Surname Cläs - Meaning and Origin
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Cläs: What does the surname Cläs mean?
The last name Cläs is of German origin and is derived from the Latin word "classem" which means class or division. In some parts of Germany, Cläs is also a common occupational surname, indicating that the original bearer of the name was either a member of the clergy, a government official, or a soldier.
During the Medieval period, when everyone in Europe belonged to one of three social classes - the nobility, the clergy, or the commoners - the name Cläs derived from class or division is thought to have been adopted by those who were part of the ruling class. It is believed that over time, those who belonged to the same group of people - such as a family, a guild, or a religious order - began to use the same family name.
Today, Cläs is a common last name found in Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, and other parts of Europe. It is also found in America, where immigrants brought it with them when they settled in the United States and Canada. In America, many people use the spelling Claas instead of Cläs.
The surname Cläs is an important reminder of how the social structure of Europe changed over the centuries, and how it's legacy has been passed down through time. No matter where it is used, the name symbolises the importance of having a strong sense of belonging to a particular group.
Order DNA origin analysisCläs: Where does the name Cläs come from?
The last name Cläs is commonly found in Germany and other parts of Europe. It is an occupational surname, derived from the Middle High German "Kläs," meaning "clerk" or "scribe." This was an important role in medieval societies, and many families took on the name as a sign of status and honor.
In Germany, Cläs is most common in the North Rhine-Westphalia region. It is also found in Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Czech Republic, and Poland. Cläs is particularly widespread in the Catholic regions of Bavaria and Franconia, where variants of the name such as Cloez, Klaes, Kleez, Klein, Clair, and Cleer can be found.
Today, Cläs is still a common German surname, though it is not as widespread as it once was. It is still found across Europe, as earlier generations of Cläs families have spread around the world. Examples of famous people who have borne the name Cläs include German composer Johann Philipp Cläs, 17th century French musician Jean Cläs, and modern-day author Philip Cläs.
Variations of the surname Cläs
The surname Cläs is derived from the Old German word “Klaas”, meaning “victory of the people”. This common surname can have nearly two dozen spelling variants, as well as numerous underlying surnames.
The most common spelling variants of Cläs are Claes, Claess, Claus, Klaes, Klaess, Klaess, Klaess, and Klaess. There are also other variants such as Klas, Kläs, Klass, Klays, Kless, and Kloos.
Various surnames can be derived from Cläs, including Claessen, Caessen, Claesen, Claxten, Klaessen, Caessen, Klaesen, Klaxten, Claston, and Klaston. The surnames Cleston and Caleston are also derived from the same base.
Other surnames connected to Cläs include Claesz, Claeszoon, Clausz, Clauszoon, Klaesz, Klaeszoon, Klaesz, and Klaeszoon. Commonly seen surnames based on this same origin include Glaes, Glaus, Glaesz, Glaeszoon, Glausz, and Glauszoon.
In Scandinavian countries, most spelling variants are preceded by “N”. Thus variants such as NCläs, NClaes, NClaess, NClaus, NKlaes, NKlaess, NKlaesz, and NKlaess are seen regularly. Some less common Scandinavian spelling variants such as NClaessen and NClaesen are also found.
Finally Cläs is occasionally combined with other surnames like -Denn, -scheerd, -sepp, and -van. Such linked surnames seen occasionally include Claessen-Den, Claesen-Scheerd, Klaesz-Sepp, and Klaess-Van.
Famous people with the name Cläs
- Bernhard Cläs: German Director and Screenwriter
- Bernd Cläs: German environmental scientist
- Burkhard Cläs: German computer scientist and author
- Christian Cläs: German table tennis player
- Gert Cläs: German journalist and author
- Harry Cläs: German law academic
- Johann Cläs: Swiss theologian and pastor
- Johannes Cläs: German conductor and composer
- Klaus Cläs: German chemist
- Klaus-Dieter Cläs: German politician
- Michael Cläs: German cyclist
- Raimund Cläs: German sculptor
- Rotraud Cläs: German Paralympic athlete
- Sigrid Cläs: German actress
- Stefan Cläs: German artist and painter
- Wilhelm Cläs: German physicist and astronomer