Last Name Klooss

The surname Kloos is believed to have Dutch and German origins. It comes from the Middle Dutch word "kloes" meaning "claw," which was used as a nickname for someone with a claw-like hand or demeanor. Alternatively, it could originate from the Old High German word "kluoz," which means "clumsy" or "awkward." The surname may have also been a topographic name for someone who lived near a cliff or rocky area, derived from the Middle Dutch "kloes" meaning "cliff" or "rock." Over time, various spellings such as Kloos, Kloss, Claus, and Clause have emerged due to phonetic variations and translation errors.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Klooss

The meaning and origin of the last name Klooss

The surname Kloos (also spelled as Klooss) is of Dutch and German origin. It is derived from various place names in those countries, notably Klaus in Germany and Kleef or Kleve in the Netherlands, both meaning "cliff" in Old High German. These names were often used to designate settlements located on elevated ground or near a prominent rock formation. Over time, these place names evolved into surnames as people migrated and sought to maintain their familial connections. The surname Kloos/Klooss can be found among the Dutch diaspora in various parts of the world, particularly North America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Klooss

The surname Kloos is primarily found in Western and Central Europe, with significant concentrations in Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. In Germany, it originates from the region around Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia, while in the Netherlands, it's most common in the provinces of Groningen, Drenthe, and Friesland. In Belgium, it is particularly prevalent in the Flemish-speaking regions, reflecting its Dutch origins. A smaller number of Kloos families can also be found in North America, largely as a result of European immigration waves during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Klooss

The surname Klooss has several variations and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Here are some common versions:

1. Kloos - A Dutch variation that may have evolved from the original German spelling.
2. Klooz - An alternate spelling sometimes found among Dutch and German families.
3. Closs - An Anglicized version of the name, which emerged when immigrants arrived in English-speaking countries like the United States.
4. Klos, Kloose - Variations that may have developed as a result of phonetic adaptations during immigration or assimilation processes.
5. Clooss, Clossen, Clous, Clouse - Further Anglicized versions of the name that deviate from the original spelling but maintain the same pronunciation and meaning.
6. Klauss, Klaws, Claus, Clawson (less common) - These variations may be derived from a combination of the surname Klooss with other names or have evolved over time due to misinterpretations during transcription.

Famous people with the last name Klooss

Notable individuals with the surname Kloos include:

1. Tina Kloos: A Canadian former synchronized swimmer who won three bronze medals at the 2003 World Aquatics Championships and competed at the 2004 Summer Olympics.

2. Cory Kloos: An American professional ice hockey player who has played for various teams in the National Hockey League (NHL), including the Dallas Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Arizona Coyotes.

3. James R. Kloos: A Canadian historian and Professor of History at the University of Western Ontario, known for his research on Canada's military history.

4. Paul Kloos: A Dutch footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs such as Roda JC Kerkrade, Vitesse Arnhem, and FC Utrecht in the Eredivisie, the top tier of Dutch football.

5. Gina Kloes: An American former soccer player who was a forward for the United States women's national soccer team from 1989 to 1996, participating in the 1991 and 1995 FIFA Women's World Cups.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Klooss

The surname Klooss, of German origin, is derived from the Middle High German word "klos," meaning "cloister" or "enclosure." Early records show that the name was predominantly found in the regions of Thuringia and Saxony. One of the earliest known bearers of this name was Henricus de Closzo, who lived in Thuringia during the 13th century. The Klooss family migrated to North America in the 19th century, with several members settling in the United States. Notable individuals with the last name Klooss include John F. Klooz (1856-1920), a U.S. Congressman from South Dakota, and Hilda Kloos (1895-1952), a Dutch author. Today, the Klooss family can be found in various countries, including the United States, Canada, and Germany.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "klooss"
• 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 : 26 July 2025

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