Surname Klingenschmid - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
Klingenschmid: What does the surname Klingenschmid mean?
The last name Klingenschmid is German, and it comes from the word ‘klingen’ which means ‘ringing’ in English. The name literally translates as ‘the sound of a bell’ in English, and was thought to have originally referred to an individual who lived near a bell. It could also refer to a bell-maker or worker in a bell tower.
The Klingenschmid name is quite rare and is present in only a few places around the world. In Germany it is mostly found in the regions of Bavaria and Baden-Wurttemberg. It is also found in Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and the United States.
The name Klingenschmid has a long history in Germany and has origins that date back to the Middle Ages. Individuals who were given the surname were thought to be associated with bells; their family would have either been engaged in the manufacture or sale of bells or they may have been the keepers of bells that rang to signal church services or to call people to arms.
The Klingenschmid name is full of history and culture, and it is interesting to note that, even after so many centuries, it has been preserved and is still present in some parts of the world.
Order DNA origin analysisKlingenschmid: Where does the name Klingenschmid come from?
The last name Klingenschmid is most commonly found throughout Central and South-Eastern Europe. Areas where this surname is most prevalent include Austria, Switzerland, and Germany. It is also found in notable numbers in Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Croatia.
According to records found in Austria, the Klingenschmid family arrived in the country in the 18th century, and is likely originally from Bavaria. The family was clearly of humble origins, as records indicate that at the time of their arrival various members of the family were employed in occupations such as journeymen and labourers. The Klingenschmid family eventually made their way to Styria, where some of their descendants can still be found today.
The exact origin of the name itself is unknown, although it is thought to be derived from Middle High German terms meaning ‘Knife Smith’ or ‘Sword Manson’. It is also assumed that the owners of this surname were once skilled craftsmen who worked with metal to create various weapons and tools for their communities.
Today, the Klingenschmid surname is still present all across various Central and South-Eastern European countries. Despite the passage of time and the many social and political changes that have occurred in the region during the last two hundred years, the name has held up remarkably well throughout the region, particularly in Styria and Austria.
Variations of the surname Klingenschmid
The Klingenschmid surname has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. One of the more common spellings of this surname is Klingensmith. Other versions include Klingensmieder, Klingenschmied, Klingsmith, Klingenschmieder, Klingenschmidt, Klinger, Klingler, and Klingenberger.
In many parts of Germany, the Klingenschmied and Klingensmith variations are still prevalent. The alternative Klinger can be found in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. In many parts of Germany, Klingenschmidt is the most commonly used spelling.
In Australia and America, Klinger is the most commonly used form of the surname, as many German immigrants to those countries during the 19th century had this spelling. Additionally, Klingler is a common variant in North America, especially the United States, where it is spelled variously as Klingler, Kingler, or Klingeler.
Other variants of Klingenschmid found around the globe include Klyngerschmid, Klingerischmid, Klynschmidt, Klinkerschmitt, Klinkschmidt, Klinkerschmid, Klynschmidt, Klinkerschmid, and Klinkeschmid.
In both German and American records, Klingenschmid may also have been anglicized to Kling or Klinch. This is the same surname as Klinkschmidt, Klyschmidt, Klytschmidt and Kleinschmidt. As well as Klingenschmid, these spellings may also be found in German records.
In summary, Klingenschmid has many spellings, variants, and surnames derived from the same origin. Depending on where in the world one looks, Germanic spellings and anglicized versions can be found in abundance.
Famous people with the name Klingenschmid
- Luke Klingenschmid: Luke is a professional ice hockey forward who is currently playing for Elmira Enforcers in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL).
- Johannes Klingenschmid: Johannes is an Austrian ski jumper who competed in the 1992 Winter Olympics, placed 9th in the normal hill event.
- Gina Maria Klingenschmid: Gina is a professional Austrian snowboarder who has competed in the FIS Snowboard World Cup since 2008.
- Matthias Klingenschmid: Matthias is an Austrian former footballer who played as a defender at the top level for clubs like 1. FC Nuremberg, AS Monaco FC and SC Wiener Neustadt.
- Stephan Klingenschmid: Stephan is a German football midfielder who has played for clubs like Aston Villa, TSV 1860 Munich, and SVW Stuttgart.
- Manuela Klingenschmid: Manuela is a professional Austrian alpine skier who competed in the 2006-07 World Cup.
- Franzi Klingenschmid: Franzi is an Austrian skeleton racer who competed in the 2019 World Cup.
- Dominic Klingenschmid: Dominic is an Austrian para-alpine skier, who has represented Austria in international competitions since 2011.
- Johann Klingenschmid: Johann is a former Austrian ice hockey goaltender who played for clubs like AS Keramik Wien and SC Wibcam 06.