Surname Kleinhenz - Meaning and Origin
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Kleinhenz: What does the surname Kleinhenz mean?
Kleinhenz is a German surname originating from the Middle Ages. It is believed to derive from the word "klein" meaning "small". This could refer to any number of things, including physical stature, possessions, and even a small area of land.
Kleinhenz is a common surname in Bavaria and other parts of Germany, and is also found in Austria, the Czech Republic, and other countries. It is possible that it is a habitational name, meaning that it referred to a person's place of origin.
Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name has changed. Variations in spelling include Kleinschmidt, Kleinhenz, Kleinez, Kleinschmied, and Kleinheinz.
Kleinhenz is usually translated as "little one", which speaks to its original meaning. It indicated that the Kleinhenz family were small in either physical stature or influence, or both. Over time, the name has taken on the meaning of being “humorous” or “cheeky”.
The Kleinhenz family tends to be hardworking and loyal, and takes pride in its German heritage. Through the centuries, the Kleinhenz family has held true to its values and roots, as evidenced by its long and rich history.
Order DNA origin analysisKleinhenz: Where does the name Kleinhenz come from?
The last name Kleinhenz is most common today in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is also found in countries with significant connections to those regions such as the United States, Canada, and Argentina.
In Germany, Kleinhenz is among the top 200 most common surnames, with over 1,400 bearers. It is especially common in the Westphalia region, where many Kleinhenz families settled during the Middle Ages. Other areas with significant concentrations of the name include Bavaria, Thuringia, and Saxony.
In Austria, Kleinhenz ranks in the top 300 most common surnames, with around 1,100 bearers. It is spread throughout the country, although there are some notable regions where it is particularly common. These include Vienna and eastern Styria, both of which have significant populations of that name.
In Switzerland, Kleinhenz is also found among the 300 most common surnames, with an estimated 1000 bearers. It is especially prominent in the central regions of the country, with Geneva, Basel, and Bern being common locations.
In the United States, Canada, and Argentina, Kleinhenz is also found, albeit in relatively low numbers. It is more likely to be found in areas with large German-speaking populations, particularly in the midwestern and northwestern states.
Variations of the surname Kleinhenz
The Kleinhenz surname has an array of variants, spellings, and surnames of different origins.
The most common variants of the surname Kleinhenz are Cleinhens, Kleinhens, Kleynhenss, Cleinhenz, Kleynhence, Kleinehens, Kleynhense, and Kleynshense. Other uncommon variants are Kleinshense, Kleinhenz, Kleinhans, Klinhens, Klynshense, and Kleinshans.
The spelling variations of the surname Kleinhenz consist of Cleinhens, Kleinhens, Kleynhenss, Kleinehens, Kleynhense, Kleinhenz, Kleynshense, Kleinshense, Kleinhans, Klinhens, Klynshense, and Kleinshans.
The surnames linked to Kleinhenz are Kleinhenz, Kleinhaus, Kleinschmidt, Kleinberger, Kleingroben, Kleinehaus, Kleinhage, Kleinschwanz, Klinehaus, Kleinvogel, Kleinschmirgel, Kleinschmitt, and Kleinsmied. These surnames all have German origins.
Kleinhenz can also refer to surnames of Dutch, Jewish, and Scandinavian origins such as Kleineheister, Kleynenhaus, Kleninhaus, Klershen, Kleibrant, Kliebrantsen, Kleynhuis, Kleislanders, Klierval, Kleinehule, Klinthenberg, Kleinehueben, Kleinheimer, and Klem Teacher.
Finally, the surname Kleinhenz may also be found in Britain and Ireland, usually as an Anglicised spelling of a European original. Variants and spellings of Irish origin include McCoy, Keylen, Cahey, McKeighan, Claheen, Gillikin, Kilneen, Caley, McKnlane, Calin, MacKin, and MacKline. Variants and spellings of Scottish origin include McKegan, Kilkeny, Mackinlay, Klegon, MacElhany, MacKeling, Kelingham, McGeoghegan, and McKilvin.
Famous people with the name Kleinhenz
- Aaron Kleinhenz: award-winning American musician and composer.
- Dr. Catherine Kleinhenz: a Professor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois.
- Frederick Kleinhenz: an American agriculturalist and scientist who specialized in entomology and plant pathology.
- Pete Kleinhenz: former NFL running back.
- David Kleinhenz: Director of the University of Illinois Extension Plant Clinic.
- Joe Kleinhenz: former professional basketball player.
- Giles Kleinhenz: British actor known for his roles in TV shows such as "Last Tango in Halifax" and "Father Brown".
- Kate Kleinhenz: contemporary American painter and sculptor.
- Liza Kleinhenz: American musician who is the lead singer/guitarist of the punk band "Treetops".
- Taylor Kleinhenz: NCAA Division I basketball player.