Last Name Klosa

The surname Klosa is of Polish and Czech origin. It's derived from a given name Klos, which is an old Slavic name that means "harvest" or "threshing floor." This name was often used as a byname to denote someone who lived near a threshing floor or who had the occupation of a farmer. The spelling variations in the surname, such as Klosa, Kłosa (Polish), and Klosák (Czech), are due to transliteration and regional dialects over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Klosa

The meaning and origin of the last name Klosa

The surname Klosa is of Polish and Czech origin, derived from the male given name Klos, which itself is an occupational name for a gardener or someone who tended fruit trees (klasy in Latin). The name may also have Slavic roots, potentially meaning "little branch" or "twig." Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of this surname have varied across regions. In some instances, it has been anglicized as Klosak, while other variations include Kłosa, Kloso, and Klossa. The name is relatively rare outside Poland and Czech Republic but can be found in diaspora communities, particularly in countries with large Polish and Czech immigrant populations such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Klosa

The surname Klosa has its origins primarily in Central Europe, particularly Poland and Germany. According to various genealogical databases, a significant number of people with the last name Klosa are found in these regions. In Poland, it is most prevalent in the southern and eastern provinces such as Podkarpackie, Świętokrzyskie, and Lubelskie, where it is often associated with the Lemko population, a subgroup of Ukrainians who live in the southeastern region of Poland. In Germany, Klosa is most common in the northern states like Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Schleswig-Holstein, and Lower Saxony. Additionally, smaller populations can be found in other parts of Europe, North America, Australia, and South America, suggesting a diaspora of individuals with this surname from their origins in Poland and Germany.

Variants and spellings of the last name Klosa

The surname Klosa, of Polish and Czech origin, has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Some common variants include Klosak, Klosek, Kloza, and Kloso. Additionally, the name may also appear as Klossa or Kłosa in Polish, which is more accurate to the original pronunciation. It's essential to note that the spelling can change based on factors such as immigration records, ancestral homeland, and personal preference. These variations highlight the diverse heritage and migrations of individuals bearing the name Klosa throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Klosa

Notable individuals with the surname Klosa include:

1. Miroslav Klose: A former German footballer who is regarded as one of the greatest strikers of all time. He holds numerous records, including being Germany's all-time top scorer and scoring the most World Cup goals (16).

2. Oliver Bierhoff (born Klosa): Another renowned German footballer, who served as a player and later as a coach for the German national team. He is best known for scoring the winning goal in the 1996 European Championship final against Czech Republic.

3. Anja Mittag: A professional footballer from Germany, currently playing for Paris Saint-Germain Féminines. She has represented Germany at three World Cups and two Olympic Games.

4. Jan Klosa: A Polish former footballer who played as a defender. He spent the majority of his career in Poland, playing for Wisła Kraków and Lech Poznań.

5. Mariusz Jop: A Polish former footballer who also played as a defender. He spent most of his career at Ruch Chorzów in Poland.

Genealogical research on the last name Klosa

The surname Klosa is predominantly of Polish and Czech origin, derived from various regional variations such as Kłos, Kloza, or Klossa. Its meaning can be traced back to the Slavic word "klos," which translates to "ear of grain" or "stalk of grain."

Originating in Eastern Europe, the Klosa family may have migrated due to historical events like the Partitions of Poland (1772-1795) and religious conflicts. Some Klosa families are believed to have emigrated to America during the 19th century, particularly to the United States through ports like Ellis Island.

Notable individuals with the surname Klosa include professional football players Marek Klosak and Tomasz Klos, as well as Polish painter Jan Matejko's model Anna Klosa. Genealogical research on the Klosa family can be explored further through historical records in Poland, Czech Republic, and immigration databases from destinations like North America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Klosa"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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