KLEIN

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Klein Family Name

The surname Klein, of German origin, is a well-established surname found among British families. It is derived from the Old German word 'klein', meaning small or little, and was often used as a nickname for someone of small stature or for the youngest member of a family. The Klein surname is common among Jewish families, particularly those of Ashkenazi descent, where it is often anglicised from the German original.

Historically, the Klein family name is thought to have been brought to Britain by German and Jewish immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries, settling mainly in urban areas such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham. Over time, many individuals bearing the surname Klein have made significant contributions to various fields, including academia, science, business, and the arts.

Today, the Klein surname can be found among diverse communities across the United Kingdom, symbolising the rich tapestry of British society shaped by immigration and cultural exchange. The surname continues to be proudly carried by many individuals, each contributing to the legacy and heritage associated with the Klein family name in Britain.

There are approximately 2,325 people named Klein in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,708th most common surname in Britain. Around 36 in a million people in Britain are named Klein.

Religion of origin: Jewish

Language of origin: Hebrew

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

Alexander
Anthony
Daniel
David
Michael
Paul
Peter
Philip
Richard
Robert

Female

Barbara
Carol
Danielle
Deborah
Elizabeth
Hannah
Jennifer
Karen
Leah
Linda
Nicola
Rebecca
Sarah
Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.