Surname Kleise - Meaning and Origin
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Kleise: What does the surname Kleise mean?
The last name Kleise is likely derived from one of two possible German words. "Kleise" could be derived from the word "Kleis," which means plank or beam in German and is usually used to refer to the rafters in a roof. Alternatively, the name could have originated from the word "Kleies," a medieval German term used to describe someone living by a spring.
Kleise likely originated as a toponymic surname, given to a person who lived in a place associated with one of these words. It is also possible that "Kleise" could have been a habitational surname given to someone from one of multiple locations in northern Germany named Kleise or Kleist, derived from a combination of these two words.
The Kleise surname is relatively common throughout Germany, especially in northern regions. It is estimated that close to 6,000 people carry the Kleise name today. The surname is not limited to Germany, however, as it can be found throughout the world, particularly in the United States, where it ranks among the top 15,000 surnames.
In general, the surname Kleise symbolizes strength and stability, as it likely originated from words that describe beams and structures supporting a roof. This may also extend to someone from the Kleise family, indicating a person of strong character and an ability to remain successful despite difficult situations.
Order DNA origin analysisKleise: Where does the name Kleise come from?
The last name Kleise is associated mainly with Germany and France today. Within Germany, many people bearing the Kleise surname are concentrated in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. This is especially true in the cities of Düsseldorf, Arnsberg and Dortmund. Additionally, there is a concentration of Kleise families in the French départements of Nord and Pas-de-Calais, near the German border.
Historically, the Kleise surname is associated with a noble family that came from Westphalia in the late 13th century. It is believed that the family name derives from the word “Kliske”, which was the old name for a small-holding plot of land.
Though not common, Kleise is a very old household name. Today, in Germany an estimated 704 individuals bear the name. As of 2010, there are approximately 10 people bearing the Kleise surname in France. It has spread to other parts of Europe as a result of migration and emigration throughout the years.
In the United States, the Kleise surname can be found in various cities such as Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Omaha, Nebraska; Seattle, Washington; and Los Angeles, California.
More recently, the name has been seen in South America as many individuals of German descent have settled in the regions of Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.
In the 21st century, the Kleise surname is scattered around the world, with most of its bearers living in the countries of Germany, France, the United States and South America.
Variations of the surname Kleise
The surname Kleise is of German origin and can be seen in various spellings in different countries. In Germany, the surname is seen spelled in various ways such as Cleisen, Klise, Klyse, Kliese, Kleyse, and Kleinse. In other countries, the surname is seen spelled Kleyse, Klise, Kleise, Klyse, Klice, and Klize.
The name itself could be derived from one of several sources. It could be derived from the old High German kleiso, meaning “key” or “small”. Another possibility is that it could originate from the Middle High German word kleischen, meaning “keen” or “gnawer”.
This surname is most commonly found in Germany, the Netherlands, and the US. Variants in other languages include Hondeshi in India, Cleis in France, Klejs in Czech Republic, and Kließ in Poland.
The ancient family seat for the Kleise family in Germany was found in Lower Saxony/ Brandenburg, in the town of Wolfsburg. The first recorded spelling of the surname was found in the 13th century in Brandenburg, and referred to a man named Heinricus de Klese.
Today, the name Kleise may point to several families, including a family of cattle dealers, a long-time German farmer, a master glass maker, and even a Catholic priest. As the name has spread, it has taken on a variety of spellings across the globe.
Famous people with the name Kleise
- Axel Kleise: Axel Kleise is a Swiss physician and politician who is currently the cantonal representative of the Free Democratic Party in the Basel-Stadt canton.
- Miles Kleise: Miles Kleise is an American fashion designer and co-founder of the global luxury fashion and lifestyle house, St. John.
- Per Kleise: Per Kleise is a Swedish screenwriter, film director and producer. He is most recently known for writing the screenplay for the 2019 movie, Greyhound, starring Tom Hanks.
- Dr. Ingmar Kleise: Dr. Ingmar Kleise is a German architect, professor and urbanist. He is best known for designing numerous notable sites in Europe and is the founder of two architecture firms.
- Jessica Kleise: Jessica Kleise is an American actress who has appeared in a number of films and television series, such as The West Wing and Breaking Bad.
- Oda Kleise: Oda Kleise is a Norweigen contemporary artist who is best known for her installations and sculptures.
- Bjørn Kleise: Bjørn Kleise is a Norwegian writer and author of many fantasy and science-fiction novels.
- Berit Kleise: Berit Kleise is a Norwegian playwright, author, actress, and poet. Her plays have been performed at major theaters across Norway.