Last Name Kliemann

The surname Kliemann is of German origin. It is derived from various places named Kleiman, Kleimann, or Klemm in Germany. The name is a topographical name meaning "the man who lived by the clay bank" or "the man who lived near a cleft." This name was brought to North America by German settlers.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kliemann

The meaning and origin of the last name Kliemann

The surname Kliemann is of German origin, derived from various regional place names that bear the same name, primarily found in northern Germany. The name is thought to be composed of two elements: "Klie" or "Klei," meaning clay or mud, and "mann," meaning man or warrior. This suggests a potential association with a location where there was abundant clay, perhaps a place where pottery was made or a settlement situated near a riverbank. The name may have been originally occupational or geographical in origin, but over time it evolved into a hereditary surname as family lines developed and grew. The name Kliemann is now found across the globe due to historical migration patterns, particularly during periods of European colonization and industrial expansion.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kliemann

The surname Kliemann has a predominant presence in Germany, reflecting its Germanic origin. According to statistics from FamilyEducation, it is most common in the state of Baden-Württemberg, followed by North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria. Migrations have also dispersed the name to other parts of Europe, particularly Switzerland, Austria, and Scandinavia. In the United States, the highest concentrations of individuals bearing the surname Kliemann are found in Wisconsin and Minnesota, states with significant German-American populations. The name has also been recorded in Australia, South Africa, and Canada due to German immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kliemann

The surname Kliemann has various spelling and pronunciation variations due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Some common variations include Klemann, Kleiman, Kleeman, Klieben, Kleimann-Voss, Claeman, and Kliman, among others. These variations can be found across different countries, particularly in German-speaking regions, where the name originates. The name is derived from the occupational name for a "clerk" or "scribe," and is composed of two elements: "Klies," meaning "scribes," and "-mann," indicating "man." Despite these variations, all forms share a common ancestry and have similar meanings.

Famous people with the last name Kliemann

Notable individuals with the surname Kliemann include:

1. Ernst Kliemann (1873-1964), a German general during World War I and World War II who was later tried and convicted for war crimes at the Nuremberg Trials.

2. Dieter Kliemann (born 1950), a former East German weightlifter who won three Olympic medals, two gold and one silver, between 1972 and 1980.

3. Till Kliemann (born 1966), a German journalist and author known for his investigative journalism, particularly on corruption issues. He has won several prestigious awards in Germany for his work.

4. Michael Kliemann (born 1970), a German composer, pianist, and conductor who specializes in contemporary music and has collaborated with various artists and ensembles.

5. Jochen Kliemann (born 1986), a German footballer who currently plays for SV Rödinghausen in the Regionalliga West. He previously played for clubs such as Borussia Dortmund and FC Augsburg.

Genealogical research on the last name Kliemann

The surname Kliemann originates from Germany and is derived from various regional locales bearing the same name. The town of Kleimann, located in present-day North Rhine-Westphalia, is one of the earliest known origins. The name is believed to have evolved from "klein Mann," meaning "small man" in Middle High German, indicating someone who lived on a small homestead.

The Kliemann family is noted for its spread throughout Germany during the 16th and 17th centuries, with significant populations in regions like Bavaria, Thuringia, and Saxony. Many Kliemanns immigrated to North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, settling primarily in the United States and Canada. Notable individuals with this surname include German poet Friedrich Gottlieb Klöhn (1735-1788), who wrote under the name Johann Kliemann, and Canadian politician Henry Klieman (1914-2010). The Kliemann family tree continues to grow and evolve, with diverse branches around the world today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "kliemann"
• 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 : 31 July 2025

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