Surname Klefeldt - Meaning and Origin

Klefeldt: What does the surname Klefeldt mean?

The last name Klefeldt is of German origin and is derived from the German word "kleff," which means "cliff" or "crag." The name is typically found in the areas of Germany once known as the Middle Rhine region. Klefeldts can be traced back to the 16th century and were predominantly found in the Rhein-Main-Gau region.

The name Klefeldt comes from the Old German word "Kliffen," which specifically means a "cliff or crag." This geographical explanation of the name points to the notion that the Klefeldt's were originally a family of farmers who lived and worked near these areas of natural rock formation.

The Klefeldt surname was also associated with a heraldic shield. A red field represented a danger to all who were to cross it. This vibrancy of the motif is said to represent the courage of the Klefeldt's in defending their home against all who sought to gain control of the area.

The Klefeldt last name is associated with hardworking roots and Dutch origin. Family members are proud to carry this historic surname, as so few have carried it through the centuries. The family's origin may be a crag or cliff surrounded by plunging valleys and forests, but its legacy is of strength, courage, and fortitude.

Klefeldt: Where does the name Klefeldt come from?

The last name Klefeldt is most commonly found in Germany today. Approximately 800 people possess this surname, though there has been some migration of the Klefeldt family to countries such as the US, Australia, and Canada.

The origin of the name is likely German, and records indicate its existence in locations within Germany for many centuries. Some of the earliest records come from the 16th century in Bavaria, and other records from the 17th century in and around Berlin. It is likely that the original lineage of the family this name can be traced back to the 1600s or earlier.

Today, individuals with the surname Klefeldt are mainly located in the large cities of Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Berlin. It is also present in smaller towns and villages throughout Germany.

The “Klefeldt” name is known to take on different spellings in different locations, including “Klefeld,” “Klufel,” and even “von Klefeldt.” While the exact origin and meaning of the name is unclear, the surname appears to be relatively uncommon in areas outside of Germany.

Variations of the surname Klefeldt

Klefeldt is a Germanic surname and can be found with several spelling variations and short variants, including Kleffelt, Klefelt, Klefel, Klaefel, Klaefolt, Klaefoltz, Kleffel, Kleffle, Kleveld, Klifelt, and Kliefel.

The Klefeldt spelling dates to the late 19th century, while the various variants have been in use for centuries. It is thought that the surname is derived from 'klief' or 'kliep', meaning 'place where clay was dug' or 'clay pit' in the old Dutch language. The same root can be found in the Klefel surname.

Klefeldt is a rare surname, and can be found mainly in Germany, The Netherlands, and some other parts of Europe. In the United States, the name is mainly seen among German immigrants and their descendants.

In addition to the main spelling, Klefeldt is also spelled with a double 'f' (Kleffelt), and with a double 'e' (Kleeffelt).

Variant spellings and short variants of the surname have also developed, such as Kliefel, Klaefel, and Klaefolt. The surname Klefel, for example, has been around since at least the 1600s, while the shorter variant Klaefel is more common in The Netherlands. The Dutch variant Klaefolt and Klaefoltz have also been in use since at least the 1400s.

Overall, spellings of the surname Klefeldt can vary depending on geographical location, with many of the variants originating in the 1440s.

Famous people with the name Klefeldt

• Anika Kleefledt: Professional Figure Skater
• Kai Kleefledt: Professional Soccer Player
• Ueli Kleefledt: Chairman at the World Economic Forum
• Else Kleefledt: Singer and member of jazz band Kleefledt Sisters
• Bruno Kleefledt: Filmmaker and Photographic Artist
• Hans Kleefledt: Chief Engineer of the Airbus A320
• Alexandre Kleefledt: German philosopher and author
• Noelle Kleefledt: Actress and philanthropist
• Wolfram Kleefledt: Professor of Theology and World Religions
• Janus Kleefledt: Composer of Contemporary Music

Other surnames

Klefeld