Surname Clesse - Meaning and Origin

Clesse: What does the surname Clesse mean?

Clesse is a French surname with origins stemming from the Latin word “claustrum”, which itself originates from the Greek word “kleistos”, meaning locked or closed. The phrase implies a sense of solitude and security; a hidden away, sacred space.

Clesse is believed to have come into use from the Latin name “de Clusio”, a topographical surname derived from locations like “Lecluse” near Roubaix in the Nord region of France. This last name would have been inherited by people that owned property in or near such locations, as did their descendants.

The surname itself is composed of two elements, “cla” and “esse”, which mean closed and house, respectively. Together, the phrase suggests a sense of security and protection; a lifestyle of rural solitude, away from urban life and daily hustle.

Clesse is seen to be a name of status and standing, bred from generations of well-off families and aristocrats. Amongst other relatives, a single branch of the Clesse family - the “de Clesse de Watonville” - is known to have held several titles of nobility.

In recent times, the last name Clesse continues to remain a reflection of class and high-status. It is a name that has been, and continues to be, associated with a legacy of respect and honour throughout generations of French nobility.

Clesse: Where does the name Clesse come from?

The last name Clesse is most commonly found in the country of Belgium, which fits into the broader region of Western Europe. It is believed that the Clesse surname originated in the ancient region of Hainaut, which extends across the current Belgian cities of Hainaut and Namur.

Based on records from the late 19th century, the highest concentration of the Clesse surname was found in areas surrounding the city of Charleroi, particularly Brabant Wallon and Hainaut. The frequency of this surname decreased in subsequent years, but it remains popular in certain towns and villages across Belgium.

In areas of northwest France, the Clesse name has been taken up as a form of the French surname Classe. Traditionally found in Brittany and Anjou, this name is derived from the Old French word Clais, meaning branch.

The name Clesse is also encountered in Switzerland, where it is generally thought to be a regional variant of the surname Clèss. Primarily found in the canton of Vaud, this name likely has its origins in the Old High German word Klitem, which is related to the Latin clavis, meaning key.

The Clesse name has much fewer occurrences outside of Belgium, France, and Switzerland. This is, in part, due to generations of emigration from these countries to places such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. Therefore, although it is less common today, the last name Clesse remains quite well known in several countries around the world.

Variations of the surname Clesse

The surname Clesse is believed to have German and Dutch origins. It is also spelled as Clesen, Kleiss, and Klejs. In German, the surname is spelled as Klöss and Kleiss. Common variants and spelling variations include Clase, Class, Classe, Clasz, Klesse, Kless, Kloß or Kloss, Kluss, Kleus, Klessen and Klüss.

In German, the surname is believed to have originated from the Old German personal name “Klaus” which is derived from the Latin form “Nicholaus”. The name is composed of the words “kleo” (“to beat”) and “laos” (“people”). Therefore, it means “one who subdues the people”. It could possibly have been applied to one who excelled in some military or political capacity, or was a leader among his family or people.

The Dutch roots of the surname derive from the medieval word “clausen” meaning “locksmith”. A locksmith was someone who was proficient in making and repairing locks. Since this was a relatively important and prestigious job, the name was often used as a surname by the family of the locksmith.

Clesse could also be a shortened form of the Italian surname, “Dellaclesse”. This surname originated from the medieval phrase “de la Classe” which translates literally to “of the class”. It’s believed that the name was given to a noble family who was born into a noble social class.

Overall, the surname Clesse is believed to have German and Dutch origins, with many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin.

Famous people with the name Clesse

• Claude Clesse: French film director, credited with several films including the 2014 comedy-drama The Wall, and the 2018 documentary Defaite, a socio-political look at France's secret role in World War II.
• Jean-Jacques Clesse: Belgian actor, known for his roles in the award-winning drama The Witnesses and the dystopian film This is Life.
• Alain Clesse: French sculptor, who creates art from scrap metals and wood. His sculptures have been displayed in galleries around the world, including at the Museum of Modern Art in Paris and the Guggenheim Museum in New York City.
• Jean-Claude Clesse: French singer and songwriter, known for his distinctive and passionate voice. He has released several albums since 2008, and has collaborated with many other musicians including Chilly Gonzales and Franz Ferdinand.
• Paule Clesse: French playwright and theatre director, active since the 1970s. She is particularly known for her experimental productions, and has won multiple awards for her work.
• Thierry Clesse: French actor, starred in the television series Generation X and the films Le Jour du Soleil and La Danse du Dragibus.
• Robert Clesse: French painter and sculptor, known for his abstract works. His drawings and sculptures have been exhibited in numerous galleries around the world, and he has published a book of his work.
• Anne-Marie Clesse: French actress, known for her roles in the series Summertime and the films Sleeping Beauty and The Lover.
• Jean-Michel Clesse: French film director, most noted for the 2012 film La Belle Mormon which won several awards including the Jury Prize at the 2012 Locarno International Film Festival.
• Philippe Clesse: French photographer, credited with photographing some of the most iconic landscapes and images in the world, including a series shot for National Geographic.

Other surnames

Cless