Last Name Kleiner

The surname Kleiner is of German origin. It is an occupational surname derived from the German word "klein," meaning small or little. The surname likely originated as a nickname for a small or diminutive person or possibly referred to someone who was the youngest or smallest member of a family. Over time, the surname Kleiner would have been passed down from generation to generation, becoming a hereditary family name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kleiner

The meaning and origin of the last name Kleiner

Kleiner is a German surname that is derived from the Middle High German word "klein," meaning small or little. The surname was likely initially used to describe a person of small stature or someone who lived in a small or modest dwelling. It may also have been utilized as a nickname to distinguish an individual from others with the same given name. The surname Kleiner is quite common in Germany and can be found across the country. Over time, individuals bearing this surname may have migrated to other countries, leading to its presence in various regions around the world. Today, the surname Kleiner may be found in countries such as the United States, Brazil, and Israel, among others, as descendants of German immigrants who carried on the family name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kleiner

The surname Kleiner has a predominately Germanic origin and is most commonly found in Germany, particularly in the south and southwest regions such as Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. It is also present in other German-speaking countries such as Austria and Switzerland. Additionally, the surname can be found in Jewish communities in Eastern Europe, particularly in countries like Poland, Ukraine, and Russia. In the United States, the surname Kleiner is relatively rare but is most frequently found in areas with significant German immigrant populations, such as Illinois, New York, and California. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Kleiner is reflective of its Germanic roots, with the highest concentration of individuals bearing the surname residing in Germany and other German-speaking countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kleiner

The last name Kleiner can be spelled in various ways, with some common variations including Kleiner, Kleener, Kleinert, Kliener, Kleener and Klyner. Other less common variations may include Kleinher, Klineer, Kleinor, Kleinir, Kleinear and Kleinar. The name Kleiner is of German origin and means "small" or "little." It is a relatively common surname in Germany and has also spread to other countries around the world. Different spellings and variations of the name may have emerged over time as families moved to different regions or as surnames were anglicized. Despite the various spellings and variations, the name Kleiner typically retains its original meaning and heritage.

Famous people with the last name Kleiner

One famous person with the last name Kleiner is John Doerr, a renowned venture capitalist and technology investor. Doerr has been a partner at Kleiner Perkins, one of Silicon Valley's most prestigious venture capital firms, for several decades and has been involved in funding and guiding startups like Google, Amazon, and Uber. Doerr is known for his keen eye for innovative technologies and his ability to spot successful companies early on in their development. Another famous individual with the last name Kleiner is Les Kleiner, a former American football player who played in the NFL for the Chicago Bears and the Washington Redskins. Kleiner was a standout linebacker during his playing days and was known for his hard-hitting style and tenacity on the field.

Genealogical research on the last name Kleiner

The surname Kleiner is of German origin, meaning "small" or "little" in German. It is a descriptive occupational name given to individuals who were of small stature or for those who performed tasks that required fine or precise work. The Kleiner surname can be traced back to the early Middle Ages in Germany, particularly in regions such as Bavaria and Saxony. It is believed that the name may have originated as a nickname before becoming a hereditary surname. Over time, individuals with the Kleiner surname may have migrated to other parts of Europe and eventually to other continents, leading to variations in spelling and pronunciation. Today, the Kleiner surname is still relatively common, with individuals able to trace their ancestry back to their German roots and heritage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kleiner"
• 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 April 2025

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