Surname Cleiss - Meaning and Origin

Cleiss: What does the surname Cleiss mean?

The last name Cleiss originated in Germany and is derived from the Latin word “claesius”, which means “cute” or “pleasant”. This surname has also adopted variants such as Klas and Kloeze.

The surname Cleiss was most likely taken on as a nickname for somebody who was known for being easy-going or sweet; A quality valued highly during the Middle Ages. This surname is considered to be quite rare.

The earliest documented instance of the Cleiss surname dates back to 1458 in Berlin, Germany. Today, the Cleiss surname is most prevalent in both Germany and the United States.

The spelling of the Cleiss surname varies among different cultures and countries, as many people adapted it to suit their country’s linguistic pronunciation. Variations of the name Cleiss appear in many forms, including Claesz, Klausz, Kleis, Klaiss and Kleiss.

Despite its rarity and its varied spellings, the Cleiss surname is still held up with honor in some countries. It is considered to be part of a distinct and noble tradition. It is seen as a representation of its original roots; fondness, sweetness, pleasantness and ease.

Cleiss: Where does the name Cleiss come from?

The last name Cleiss is common in countries throughout Europe. The name is most common in Germany, with openabout 0.8% of the population bearing the name. The Netherlands is also a relatively common place for people with the last name Cleiss, with about 0.008% of the population having the name. Cleiss can also be found in Austria and Switzerland, each making up about 0.008% of the population.

The name Cleiss is not traditionally found in the United States, but can be found throughout North America, especially among the Dutch immigrant population. In Canada, it makes up approximately 0.002% of the population, most of which is found in Ontario.

Overall, the last name Cleiss can be found in various countries throughout Europe, specifically in Germany and the Netherlands, as well as in Canada and the United States. The name is not particularly common, however, with the global population of Cleisss making up about 0.012% of the world's population.

Variations of the surname Cleiss

The surname Cleiss is of ancient German origin, and is derived from the Middle High German name ‘Kleis’. It is an occupational name derived from the German word ‘klīs’, meaning ‘lock’ or ‘latch’. This suggests that the original bearer of the surname worked as a locksmith, or manufactured locks and latches. The surname is found throughout Europe, and has numerous variants including Kleiss, Klais, Klayss, Klause, Klauss, Klese, Klys, and Kleisz.

The modern spelling of Cleiss is most commonly found in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, while the other variants are more common to the Netherlands, Belgium and parts of France. Surnames which are derived from Cleiss, but developed independently include Kloss, Closs, Klaus, Claas, Claus, and others.

In the United States, the spelling of Cleiss has become simplified over time, and some variants such as Claes, Klaus, and Klote are no longer used. The modern spelling is now generally pronounced as “kleess”, and can be found in both English and German-speaking communities. It is most common in Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio where German immigrants settled in the 1700’s.

Famous people with the name Cleiss

• Stanislas Cleiss: a French doctor and creator of the term ‘malthusianism’.
• Selina Cleiss: a German professional basketball player.
• Matthias Cleiss: a German professional snowboarder.
• Stefan Cleiss: a German composer and conductor.
• Werner Cleiss: an Austrian zoological author.
• Théodore Cleiss: a French journalist and writer.
• Walter Cleiss: an Austrian cyclist.
• Vincent Cleiss: a French footballer.
• Christophe Cleiss: a French rugby union player.
• Charles Cleiss: a French politician.
• Alfred Cleiss: a German industrialist.
• Marie-Noelle Cleiss: a French skier.
• Ignace Cleiss: a Swiss theologian and philologist.
• Elisabeth Cleiss: an Austrian former alpine skier.
• Jim Cleiss: an American football coach.
• Pierre-Joseph Cleiss: a French historian and political scientist.
• Anne Cleiss: a French fashion designer and businesswoman.
• Franz Cleiss: an Austrian photographer and artist.
• Charles-François Cleiss: a French art historian.
• Joanna Cleiss: a French actress.

Other surnames

Cleis