Last Name Klingemann

Learn more about the origin of the last name Klingemann

The meaning and origin of the last name Klingemann

The surname Klingemann is of German origin, derived from various regional place names in Germany that share a similar etymology. The name can be traced back to locations such as Kleingemmingen and Klingenmünster, both found in the southwestern region of Baden-Württemberg. These names are composed of two elements: "Klinge," which means "small cleft" or "narrow ravine," and "-mühl(e)" for a "mill" or "-mann" to denote "man."

The name Klingemann therefore originally denoted someone who lived near a small mill situated in a narrow valley. This surname was brought to other parts of Europe, particularly the United States, during waves of German immigration from the 17th through 20th centuries. Today, it remains a common family name among descendants of these immigrants.

Geographical distribution of the last name Klingemann

The surname Klingemann is predominantly found in German-speaking countries, particularly Germany and Switzerland, due to its Germanic origins. According to various online databases, it ranks among the top 20,000 most common surnames in Germany, with a significant concentration in North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg, and Bavaria. In Switzerland, it is more prevalent in German-speaking cantons such as Aargau, Zurich, and Basel-Landschaft. Beyond Europe, there are also smaller communities of Klingemanns in countries with large German immigrant populations, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. In these countries, the surname is often found among the German diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Klingemann

The surname Klingemann has several variations and spelling alternatives due to transcription errors over time, migration, and regional differences in pronunciation. Some of these variations include Klingman, Klingmanns, Klingamann, Klingemanns, Klingemans, Klinjeman, and possibly others. These variants may also appear with slightly different diacritical marks or accents in non-English speaking countries where the surname is found. It is important to note that these variations are not necessarily indicative of a separate family line but rather represent slight changes in the way the name has been transcribed or passed down through generations.

Famous people with the last name Klingemann

Notable individuals with the surname Klingemann include:

1. Hermann Klingemann (1928-2016), a German economist and political scientist known for his research on political attitudes, party systems, and democratic transitions. He served as the president of the European Consortium for Political Research.

2. Volker Klingemann (born 1947), a German archaeologist who has made significant contributions to the study of early medieval archaeology, particularly in the field of Late Antiquity and the migration period. He was the director of the archaeological research department at the German Archaeological Institute in Rome from 1992 until his retirement in 2013.

3. Stefan Klingemann (born 1982), a German professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for clubs such as Borussia Dortmund, FC Augsburg, and Fortuna Düsseldorf. He represented the Germany national team at under-21 level.

4. Thomas Klingemann (born 1967), a retired German professional football player who played as a defender for several clubs including SC Freiburg, Bayer Leverkusen, and VfB Stuttgart. He was part of the West Germany squad that won the UEFA European Championship in 1996.

5. Lennart Klingemann (born 1992), a German actor who gained recognition for his role as Martin Rauch in the Netflix series "Dark". He has also appeared in films such as "In the Land of the Headhunters" and "The Silent Revolution".

Genealogical research on the last name Klingemann

The Klingemann surname is of German origin and is believed to have derived from various places in Germany, particularly in the Rhineland region, where it is thought to be associated with the city of Klingenmünster. The name is composed of two elements: "Klinge," meaning "blade" or "sharp edge," and "Münster," meaning "monastery."

The first known record of a Klingemann was in the 13th century, with Johannes de Clingeminestra being mentioned in a document from Cologne. The family migrated to other parts of Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries, including Poland, Denmark, Sweden, and Russia.

In the United States, Klingemanns arrived as early as the 19th century, primarily settling in states like Illinois, Wisconsin, Texas, Missouri, and California. Notable Klingemanns include Karl Friedrich Klingemann, a prominent architect in San Antonio, Texas, and Dietrich Klingemann, a German political scientist.

Researching the genealogy of the Klingemann family can be challenging due to the variations in spelling and the commonality of the name in Germany. However, genealogical resources such as church records, census data, immigration lists, and city directories can provide valuable information for those seeking to trace their Klingemann ancestry.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "klingemann"
• 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 : 25 July 2025