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Last Name Klode

What is the origin of the last name Klode?

The surname Klode is of German origin. It derives from a topographical name for someone who lived near a clod or a lump of earth, from Middle High German "klode" meaning a clod. Alternatively, it may be an occupational name for a potter, from Middle Low German "klode," which meant a type of clay used in making pottery. As with many surnames, the spelling and pronunciation of Klode have varied over time and across regions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Klode

The meaning and origin of the last name Klode

The surname Klode is of German origin, derived from various place names throughout Germany. Specifically, it's believed to have originated from towns named Kloden or similar variations in different regions such as Thuringia and Schleswig-Holstein. The name is composed of the Old High German elements "kloz" meaning "clod" or "piece of earth," and "-in" or "-ingen" indicating a settlement, resulting in a toponymic surname referring to someone from or associated with a location named Kloden. Over time, the spelling variations of the name have evolved due to factors such as regional dialects, recording errors, and migration. These variations include Clode, Clodt, and others.

Geographical distribution of the last name Klode

The surname Klode has a predominant distribution in Germany, particularly in its northern regions such as Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, and North Rhine-Westphalia. It also has a significant presence in neighboring countries with German-speaking populations, like Austria and Switzerland. Additionally, small clusters of individuals bearing the Klode surname can be found in other European countries due to historical migration patterns, such as the Netherlands, Denmark, and Belgium. Furthermore, the name has been traced to some North American regions, notably in Canada and the United States, especially among communities with German ancestry. The geographical distribution of the Klode surname reflects its roots in Central Europe but also shows signs of global dispersal due to migration and settlement over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Klode

The surname Klode has several variations and spellings, reflecting its origins and potential changes over time. Some common variations include Clode, Close, Kloet, Kloede, Klaudt, Klaut, and Klaudius. These variations may arise due to differences in spelling conventions, phonetic spelling, or migration-related transformations. Additionally, regional dialects or historical periods might have contributed to these variations. The name's root, Klode, is likely derived from the Dutch and German surnames Kloet and Klaudius, meaning "clod" or "mud." However, it's essential to note that family history research can help determine specific variations' origins and ancestry.

Famous people with the last name Klode

Notable individuals bearing the surname Klode include:

1. Thomas Kloudt (born 1982), a professional tennis player from South Africa who reached a career-high singles ranking of World No. 47 in 2006.
2. Kris Klaude (born 1958), an American football coach and former quarterback who played in the National Football League for eight seasons, mainly with the Chicago Bears.
3. Marko Klos (born Marko Klode, 1974), a German professional footballer who played as a defender for clubs such as Borussia Mönchengladbach and Werder Bremen during his career.
4. Ingrid van Engelshoven-Klodt (born 1965), a Dutch politician serving as the Minister of Education, Culture and Science since October 2017, and a member of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD).
5. Lennart Klodt (born 1983), a German professional footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs like Arminia Bielefeld and Fortuna Düsseldorf.

Genealogical research on the last name Klode

The surname Klode is of German origin, derived from various place names throughout Germany. The earliest records of this name can be traced back to the 16th century. One notable early record is Johannes Clodt, who was born around 1547 in Hildesheim, Lower Saxony, Germany. Over the centuries, variations of the surname have emerged due to spelling inconsistencies during translation and documentation, including Klode, Clodt, and Clot. The family name spread throughout Germany, with significant concentrations in regions such as Westphalia, Schleswig-Holstein, and Lower Saxony. Emigration waves in the 19th and early 20th centuries led to a dispersal of the Klode family to other parts of Europe, North America, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 28 July 2025

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