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Last Name Klose

What is the origin of the last name Klose?

The surname Klose is of German origin. It is derived from a number of possible sources. One possibility is that it originated as a nickname for someone who was close or clumsy, from Middle High German klos, meaning "close" or "clumsy". Another possibility is that it is an occupational name for a maker or seller of clothing, from Middle Low German kloose, meaning "shirt" or "smock". It may also have originated as a habitational name for someone from various places named Klos in Germany.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Klose

The meaning and origin of the last name Klose

The surname Klose is of German origin, deriving from the Middle High German word "klos" or "kloz," which means "enclosure" or "small piece of land." It was originally an occupational name for someone who worked in an enclosed area, such as a farm or vineyard. Over time, the spelling has evolved to its current form, Klose. The name is most common in German-speaking regions and among people of German descent. Famous individuals with the surname Klose include Lukas Klostermann, a professional footballer, and Miroslav Klose, a former German national football team striker who holds the record for most World Cup goals scored.

Geographical distribution of the last name Klose

The surname Klose is predominantly found in Germany, with significant concentrations in its northern states such as Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. It originates from the Old Norse word "Klaus," which means clerk or scribe, and was brought to these regions by Viking settlers. The name also has a presence in Denmark, Norway, and other Scandinavian countries due to historical migration patterns. In recent times, people with the surname Klose have emigrated from Germany, contributing to its dispersal across various parts of the world, particularly North America, Australia, and South Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Klose

The surname Klose has various spelling and pronunciation variations due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and individual preferences. Some common versions include Klose, Closse, Kloese, Clöse, and Kloß. These variations may be found throughout German-speaking countries, as well as in regions with a significant German diaspora. Additionally, hyphenated forms such as von Klose or Klose-Schmidt may exist for individuals who have combined their surnames through marriage. It is essential to understand that these differences do not imply distinct family lines but rather variations in the way names are written and pronounced over time and across different cultures.

Famous people with the last name Klose

Miroslav Klose is arguably the most notable individual with the surname Klose. A retired German footballer, he holds the records for the highest number of World Cup goals and the most appearances in the tournament for Germany. He began his professional career at Kaiserslautern, where he won the Bundesliga in 1998, and later played for Bayern Munich, Lazio, Leverkusen, and Dortmund. Klose spent much of his club career with Lokomotiv Moscow, where he achieved multiple Russian Premier League titles. He also participated in three UEFA Champions League finals during his career. Another famous Klose is Thomas Klose, a German-Danish professional ice hockey player who currently plays for the Nürnberg Ice Tigers in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL).

Genealogical research on the last name Klose

The surname Klose is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "klos," meaning a plot of enclosed land or a yard. The name was originally an occupational surname for a farmer or a tenant who had a small holding, particularly in North Germany. The first recorded usage of the name dates back to the 13th century, with Johannes Klesse mentioned in a document from 1259 in Lower Saxony, Germany. The Klose family tree includes notable figures such as Hermann Klose (1849-1927), a renowned German physician and scientist, and Kurt Klose (1903-1967), a World War II flying ace credited with 93 aerial victories. The Klose name has also been found among the earliest settlers in America, with a Johann Klose arriving in Pennsylvania in 1752. Today, the Klose surname is most common in Germany and other German-speaking regions, as well as in the United States.

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 : 27 July 2025

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