Surname Clesen - Meaning and Origin
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Clesen: What does the surname Clesen mean?
The surname Clesen is a patronymic name derived from the popular personal name Claus, meaning “people of victory”. The name “Clesen” is of Danish and Norwegian origin and is thought to be a variation of the Norse “Klausen”. It is first recorded in Denmark when Claus Clesen, son of CATHRINE, married Anna Lorensdatter in 1599. The name is also found in Norway, where it is recorded in 1586 when ventr Claus Clausen witnesses a baptism.
Given its Viking roots, the surname Clesen may be associated with a rich history of war and conquest, with its original members having fought as fierce warriors. However, with the introduction of Christianity in Scandinavia during the Middle Ages, many of these Viking families converted and began to lead much more peaceful lives as craftsmen and laborers.
Today, many individuals with the surname Clesen still reside in Scandinavia, though they have also immigrated to other countries such as the United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, and Australia. A notable bearer of this surname was the Danish painter, Poul Clesen (1888-1963), who is especially remembered for his landscapes of the island of Møn.
The surname Clesen carries with it a rich and vibrant heritage steeped in Norse culture and Viking history. It is a name that resonates with strength and courage, intertwined with a strong sense of faith and tradition. As its members continue to spread throughout the world, the importance of preserving these familial values and shared experiences grows ever more important.
Order DNA origin analysisClesen: Where does the name Clesen come from?
The last name Clesen is a surname that is mostly associated with the Netherlands. It is of Dutch origin and is derived from the Dutch word "Klesen" meaning "clothes". It was a very common name in the Netherlands in the 19th century, likely taking form in that country around the 1600s.
Today, the last name Clesen is still very common in the Netherlands. It can be found all over the country, from the town of Roermond in the South to Delfzijl in the North. In recent years there has been a steady migration of Dutch families with this surname to other parts of the world.
As such, Clesen is now a common last name in many countries across the globe, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. In the United States, records from the Social Security Administration indicate that approximately 4,700 people bear the last name Clesen. In the UK, records from the Office for National Statistics estimate that over 65 people bear the surname. Australia’s records from the Australian Citizenship and Immigration Service put the figure at just over 280.
Overall, the last name Clesen is still relatively widespread today, due both to its long cultural history in the Netherlands as well as to the migratory movement of Dutch families abroad.
Variations of the surname Clesen
The surname Clesen has multiple variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common of these include Claussen, Klassen, Klössen, and Klesen. All of these surnames are related to one another, and all indicate a person of Germanic origin.
The surname Claussen (or Claußen) derives from the Middle High German word "klose", which means "close". It was used to describe people who lived in close quarters with their neighbors, or people who were related to one another. As the surname spread, its spelling evolved over time, resulting in the various modern variations.
The surname Klassen comes from the same Middle High German root as Claussen, and originally referred to people who lived in the same town, village, or city. Over time, the spelling of the surname has also evolved, resulting in the various modern spellings.
The surname Klössen and Klesen come from a variation of the Middle High German root, this time referring to a family or group of people living in the same geographical area. As with the other surnames of Germanic origin, they have gone through a process of spelling evolution to come to their current forms.
In summary, Clesen is the original form of these four related surnames, three of which have evolved via spelling changes over time, and all of which originate from the Middle High German root meaning “close” or “related”. Hence, it’s generally accepted that variants of Clesen such as Claussen, Klassen, Klössen, and Klesen all have a single point of origin.
Famous people with the name Clesen
- Gregg Clesen: professional American baseball player who played infielder from 1983–1991 for the California Angels, Detroit Tigers, San Francisco Giants and the Minnesota Twins.
- Chris Clésen: award-winning Belgian film director who has won multiple awards for his short films such as 'Swimming to the Moon' and 'Snake in Paradise'.
- Richard Clesen: Swedish actor who is best known for his performance in the Academy Award-winning film 'The Piano Teacher'.
- Jan Clesen: Dutch mechanical engineer and inventor famous for his 'Clesen Valve' which is still used in very large ships today.
- Stuart Clesen: English author and playwright whose works include 'The Surprising Adventures of Baron Munchhausen' and 'The Trial of Don Juan'.
- Ruth Clesen: German actress best known for her performances in silent films during the 1920s and 30s.
- Jens M. Clesen: Danish physicist and professor at the University of Copenhagen who has been researching relativity and quantum mechanics for more than two decades.
- Martin Clesen: Belgian sculptor whose statues grace many of the historical squares in Brussels.
- Genie Clesen: American jazz singer best known for her performances in the 50s and 60s.
- Peter Clesen: Dutch painter whose works include 'The Milkman' and 'The Laundress of Amsterdam'.