What does the surname Klein mean?

The surname Klein means "A small person in stature.". It is of German origin.

How common is the Klein surname?

There are approximately 620,000 people with the surname Klein in the United States.

Are there Klein soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 757 soldiers with the Klein surname appear in Civil War records.

Klein

Descriptive

Meaning

A small person in stature.

Etymology

Derived from the Middle High German 'klein,' meaning small. The adjective was used as a descriptive surname to distinguish individuals by their physical size.

About the Klein Surname

Klein is a straightforward descriptive surname based on small stature. Such size-based surnames were practical in medieval communities for identifying individuals.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 620,000 bearers in the United States #118 most common surname

Rare Common

Common throughout German-speaking regions, with relatively even distribution across different areas.

Klein Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

J.H. Klein

Commander

Julius Klein

Assistant Secretary

Quick Facts

Origin: German
Classification: Descriptive
Estimated Bearers: 620,000

War Records

757 soldiers with the Klein surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →