Origin & Meaning of the Klein Surname
What does the last name Klein mean?
The surname Klein carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 81,471 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Klein ranks as the #392 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Klein come from?
The Klein surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Klein name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Klein trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Klein |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #392 |
| US Count (2010) | 81,471 |
| Per 100K People | 27.62 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Klein
According to the US Census, the Klein surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 81,471 Americans with the Klein last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 95.41% |
| Black | 0.32% |
| Hispanic | 2.3% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.6% |
| Native American | 0.23% |
| Two or More Races | 1.13% |
Popularity of Klein Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Klein surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Klein surname increased by 1,786 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Klein
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Klein.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Klein.
Frequently Asked Questions About Klein
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