Last Name Klink

The last name "Klink" is of German origin. It is derived from a nickname for someone with a loud voice, as "klingen" means to ring or sound in German. Over time, this nickname may have been passed down through generations, eventually becoming a surname. This pattern of nicknames becoming hereditary surnames was common during the Middle Ages in Europe.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Klink

The meaning and origin of the last name Klink

The surname Klink is of Germanic origin, derived from the Middle High German word "klinc," meaning "bell." It was originally an occupational name for a bell-maker or someone who worked at a church bell. Over time, it may also have been used as a nickname for a person with a loud voice, similar to how one might be called "Loud" in English. The name Klink is most commonly found in the German-speaking regions of Europe and has since spread around the world due to migration and assimilation over centuries. Notable individuals with the surname Klink include Friedrich Wilhelm Klink, a prominent German poet and writer, and Werner Klink, a World War II flying ace.

Geographical distribution of the last name Klink

The surname Klink is predominantly found in German-speaking regions, particularly Germany and Switzerland. It also has a significant presence in neighboring countries such as Austria, Liechtenstein, and France (Alsace region). Migration patterns during the late 19th and early 20th centuries brought many individuals with the surname Klink to North America, primarily to the United States and Canada. In the U.S., the highest concentrations of the Klink family can be found in states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin. In Canada, Ontario and Manitoba have a significant number of families bearing this surname. The distribution of the Klink name in other parts of the world, such as South America or Australia, is relatively sparse, but still exists due to historical migration events.

Variants and spellings of the last name Klink

The surname Klink has several variants and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional pronunciation, and family lineages. Some common spelling variations include Klinken, Klincke, Klincken, Clink, Clynck, Clyneck, Klonk, Klunk, and Kleinklink. These variations can be found across different countries, with the most common being in Germany, where the name originated. Additionally, it is possible to find Klink or its variants in other German-speaking regions such as Austria, Switzerland, and Luxembourg. The name Klink, meaning "bell" or "chime", is a relatively common surname, with its origins traced back to the Middle Ages.

Famous people with the last name Klink

Prominent individuals bearing the surname Klink include:

1. Gerhard Klink (1928-2014), a German lawyer who served as the President of the Federal Constitutional Court from 1987 to 1998. His tenure was marked by his efforts to increase the court's independence and influence in German politics.

2. Jürgen Klink (born 1954), a former East German sprinter who won the gold medal in the men's 400 meters at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. He later became a politician, serving as a member of the Bundestag from 1998 to 2013.

3. Paul Klink (1885-1960), an American inventor who developed the Klink Motor, an automobile engine that ran on coal gas. Although the engine was not commercially successful, it was used in some experimental vehicles in the early 20th century.

4. Paul Klink (1930-2009), a German musicologist who specialized in Baroque music. He served as the director of the Bach Archive in Leipzig from 1967 to 1984 and was a prominent figure in the performance practice movement, advocating for historically informed performances of Baroque music.

5. Karl Klink (1882-1963), a German general during World War II who served as Chief of Staff of Army Group Center from 1940 to 1941. He was later implicated in the conspiracy to assassinate Adolf Hitler and was sentenced to death by the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg in 1946.

Genealogical research on the last name Klink

The surname Klink originates from Germany and is derived from the Old High German word "klinc," meaning "corner" or "angle." Early records show that the name was first recorded in Bavaria, with the earliest known instance being Conradus de Clinch in 1238. Over time, variations of the surname emerged due to spelling discrepancies and regional dialects, such as Klincke, Klank, Klinkenberg, and Klinkmann. The family's proliferation is primarily attributed to the migration patterns of the Reformation Era, particularly the dispersal of German Lutherans into various parts of Europe. Notable bearers of this name include Johann Klink (1890-1956), a prominent German architect who designed several landmarks in Berlin, and Thomas Klink (born 1947), a renowned German musician known for his work with the band Tangerine Dream.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Klink"
• 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 June 2025

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