Surname Klusen - Meaning and Origin
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Klusen: What does the surname Klusen mean?
The surname Klusen is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word “klos”, meaning "hut". The name is likely to have originated as an occupational surname given to an individual who worked as a maker or trader of hats.
Over time, variants of the name developed in different countries, spelling variations include: Kluse, Kluesen, Klueser, Klues, Kluesing, Kloos, Klus, Klusmann, Klusse, Klussman, Kloes, Kloosman, and Kloosterman.
Early records of people with the Klusen surname show that it was most commonly found in the Hesse area of Germany. During the 17th and 18th centuries, it was also common among German immigrants to northern and western Europe.
Today, individuals with the Klusen surname are widely dispersed throughout most of Europe, due to its history of migration patterns. It has also become a fairly common surname in the United States and Canada due to immigration.
In modern times, the surname Klusen still carries with it the hint of its original occupational meaning; referred to as "hat makers" by those who remain in the trade. Although the name is no longer as rare as it once was, those with the name generally take great pride in their German ancestry and history.
Order DNA origin analysisKlusen: Where does the name Klusen come from?
The last name Klusen is of German-Silesian origin and is most commonly found in parts of Germany today. It is a variant of the more common surname Klausen and is thought to have originated as a diminutive form of the given name Nikolaus, meaning “victor of the people”. The majority of Klusens are based in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria in western Germany. There are also smaller numbers living in neighbouring countries such as Austria and Switzerland.
The surname is bolstered by a closely-knit network of Klusens around the world, particularly in countries such as the United States, Australia and Canada, where emigrants had naturally taken Klusen as their new surname. A family tree created in 2004 found several dozen Klusens spread out across the globe, with about a third in Germany, a third in the US, and the rest spread across other countries.
Despite its small size and relative rarity, Klusen is still a recognisable name across German-speaking countries. Most notably, the Klusen family of North Rhine-Westphalia are recorded as having achieved success in various areas of business, law and politics. This is partially born out by the establishment of two Klusen Family Funds in the 1970s, which awarded scholarships to young people from the family who wished to pursue higher education outside of their hometown.
Overall, Klusen is a rare name but still has a presence in its home country. Its diasporic presence around the world and successful family members make it something of a curiosity in the modern age.
Variations of the surname Klusen
The surname Klusen can have several variants, all derived from a common root. Common variants are Klus, Kless, Kleis, or Klues. All of these variations can be found throughout Germany, the Netherlands, and other central and northern European countries.
Another form of the Klusen surname can be found in the Netherlands: Klussen. This is an archaic spelling, which has been replaced with 'Klus' in present day.
In some cases, the surname can be spelled Kleusen. This spelling is found in Germany and neighboring states such as the Czech Republic and Austria.
Another variant is Knusen or Knuesen, which can be found in parts of Germany and the Dutch-speaking countries such as Belgium and the Netherlands.
In England, the variant Kleeson is found. This is an Anglicized version of the name, often used by immigrants from German-speaking countries who moved to England during the industrial revolution.
The variants of the Klusen surname can also be used as surnames. For instance, the Dutch surname 'Kloot' is derived from 'Klussen', which is a variant of 'Klusen'.
It is also possible for the surname to be "Americanized" when immigrants move to the United States. Examples of this are Klesen, Clusen, or Clausen.
All of these variants and spellings of the Klusen surname all share the same origin. They all come from the Middle High German word 'Klüse', which translates to 'rock, stone, or cliff'. As such, the name is likely derived from someone who lived near a rocky mountain or similar landmark.
Famous people with the name Klusen
- Hidde Klusen, Dutch Football player
- Schwarz Klusen, Swiss Football player
- Christel Klusen, Dutch Artist
- Paul Klusen, Dutch Poet
- Emma Klusen, Dutch Paralympic Swimmer
- Derrick Klusen, South African Rugby Player
- Mark Klusen, American Entrepreneur
- Frans Klusen, Dutch Emeritus Professor
- Nico Klusen, German Musician
- Gertjan Klusen, Dutch Politician