Surname von Cles - Meaning and Origin
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von Cles: What does the surname von Cles mean?
The last name von Cles is of German origin and is a noble title which dates back to the medieval era. Meaning “of the house Cles”, the name was derived from the castle of Cles located in the Grisons canton of Switzerland. Historically, the von Cles family had a ruling influence over the Rheintal region of Switzerland.
One of the earliest holders of the title of von Cles was Franz Hebena von Cles, a knight who lived in the 16th century. He was a part of the Order of the Blue Fox, a highclass group of aristocrats who provided the counselors and aides to the royal court.
The von Cles were a respected and influential family whose name still resonates today. Many of its members had fascinating lives and historical accomplishments. Franz Hebena’s descendant, Baron Friedrich von Cles, was a military general in the Napoleonic Wars and was successful in defending his estate during the war.
More recently, the von Cles family were among the first to settle in America, specifically in Wisconsin. They are well-known founders of the state; their landholdings in the area are now called the Town of Cles.
The von Cles family was a testament to the power of nobility and legacy. Even today, the name is still synonymous with success, respect and power. Its name carries a lot of prestige and recognition within Switzerland, Europe and the United States.
Order DNA origin analysisvon Cles: Where does the name von Cles come from?
The last name von Cles is commonly found in Austria, and more specifically, in the Austrian provinces of Tyrol and Carinthia. The genealogical origins of this last name can be traced back to Andreas von Cles, a powerful medieval knight who lived in the 13th century.
The name von Cles was often combined with other aristocratic titles such as von Reichenau, von Harken, and von Goethe. Until the late 19th century, the von Cles name was only associated with the nobility, but since then, it has become increasingly widespread throughout the population.
Today, the name von Cles is still very common in the former Austrian provinces of Tyrol and Carinthia. It can also be found in other places that have historically been part of the Austrian Empire, such as the Czech Republic, Hungary, Croatia, Italy, and Romania. It is estimated that the name is held by roughly 10,000 people in Austria alone.
In Austria, the von Cles name is usually a reflection of regional pride, State loyalty, and aristocratic tradition. The name is often passed down through generations and still holds considerable prestige in rural areas of Austria.
Variations of the surname von Cles
The surname von Cles originates from a noble family of Germanic descent. The earliest known members of this family were Johann von Cles, a nobleman from Bremen, Germany, in the early 12th century.
Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the von Cles family include: de Cles, von Kleis, Klas, Cleis, Klijs, Kles, Kley, Klies, de Kleis, Klees, Clase, Kless, and Claes.
Variants of von Cles can be found throughout the German-speaking countries of Europe and its diaspora. The Austrian historical record indicates that many of the von Cles family members moved to Vienna in the 16th century. Many people of this family line also migrated to America, with records showing that the earliest von Cles immigrants arrived in Pennsylvania in the mid-1800s.
Spellings of von Cles vary significantly depending on the language and region of origin. In standard German, the spelling is usually Cles, while in Dutch, the spelling is usually Clijs. In if the family originally came from the Netherlands, the spellings can range from the traditional Dutch spelling Klas to Kleys. In Italian, the spelling is Clase, while in Swedish, it is Kläs.
Alternative surnames derived from von Cles tend to come from variants of the original name, such as Kleis, Kles, Kley, Klies, and Clase. There is also the possibility that a family which changed its name to von Cles from a different surname could have surnames of a completely different origin.
Famous people with the name von Cles
- Ernst von Cles-Stiftelsen: Ernest von Cles-Stiftelsen was a Swedish count and government official. He was responsible for organizing the union between Finland and Sweden in the 19th century.
- Johann Sebastian von Cles: Johann Sebastian von Cles was a German playwright and poet during the Weimar Republic. His works included the plays "Elizabeth" and "The Princes of Controversy".
- Friedrich von Cles-Hedenstrom: A German jurist who served as vice-president to the German Reichstag in the early 20th century. He helped lay the foundations for the interwar period in German politics and was an early advocate of trade unions.
- Jurgen von Cles-Reinacker: Jurgen von Cles-Reinacker was a German politician and banker who served in the German parliament. He was highly influential in German economic policy and was instrumental in the creation of the Euro currency.
- Karl von Cles: Karl von Cles was a Swedish lawyer and diplomat who served as Prime Minister of Sweden in the late 19th century. He was a friend and mentor of Nobel Prize winner Alfred Nobel. 6.orm Ludwig von Cles: orm Ludwig von Cles was a Swedish-American businessman and philanthropist. He is credited with many philanthropic works including the founding of the North American College Fund.