Surname Klingenstein - Meaning and Origin

Klingenstein: What does the surname Klingenstein mean?

The last name Klingenstein is of German origin and can be translated to mean "cliff stone". This descriptive surname was likely given to someone who lived near a cliff or rocky outcrop. It is likely that Klingenstein was first used as a identifying name in the Middle Ages to differentiate between families since most people did not possess a surname at this time.

Throughout German history, it is not uncommon for surnames to be changed due to various spelling changes over time. The original spelling of the name was Klingensteiner, but it was eventually shortened to Klingenstein by the mid-1800s.

The name Klingenstein can be found in early records of Germany, mostly in the Rhineland. Some of the earliest records of the name include a Johannes Klingenstein from 1228 and a Hans Klingenstein from 1268.

Today, the surname Klingenstein can still be found throughout various countries, mostly in Europe and the U.S. During World War II, many German Jews fled to America, taking the Klingenstein name with them. As such, there are numerous people who share this surname living in the U.S. and around the world.

Klingenstein: Where does the name Klingenstein come from?

The last name Klingenstein is a German name that is common in a number of countries today. This includes Germany, Austria, Switzerland, South Tyrol, and Liechtenstein. It is also found in smaller numbers throughout the rest of Europe, including France, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, and the Czech Republic.

In the United States, there is also a large concentration of Klingenstein’s. According to census data, fifty seven percent of Klingenstein’s living in the US currently live in California and New York. Although the majority of Klingenstein’s live in larger cities, they can still be found in many smaller cities and rural areas, as well.

The last name Klingenstein is also found in Canada, Mexico, South America, and some parts of Asia. Its presence is primarily concentrated in former German-speaking colonies or areas of immigration. For example, Klingenstein’s have a long history in Brazil—the first Klingenstein settled there in the 1840s.

Overall, the last name Klingenstein is not overly common in any given area. However, due to a long history of immigration, the name can be found in many parts of the world today.

Variations of the surname Klingenstein

Klingenstein is an uncommon German/Jewish surname derived from the Middle High German word klinge, which means “blade.” The variant spellings of Klingenstein include Klingensteiner, Klingenstien, Klingensteyn, Klingenston, Klingenstrook, and Klinkenstein, as well as other variants and spellings. Other surnames of the same origin include Kling, Klinger, Klingen, Klingerhoff, Klingerberger, Klingerbusch, Klingelhofer, Klingelhoffer, Klingeman, Klingerberg, and Klingenberger. All of these surnames indicate familial origins in the German-speaking area.

Most of these variant spellings and names have been changed slightly due to translation, immigration, and intermarriage over the years. For example, Klingensteiner may have become Klinger in the US and Klingerberger in other areas of Europe. Consequently, researchers should carefully review all spelling variants that appear in historical records to build an accurate family tree.

In addition to the German-Jewish origin of the Klingenstein surname, it is also possible that those who carry this name may have non-Jewish German origins. It is important to note that some records may group Klingenstein families together with Jewish families due to certain similarities in naming practices, even if they are actually of non-Jewish origin. Therefore, researchers must be sure to look carefully into the background of each individual family member to establish their true origin.

Famous people with the name Klingenstein

• Matthew Klingenstein: American hedge fund manager
• Harry Klingenstein: American businessman and philanthropist
• Lee Klingenstein: American financier
• Steve Klingenstein: American artist
• Richard Klingenstein: American banker
• Andrew Klingenstein: American businessman and philanthropist
• Henry Klingenstein: American economist
• Kay von Klingenstein: German actress
• Fritz Klingenstein: German Jewish philanthropist
• Gordon Klingenstein: American original investor in the Broadway musical Rent

Other surnames

Klingensteiner