Surname Klemme - Meaning and Origin

Klemme: What does the surname Klemme mean?

The German surname Klemme is derived from the German word “klemmen”, which translates to “to fasten, lock or shut”. This suggests the original bearers of the name most likely held an occupational position associated with fabricating and operating locks or doors. It is likely that Klemme was originally used as an identifier for those involved in locksmithing or other metalworking similar crafts as early as the Middle Ages.

The earliest historical records of the Klemme family date back to as early as 1750 where Johann Klemme was the first recorded individual bearing the surname around the Kattfuß region of Germany. The Klemme family has since established itself in a range of other regions across Germany, including Hannover, Schleswig-Holstein, and Nordrhein-Westfalen. Family members have acted as mayors, public officials, and legislators in these municipalities, consistently serving as a prominent presence in their communities.

The name Klemme is now also found in other countries, such as the United States, Canada, and those in Europe and South America with Germanic roots. It is still a relatively rare name today, but it has proliferated over the years, signifying the prominence of the original family from the Kattfuß region in Germany.

Klemme: Where does the name Klemme come from?

The last name Klemme is most commonly found in Germany today. The name is derived from the Middle Low German word "Klemmen," which means "to clamp" or "to hold together." During the Middle Ages, it is believed that the Klemme family originally migrated from the Rhineland region of Germany, over the centuries settling in various parts of the country.

The Klemme family was known for its strong work ethic and craftsmanship, which helped to shape Germany's history and culture. Many prominent German families trace their roots back to the Klemme family. In particular, members of the Klemme family served as mayors of several major German cities throughout the centuries, and it is believed that the family also had an influence on the development of brewing and distilling traditions in Germany.

In regards to its prevalence today, the last name Klemme is still found in various parts of Germany. For example, many residents of the Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia states retain the Klemme name. In addition, Germany as a whole is home to over 2,700 individuals with the last name Klemme.

The last name Klemme is still found all across Germany today, a testament to the family's early contributions in shaping the country's history and culture.

Variations of the surname Klemme

The surname Klemme is of German origin, and its variants include Clemm/Cleme, Klamm, Klimm, Klem, Klemm, Klim, Klym and Klymm. These variants have various spellings, such as Cather Klemme, or variants of Clem/Cleme, Klem and Klym, including Cleem, Cleam, Claem, Klaem, Klaam, Kleem, Kleeem, Kleam, Klaeem, Klyem, Klyam and Klyeam.

Klemme is often a derivation of the shorter form Klem, which in turn is an alternate spelling of the long-standing Germanic name Clemme. Clemme is likely derived from the Latin Clementis, meaning "gentle and merciful".

The variants of the name can be found in a variety of languages; for example, Klamm is the Norwegian form of the name, Klemm its Swedish version and Klimm the Dutch form. In addition, the surname Klemme can be found in various other languages, including Czech (Klamm) and Italian (Clemme).

Many families with the surname Klemme may have had their origin in Flanders, Germany, or the Netherlands, or are likely descendants of soldiers who served under the French or British regiments during World War II.

Surnames related to Klemme include Clemm/Cleme, Klamm, Klimm, Klem, Klemm, Klim, Klym, Klymm, Cleem, Cleam, Claem, Klaem, Klaam, Kleem, Kleeem, Kleam, Klaeem, Klyem, Klyam and Klyeam.

Famous people with the name Klemme

• April Klemme: an American author and podcaster.
• Corey Klemme: an American actor, writer, director, and producer.
• Mariella Klemme: a German actress.
• Erin Klemme: an American broadcast journalist and producer.
• Derk Klemme: a Dutch Royal Air Force pilot and flying ace in World War II.
• Jean Klemme: an American actress and singer.
• Michael Klemme: an American film and television composer.
• C.W. Klemme: a German jurist and legal historian.
• Joe Klemme: an American baseball player.
• Warja Klemme: a German Olympic hurdler.
• Eugenia Klemme: a Latvian film director and screenwriter.
• Emily Klemme: an American volleyball player.
• Mae Klemme: an American volunteer nurse in World War I.
• Jo Klemme: a German musicologist and composer.
• Joy Klemme: an American composer and music educator.

Other surnames

Klemm