Surname Kleinschnittger - Meaning and Origin
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Kleinschnittger: What does the surname Kleinschnittger mean?
The last name Kleinschnittger is of German origin. It originates from old German words 'schneide' and 'ger', meaning 'cutter'. Thus, the name Kleinschnittger can be interpreted to mean 'small cutter'. It is likely to have been originally given to someone who worked in the metal or leatherworking industries, someone who used cutting tools to work with metal or leather.
The last name Kleinschnittger may have also been used to indicate a population from a region that was renowned for its craftsmanship in either metal or leatherworking. The use of 'Klein' ahead of the surname further suggests something small or of less importance, suggesting that the family name may have at one point denoted a family from a smaller region or town.
By its most basic definition, the spelling Kleinschnittger suggests a population of individuals who were master craftspeople, able to make and mend things with intricate detail and finesse. The last name has likely been inherited generation after generation since its origin, with the inheritors of the name continuing to carry the tradition of craftsmanship, whether it be in metal or leatherworking.
Order DNA origin analysisKleinschnittger: Where does the name Kleinschnittger come from?
The last name Kleinschnittger is most commonly found in the German-speaking regions of Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is also found in countries with German-speaking populations such as South Tyrol, Italy and the Czech Republic.
The Kleinschnittger family history comes from Bavaria and other regions of Germany. They may be descendents of families who moved around within Germany over the centuries. Some branches may trace their ancestry back to the middle ages.
Within the 20th century, the Kleinschnittger name can be found in various records such as marriage records, census records, or military records. Examples can be found in Brandenburg, Berlin, and the Rhineland.
The name may also be found in countries such as the United States. Many of these individuals are the descendants of 19th or 20th-century German immigrants who adopted the spelling “Kleinschnittger” as their surname.
Given the popularity of the name within Europe, it is likely that the last name Kleinschnittger is derived from a German nickname or word. Nicknames were often used in the middle ages in order to distinguish members of families with the same name. The name may, in its original form, come from a variety of words related to knives or cutting, such as “schenken” or “schneiden”.
Variations of the surname Kleinschnittger
Kleinschnittger is a German surname meaning "small cuts". It is found in parts of Westphalia, Hesse and Bavaria. Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include: Kleinschnittiger, Kleinschwitzger, Kleinschitziger, Kleinschützger, Kleinschutzger, Kleinschutziger, Kleinschmidger, Kleinschmiedger, Kleinschmittger, Kleinschmittiger, Kleinschmitzger and Kleinsschnittiger.
Kleinschnittger is an occupational surname likely referring to a barber who specializes in knife-work such as shaving. Individuals with this surname were likely individuals that used knives to create accessories and tools. They may also have worked as a tailor or leatherworker.
The variants are likely the result of misspellings or a regional difference in pronunciation. The variants may have also come about due to a change of location or even have been adopted by another family along the way.
Some of these variants also suggest a possible reference to a nickname, such as 'Klein Schnitzger', which is short for 'the little carver', or 'schutzger' meaning 'guardian'. In the latter case, this could be referring to a role where the individual was trusted to protect something of value, such as a storehouse or a herd of livestock.
Regardless of where the surname first originated, Kleinschnittger is a lasting reminder of the skills and trades associated with knife-work in the past.
Famous people with the name Kleinschnittger
- Lawrence Kleinschmittger, German actor and writer
- Uwe Kleinschmidt, German sculptor and woodcarver
- Gert Kleinschnigg, Austrian actor
- Ken Kleinschnittger, Canadian actor
- Dave Kleinschmidt, Australian composer and musician
- Robert Klein, American comedian and actor
- Peter Kleinschnittger, German actor and director
- Birgit Kleinschnittger, German television director
- Wolfgang Kleinschmittger, German actor
- Gunter Kleinsmoger, German singer and composer
- Heinz Kleinschnittger, Dutch actor
- Tom Kleinschnittger, American motivational speaker and life coach
- Christina Kleinschnittger, German opera singer
- Monika Kleinschnittger, German singer
- Kirsten Kleinschnittger, German television and voice actress