Surname Clefisch - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'C'
Clefisch: What does the surname Clefisch mean?
The last name Clefisch is a German surname derived from the word "clefisch," a dialect word which means "keymaker." The families who adopted this name were most likely involved in the crafting of keys as locksmiths. This occupation was highly important before the invention of modern access control systems, as keys were an essential part of any security system.
Clefisch may also be indicative of someone who was involved in the music industry. The German term translates literally to "key-maker," referring to someone who can craft musical instruments or tune them. It is possible that some people who adopted this surname were actually musical instrument makers or tuners, although this theory is less likely.
The Clefisch surname is most heavily concentrated in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, where about 12,000 Germans bear the name. The name is also present in the United States, where it has been present since the mid 1800s when German immigration increased.
Whether they are related to locksmiths or to tuners, the Clefisch surname is a relatively rare one. Its history is interesting and full of possibilities, but unfortunately there is not much more known about its origin.
Order DNA origin analysisClefisch: Where does the name Clefisch come from?
The surname Clefisch is primarily found in Germany. It is believed to have originated in the Rhineland-Palatinate area, where it is still the most common today. The name has a long history in the region, dating back to the Middle Ages, when the first recorded records of the Clefisch family can be found.
The name is also found in some parts of Austria, mainly the states of Salzburg and Tyrol. It is believed to have been introduced by settlers from Germany, who would have come into the region following the German migration in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Clefisch is also a familiar name in Switzerland, particularly in the north, in Basel and Zurich. It is believed that the family either came to Switzerland to escape religious persecution, or that they were forced to leave Germany for economic reasons.
Today, Clefisch is still a popular surname in Germany, particularly in the North Rhine-Westphalia region. It is spread out across the other German states as well, but is most common in the north and central regions. It is also seen in some parts of Austria, primarily in Salzburg and Tyrol, and to a lesser extent in Switzerland.
Variations of the surname Clefisch
Clefisch is a surname with a few variants, spellings, and names with the same origin.
The most common variant of Clefisch is Klefisch, which is derived from the German word 'klefisch', meaning 'key'. This variant is also found in Denmark, Sweden, and Finland.
Another variant is Kleefisch, which is the Low German version of the name. This name is also found in northern Germany, Netherlands, and Belgium.
Other variants include Clifisch and Klufisch. Clifisch is derived from an Old German word 'clifisc', which means 'key'. Klufisch is the modern German version of the name and is also found in Austria and Switzerland.
Another variant of the name is Cleefisch, which is derived from the Low German word 'cleefisch', meaning 'key'.
Surnames with the same origin as Clefisch include Klauss, Clöse, Kleinschmidt, and Klefsch. In Dutch, the surname can be translated to Klaassen, Kleefisch, and Kloofsch.
Overall, Clefisch is a versatile surname with several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Most variants are found in Northern Europe due to the fact that it has its roots in German.
Famous people with the name Clefisch
- Christophe Cléisch: Swiss lawyer and Francophone politician
- Dieter Cléfisch: German former professional footballer
- Klaas Cléfisch: Dutch professional water polo player
- Judith Cléfisch: Dutch professional racing cyclist
- Alexander Cléfisch: German professional rower
- Harm Cléfisch: Dutch journalist and television host
- Moritz Cléfisch: German film director, screenwriter and film producer
- Max Cléfisch: German footballer and manager