Klein Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Klein come from? What does the surname Klein mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Klein and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Klein Origin: What does the last name Klein mean?
The surname Klein is of German, Dutch, and Afrikaans origin, derived from the word meaning "small." It came to be used as a surname and has since passed into the names of places, concepts, and discoveries associated with bearers of this surname. According to YourRoots data, the earliest records of the surname Klein can be traced back to Germany in the early 15th century. Over time, the surname Klein spread to other countries, with a significant increase in records from the United States, suggesting an expansion into this region during the 18th century.
YourRoots data confirms the global presence of the Klein surname, with notable concentrations in the United States and Germany. The surname Klein has evolved over the centuries, reflecting a rich heritage and continuing to be prominent in various regions and cultures in the modern era. It remains common in both the United States and Germany, among other countries, showcasing its enduring legacy and widespread reach.
Klein Last Name History: Where did the last name Klein come from?
Origin of Klein Surname: Where does the last name Klein originate from?
Based on the YourRoots database, the earliest records of the surname Klein can be traced back to Germany during the early 15th century. Please note that this information pertains to the exact spelling "Klein" as recorded in the YourRoots data and might not include other potential sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Klein: What does the Klein surname history look like in the early days?
The "Klein" surname, as per YourRoots data, stayed primarily associated with Germany from the early 15th century through the 17th century. Over the centuries, it began to spread to other countries, with a notable increase in records from the United States, suggesting an expansion into this region during the 18th century.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Klein surname today?
By the 19th century, the volume of Klein records had significantly increased in the United States, surpassing Germany. This trend continued into the 20th century, indicating a shift in the concentration of the Klein surname towards the United States. Today, the Klein surname remains common in both the United States and Germany, among other countries, reflecting its global spread over the centuries.
Explore Klein last name heritage and Klein surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Klein Surame?
Ezra Klein
Ezra Matthew Klein (May 9, 1984 - ) is an American liberal political commentator, journalist, and podcast host. He co-founded Vox, a popular explanatory news website, and served as its editor-in-chief before joining The New York Times as a columnist. Klein is known for his in-depth analysis on domestic policy issues and has published a book titled "Why We're Polarized." He has also been a regular contributor to Bloomberg News and MSNBC, where he has provided political commentary on various shows. Klein's work in journalism and media has earned him a significant following and recognition in the industry.
Ethan Klein
Ethan Edward Klein (born Jun 25, 1985) is an American-Israeli YouTuber and podcaster known for his popular H3 Podcast. Alongside his wife Hila, he gained fame through their YouTube channel h3h3Productions. Klein's witty commentary and reaction videos on social issues garnered a large following. He is also the founder of the clothing brand Teddy Fresh. Klein's humorous and candid approach to content creation has made him a prominent figure in the online entertainment world.
Naomi Klein
Naomi Klein (May 8, 1970 - ) is a Canadian author, social activist, and filmmaker known for her political analyses and criticism of corporate globalization, fascism, and capitalism. She gained international recognition with her book "No Logo" (1999) and documentary "The Take" (2004) about workers' self-managed factories in Argentina. Klein's work includes "The Shock Doctrine" (2007) and "This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate" (2014). She is a UBC Professor in Climate Justice and co-director of the Centre for Climate Justice. Klein's family has a history of peace activism, and she is married to Avi Lewis, a TV journalist and documentary filmmaker. Together, they have a son named Toma.
Joost Klein
Joost Klein (November 10, 1997) is a Dutch musician, rapper, and singer known as Joost. He gained fame on YouTube before transitioning to a successful music career. His unique blend of hip hop and electronic influences has earned him multiple chart-topping albums and hit singles in the Netherlands. Klein's collaborations with international artists have further expanded his global reach. Despite facing controversies, his talent and creativity continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
Abel Klein
Abel Klein (January 16, 1945 - ) is a Brazilian-American mathematician known for his expertise in mathematical physics and random Schrödinger operators for disordered systems. Klein received his PhD from MIT and has been a full professor at the University of California, Irvine since 1982. His research focuses on understanding the behavior of electrons in mediums with random impurities, shedding light on the transition from insulating to metallic regions. With over 120 articles published, Klein was elected a Fellow of the American Mathematical Society in 2012, solidifying his contributions to the field.
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