Surname Kleinemeyer - Meaning and Origin

Kleinemeyer: What does the surname Kleinemeyer mean?

Kleinemeyer is a German surname that is derived from the Middle High German phrase “Kleinmeyer.” This phrase literally means “small meier,” or “small mayor.” It is ultimately derived from the Middle High German word “mēre,” meaning mayor or official.

In ancient Germanic societies, mayors served as the heads of municipalities and were typically responsible for the enforcement of local laws, as well as for the performance of administrative and official duties. As a result, a person with the last name Kleinemeyer may have had an ancestor that was a mayor in an ancient Germanic society.

The use of the surname Kleinemeyer has been long established in Germany; it has also been adopted by residents of Austria and other populations of Germanic-speaking countries. Today, the name area fairly common in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the United States, as many Europeans immigrated to America throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The characteristics associated with this surname represent qualities such as reliability, strength, and an air of responsibility. Those with the surname Kleinemeyer are typically inspired by their past tradition and hardworking spirit, continuing to embrace responsibility and uphold their ancestors’ values.

Kleinemeyer: Where does the name Kleinemeyer come from?

The last name Kleinemeyer is a common German surname found mainly in Germany, the Netherlands, and some parts of South America. It is most common in German-speaking countries, particularly in the northern and western parts of the country including states such as Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Hamburg. Kleinemeyer is a patronymic name, which means it is derived from the name of a male ancestor, in this case someone with the first name Klein or Kleine. The meaning of this given name can be interpreted as “small” or “little”, referring to either the physical size of the original bearer of the name or to his power and influence.

The surname is also found in other countries around the world due to immigration from Germany. One notable place with a large Kleinemeyer population is the United States, particularly in the Midwest and East Coast. Specific states with a considerable number of people bearing the last name include Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, and Illinois. Additionally, many families bearing the Kleinemeyer last name can be found in the nearby countries of Canada, England, and also in Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil in South America.

The name is also popular among the Mennonites, a group of Christian Anabaptists with roots in Germany. Many Mennonite families immigrated to North and South America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and these families brought the Kleinemeyer last name with them. Today, Kleinemeyers are spread throughout the world, but still maintain a strong presence in their original German homeland.

Variations of the surname Kleinemeyer

Kleinemeyer is a widespread surname found throughout Europe. It is sometimes spelled Kleinemeier, Kleinmeyer, Kleinemeijer, Kleynemeyer, Kleinmeyer, Kleinmaijer, Kleynmeier, Klainmeyer, Klemmeyer, and Klinemeyer. This surname is generally of Germanic/Low German origin, derived from the personal name “Klein” meaning “small” and “meyer” which would have been a job-related title or nickname.

The surname can be found with various spellings and variations in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and other northern European countries. It can also be found in some other countries, such as the United States, which includes people who have either immigrated or are the descendants of immigrants.

Alternate spellings could include Kleemeyer, Kleimyar, Kleimyah, Klaeimyer, Kleimair, Kleimayer, Kleymeyer, Klemenyer, Kleineveer, Kleenmeyer, Kleimayr, Kleyemeyer, Kleynmeir, Kleinmanyer, Kleinemair, Kleinmeyer, Klymenyer, Klyemeyer, and Kleemayr.

The multiple spellings of this surname may have been adapted to suit different dialects or phonemes, as they vary depending on culture and language. It is likely that many versions of the name originated independently of one another, as families have moved and changed their names throughout history.

Famous people with the name Kleinemeyer

• Lotte Kleinemeyer: German gymnast, competed in the 1948 and 1952 Summer Olympics
• Hans-Heinrich Kleinemeyer: Nazi Germany Luftwaffe General during World War II
• Kurt Kleinemeyer: German artist and graphic designer, creator of the Miffy character
• Yvonne Kleinemeyer: professional German diver, competed in the 2000 Summer Olympics
• Joachim Kleinemeyer: German actor and director, known for his roles in the Die Wache and Der Landarzt series
• Juergen Kleinemeyer: German football player and coach who played in the Bundesliga for Borussia Moenchengladbach
• Klaus Kleinemeyer: German racing driver, competed in the European Touring Car Championship
• Gerti Kleinemeyer: German field hockey player, competed in the 1972 and 1976 Summer Olympics
• Sven Kleinemeyer: German professional footballer who plays for SV Waldhof Mannheim in the Regionalliga Südwest
• Henning Kleinemeyer: German actor, known for his work in the miniseries Elf Nacht und ein Tag and Die Wache

Other surnames

Kleinemeier