Origin of the surname Kleinstein

This is one of the most famous of all surnames of Germanic origins. It is a nickname, and is recorded in some fifty spellings ranging from Klein, Kleyn, and Cline, to De Cleyne, Kleinermann, and Klejna, and with many compounds such as Kleinbaum and Kleinhandler. However spelt the origination is pre 7th century a.d., and the derivation is from the words klein or kleyne meaning "small". In ancient times before the introduction of surnames in about the 12th century, nicknames, particulary those of endearment were very popular.

In this case the word was probably applied to the youngest member of a family, although it could also have applied to one of small stature or even the reverse! Pre-medieval humour was both robust and personalised, so "Klein" may on occasion have been a nickname for a large person! The surname is one of the first ever recorded anywhere, and early examples taken from the authentic German charters and registers of the period, confirm its popularity. These include Walthem der Kleine of Kassel in the year 1209, Kounrad Claineman of Oberschwaben in 1283, Conrad Klainer of Friedingen in 1424, and Johan Klainhain of Konstanz in 1469. The first known recording of the surname anywhere in the world is probably that of Herolt der Kleine from Wurzburg, Germany, in the charters of that city for the year 1185. Surnames throughout the world have continued to "develop" over the centuries. This often leads to spellings far from their original form.

The surname Kleinstein. Genealogy, origin, history, meaning, and significance

The history of the surname kleinstein is, like that of most surnames, a complex and fascinating journey to ancient times with the aim of unraveling the origin of kleinstein. The origin, the coat of arms or the different heraldic shields, and the bibliography in which the surname kleinstein is mentioned are part of this exciting investigation.

The surname Kleinstein around the world

It is common for surnames like kleinstein to become known in places far removed from their country or region of origin. Discover which ones. The list of countries with a higher presence of people with the surname kleinstein provides us with a perspective on the history of the surname, beyond its origins, focusing on its migrations.

History of Kleinstein

The historical journey of the surname kleinstein can be traced back to those who were the first bearers of kleinstein. For those like you, who are interested in the history hidden behind the surname kleinstein, it is essential to find all kinds of information, both direct and tangential, that helps to construct a solid narrative of how the birth and expansion of kleinstein developed.

You can visit us regularly to get more information about the origin of the surname kleinstein, as we frequently accept significant contributions from other individuals interested in heraldry and the history of surnames. We keep our website updated through our own research and also thanks to contributions from people like you, after verification; so if you have information about kleinstein and send it to us, we will update it on this website.

Notable Figures Named Kleinstein

Unfortunately, it's highly probable that not all kleinsteins who performed notable deeds have been included in historical chronicles and records. Sadly, not all the contributions of those who bore the surname kleinstein were recorded by the chroniclers of the time.

The surname Kleinstein and its bibliographic sources

It goes without saying that consulting bibliographic and documentary sources is essential when accessing information about the origins of the surname kleinstein. The origin, history, coat of arms or different coats of arms, and the heraldry of kleinstein are recorded in a wide variety of sources and documents that are essential to know for better compilation.

SOURCES

These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of kleinstein, and at the same time, of surnames in general.

Origin of Kleinstein