Surname Closs - Meaning and Origin
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Closs: What does the surname Closs mean?
The surname Closs is of Scottish origin and is derived from a parish named Closs in Ayrshire County, located on the southwest coast of Scotland. This location-based surname, like many other Scottish names, originated from the habitational name of the person's place of residence or from a significant landmark or feature close to their home. The term "Closs" itself has associations with the Middle English word 'close' which often referred to an enclosed area or a courtyard found within a castle. The surname also has variations such as Clos, Cloys, and Clous in different regions. It is important to note that surnames can have multiple roots and meanings based on different cultures and languages, and it's advisable to trace individual family histories for a more accurate understanding.
Order DNA origin analysisCloss: Where does the name Closs come from?
The surname Closs is thought to be of German origin. It is likely derived from the name Klaus, a vernacular form of the name Nicholas which means "people's victory". It may have originated as a nickname for a person who was born on Saint Nicholas' Day or as an occupational name for a person who played the role of Saint Nicholas during the mid-winter festivities. In some cases, this surname may be associated with a topographic feature, from the Middle High German "kloz" meaning "enclosure" or "closed area".
In Germany, the surname Closs is more commonly found in regions such as Baden-Württemberg and Bayern (Bavaria). It is also found in countries where there has been significant German immigration like the United States and Canada. The surname can also be found, albeit in fewer numbers, in countries like France, Denmark, and Brazil.
It is important to note that, while the name has Germanic origins, variations of the name may be found in other cultures. Like many surnames, prevalence can change over time due to migration, intermarriage, and other societal fluctuations.
Variations of the surname Closs
The surname Closs is mainly derived from Scottish and English origins and different variations or spellings can be traced back to the medieval period. Alternative spellings or variations of the surname can include: Close, Clohs, Clohse, Cloace, Clows, Clowse, and Claus.
There is also a possibility of finding the name in different forms in other languages such as Kloss in German, or Klaus, which is common in many European countries including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. These variations can be due to a different pronunciation, regional dialects, or a variation in spelling practices over the centuries.
Some surnames may actually be a locational surname, meaning it was derived from a particular place. A good example could be the surname de Close from the 12th century, which may suggest a family that lived near a closed space or an enclosed piece of land.
Surnames with similar sounding or spelling to Closs, such as Cross, Kross, or Clouse, may or may not have the same origin. An expert genealogical study will be needed to confirm their relationship with the surname Closs.
Remember that surnames were often spelled phonetically in ancient records, hence various versions of the names can be expected.
Famous people with the name Closs
- Jayme Closs: A teenage girl who became nationally known in the United States after she was kidnapped following the murder of her parents, later escaping and leading to the capture of her abductor.
- Michael Closs: An athlete who plays for the New Jersey Ironmen, in the Major League Soccer in the United States. There appears to be very few 'famous' individuals with the family name Closs, as it is relatively rare. There may be others with the surname who are known within their professional or personal communities, but for purposes of general recognition, the list is fairly limited.