Surname Klinkmann - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
Klinkmann: What does the surname Klinkmann mean?
The last name Klinkmann is thought to be of German origin, likely derived from the German word "klinken", which means "lock" or "bolt". This could suggest that the ancestors of those with the name Klinkmann were locksmiths, or worked in some capacity with the mechanisms of locks. However, in other instances, it may be a sign of a more general connection to security, such as protecting a boundary or dweller.
More precisely, the suffix -mann within the name is thought to refer to a type of occupational surname, one finished with the occupational suffix denoting a "one who works with", which in the case of Klinkmann, would suggest someone who works with locks.
The name may also be relatively new, predating the 17th Century in Germany, and is not found much in other countries or other parts of Europe, remaining mostly within Germany. Nonetheless, one can still find Klinkmann's living in parts of Europe, particularly in Germany and the Netherlands.
In sum, the name Klinkmann likely originates from the ancient German word referring to locks and security, with the -mann suffix referring to an occupational surname. Those with the name can likely trace their families back to Germany, with the name most likely predating the 17th Century.
Order DNA origin analysisKlinkmann: Where does the name Klinkmann come from?
The last name Klinkmann is most common in Germany. It is a German name derived from the elements 'klinc', meaning 'bell' or 'ringing sound', and 'mann', meaning 'man'. It is thought to have been used as an occupational name for a bell maker or ringer, and later became a family name. According to the United States Census of 2000, the Klinkmann surname is the 2,927th most common surname in the U.S., where it is shared by about 5,000 people.
Today, Klinkmanns are scattered across the world, but they are most commonly found in Europe. The Klinkmann name is particularly common in Germany, where it is estimated to be shared by over 9,000 people. It is also quite popular throughout Switzerland and Austria, where it is one of the top 300 names. The Klinkmann name is also fairly prevalent in the Netherlands, as well as in Poland and France.
In the United States, Klinkmann is much less common than in Europe, but it is still a recognizable name. While the name can be found in many states, the highest concentrations are in Pennsylvania and in the states which once comprised the Midwest Region. In Pennsylvania, in particular, over 1,200 residents share the Klinkmann surname.
The name is also quite common in Canada, especially in the provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. There, residents of German ancestor have preserved the last name in the centuries following their immigrant ancestors.
Overall, the last name Klinkmann is most commonly found in Germany, but it can be found across the world, especially in areas with large German or European populations.
Variations of the surname Klinkmann
Variants of the surname Klinkmann include: Klinkman, Klinkenman, Klinkmon, Klinkmonn, and Klinkmannen.
The German spelling of this surname is 'Klinkmann,' pronounced KLEENK-man. It is an occupational surname that originated from the German word 'klingen,' meaning 'to ring.' During the Middle Ages, people often took their occupation as part of their surname. As a result, people who worked with bells, such as bell makers, were known by the surname Klinkmann.
In some cases, the name Klinkmann has become further mutated to become Klinkman or Klinkenman. Those who were Klinkmanns could also become Klinkmons, Klinkmonns, or Klinkmannens.
In addition, some spelling variations can also occur. For instance, the addition of the letter 'e'—Klinkmane, Klinkenmane, Klinkmone, Klinkmonne, and Klinkmanne—are occasionally seen. Similarly, the surname's spelling may also have an extra 'n' at the end—Klinkmannn, Klinkmannn, Klinkenmannn, Klinkmonnn, and Klinkmannenn.
This surname is not common and is mainly found in Germany. However, individuals with the surname Klinkmann can also be located in Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and the United States.
Famous people with the name Klinkmann
- Gordon Klinkmann, former professional American football player
- Teemu Klinkmann, producer, composer and multi-instrumentalist from Finland
- Jim Klinkmann, American actor
- Priscilla Klinkmann, a notable German fashion model
- Nick Klinkmann, a former executive director of the American National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
- Larry Klinkmann, former Major League Baseball player
- Etienne Klinkmann, an award-winning French photographer
- Tom Klinkmann, a German architect
- Alfred Klinkmann, a prominent Viennese doctor
- Hans Klinkmann, a prominent German theologian