Origin & Meaning of the Kleist Surname
What does the last name Kleist mean?
The surname Kleist 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 1,532 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kleist ranks as the #18,166 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kleist come from?
The Kleist 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 Kleist name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kleist 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 | Kleist |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #18,166 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,532 |
| Per 100K People | 0.52 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kleist
According to the US Census, the Kleist surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,532 Americans with the Kleist last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 96.08% |
| Hispanic | 2.09% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.85% |
| Two or More Races | 0.72% |
Popularity of Kleist Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kleist surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kleist surname increased by 47 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Kleist
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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 Kleist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kleist
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