Last Name Kleinholz

The surname "Kleinholz" is of German origin. It translates to "Small Wood" or "Little Woods" in English. This name was often given to someone who lived near a small wooded area or worked with wood. The prefix "Klein" means small, and "Holz" means wood in German.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kleinholz

The meaning and origin of the last name Kleinholz

The surname Kleinholz is of German origin. It translates to "small wood" in English, derived from two Old High German words: 'Klein' which means small, and 'Holz' meaning wood or forest. This surname was likely given to someone who lived on a small piece of forest land or perhaps owned a small wood-related business, such as a sawmill or cooperage. The use of topographic and occupation-based surnames like Kleinholz was common in medieval Europe, when people were identified by their homesteads and occupations due to the lack of other distinguishing factors for identity. The popularity of the name Kleinholz persists today among Germanic communities, both in Germany and among its diaspora around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kleinholz

The surname Kleinholz has a significant presence primarily in Germany and neighboring European countries, where it is of Germanic origin and means "small hollow". The highest concentrations of the Kleinholz family are found in regions such as Baden-Württemberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Bavaria. However, due to migration patterns, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries, individuals with the surname Kleinholz can now be found in various parts of the world. Sizable populations are located in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and other countries with historical German immigration. The dispersal of the Kleinholz family reflects broader patterns of European settlement and migration over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kleinholz

The surname Kleinholz has several variations and spellings due to regional dialects and transcription errors over time. These include: Kleinholtz, Kleineholz, Kleinholfz, Kleenholtz, Klainholz, and Claingholz. Additionally, there might be minor differences in spelling based on the language or country of origin, such as German (Kleinholz), Dutch (Kleinholtz), Polish (Kleinhohlz), or Jewish (Kleynholtz). It's essential to remember that each variation has its unique history and can reflect different ancestries. For genealogical research purposes, it's crucial to consider all possible spellings when searching for family history records.

Famous people with the last name Kleinholz

The Kleinholz family has produced notable figures across various fields. One of the most prominent members is Maxine (or Max) Kleinholz, an American composer and musician known for her work on various TV shows and films, including "The Simpsons" and "Family Guy." In academia, John J. Kleinholz, a distinguished professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, is renowned for his research in geology and mineralogy. Additionally, there's Mark Kleinholz, a British journalist and broadcaster who has worked for the BBC for over 30 years, covering global events such as the Gulf War and the fall of the Berlin Wall. Lastly, Heather Kleinholz, an American actress, is best known for her roles in soap operas like "As the World Turns" and "One Life to Live." These individuals exemplify the diverse accomplishments and talents within the Kleinholz family.

Genealogical research on the last name Kleinholz

The surname Kleinholz, of German origin, is thought to have evolved from "Kleinholzhäuser," meaning small wooden houses or cabins, suggesting an early occupation related to woodworking or forestry. One of the earliest known bearers of this name was Hans Kleinholz, who lived in the region of Westphalia, Germany, during the late Middle Ages. The family then migrated to various parts of Europe, particularly Poland and Russia, due to religious and economic reasons. In the 19th century, many Kleinholz descendants immigrated to the United States, primarily to Pennsylvania and Ohio, where they established thriving communities. Notable individuals with this surname include Albert Kleinholz, a composer and conductor, and Dr. Richard Kleinholz, a renowned physicist who contributed significantly to the field of nuclear physics. Genealogical research continues to uncover more about the history and lineage of the Kleinholz family across the globe.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kleinholz"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

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