."

5. Luba Kleiman: A Russian-American filmmaker, writer, and producer. She has worked extensively on documentary films, focusing on social and political issues, and has been recognized with numerous awards for her work.

Genealogical research on the last name Kleiman

The Kleiman surname originates from Germany, specifically the Rhineland-Palatinate region, where it is believed to have been first used during the Middle Ages. Variants of this name include Kleimann and Klemann. Early records show that the name was borne by members of a noble family who lived in the town of Mainz during the 13th century. Over time, the Kleiman family expanded across Germany and eventually migrated to other parts of Europe, such as Poland and Russia, due to religious or economic reasons. Notable Kleimans include Max Kleiman, a renowned German philosopher, and Paula Kleiman, an American art historian. The Kleiman name has been widely dispersed, with significant populations found in the United States, Israel, Canada, and other countries with a strong Jewish diaspora.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kleiman"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends