Kline

Meaning and origin

The last name Kline has its origins in Germany, specifically in the region of Bavaria. Derived from the Middle High German word "kline," meaning small or little, it was likely used as a nickname for someone of short stature or a smaller stature compared to others in their community. Over time, this nickname evolved into a hereditary surname, becoming Kline.

The longer story

The last name Kline is of German origin and is a variant spelling of the surname Klein. The name Klein comes from the Middle High German word "klein" which means "small" or "little." It is a descriptive occupational surname that was often given to someone of small stature or a person who held a position of importance, such as a village headman or a guild master.

The surname Kline has its roots in medieval Germany and can be traced back to the 14th century. During this time period, surnames were becoming more common and were often based on a person's occupation, physical characteristics, or a combination of both.

Kline is a fairly common surname in the United States, with a significant number of individuals bearing this name. It is particularly prevalent in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana, which were areas of high German immigration in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.