Surname Kleinecke - Meaning and Origin
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Kleinecke: What does the surname Kleinecke mean?
The surname Kleinecke is a German surname most commonly found in locations such as the Czech Republic, Austria, and Germany. It is derived from the German words “Klein” and “Ecke”, which mean “small” and “corner” respectively. The name is thought to have emerged in areas of German-speaking Europe, sometime in the early Middle Ages, when many individuals were identified by their home region rather than a personal surname. It is possible that the name was originally given to a family living near a corner of a small village, or perhaps to distinguishes itself amongst its neighbours by living on a small piece of land that lay on a corner.
It is still a common surname today and according to a recent study, there are more than 4900 people in Germany bearing the name Kleinecke. While it has evolved over time, the name is still most regularly found in areas of German-speaking Europe. As global travel and communication has increased, the name has spread throughout Europe, the United States, Australia, and Canada, in more recent centuries.
The name Kleinecke is typically translated into English as ‘Little Corner’ and reveals a sliver of insight into the lives of the ancestors who bore the title. The origin of Kleinecke is quite unique and offers a window into Germany’s history and culture. It is a reminder of the importance of family and a celebration of the connections between families living on the same small corner of land for many generations.
Order DNA origin analysisKleinecke: Where does the name Kleinecke come from?
The last name Kleinecke is a German family name that is still found today in parts of Germany, Austria, and Poland. It is also found among the descendants of immigrants to other countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The meaning of the Austrian and German name Kleinecke is "little corner," possibly referring to a home situated in a tiny alcove or corner. Alternatively, the name may refer to someone who manufactured cuckoo clocks, which often featured little corners and alcoves for decoration.
In Germany, the Kleinecke name is most commonly found in Northern Bavaria, Saxony, Berlin, and Brandenburg regions. In Austria, the name is more numerous in the Lower and Upper Austria provinces, as well as Burgenland.
Kleinecke is also a popular surname in North America as well. During the 19th and 20th centuries, thousands of people with the surname Kleinecke emigrated to the United States, Canada, and Mexico in search of a better life. In the United States, the name is most common in California, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.
In Canada, it can generally be found in the provinces of Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. In Mexico, it is mainly found in the states of Guanajuato, Veracruz, Chihuahua, and Durango.
Overall, the surname Kleinecke is quite common among German-speaking countries and the descendants of German-speaking immigrants, both in Europe and in the New World.
Variations of the surname Kleinecke
The surname Kleinecke is an ancient German surname with multiple variants. It is thought to date back to the Middle Ages, when it became popular among many German-speaking communities. The most common spellings of the name are Kleinecke, Kleinecke, Klineck, Kleineck, Kleink, Kleinken, Kleincke, Kleincken, Klincke, Klynck, Klyncken and Kleinek.
Variations of the Kleinecke surname can also be found in other Native Germanic languages, such as Dutch (spelled Kleyneke) and Norwegian (spelled Kleinek). Additionally, there are spelling variations of the name in other languages, such as Dutch Kleyneken, Swedish Kleingren, and Danish Kleineken.
The Kleinecke surname can also be found under other surnames of similar origin or sound. Examples include Klieck, Kleineckel, Kleineker, Kleinken, Kellenke, Kleinheide, Kleinicke, Kleinschmidt, Kleinschmitt, Kleinkauf, Kleyen, Krellenk and Kleinschneider.
All of the above variants of the surname Kleinecke may or may not be related to one another. However, it is certain that the shared origin of the name is ancient German, and its presence in multiple languages reflects the expansion and evolution of German-speaking communities.
Famous people with the name Kleinecke
- Dr. Beulah Kleinecke: physician and wellness expert/author
- Keith Kleinecke: professional cricket player
- Paul Kleinecke: German Regional League soccer player
- Julia Kleinecke: German professional high jumper
- Scott Kleinecke: professional rodeo bullfighter
- Tim Kleinecke: German professional tennis player
- Werner Kleinecke: German professional footballer
- Charles Kleinecke: French professional wrestler
- Dru Kleinecke: American professional basketball player
- Tyler Kleinecke: American professional snowboarder