Surname Klocker - Meaning and Origin
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Klocker: What does the surname Klocker mean?
The last name Klocker is a German toponymic name derived from a place name that likely referred to a person who lived or worked near or at a small town, village or farmstead named Klocker. The place name itself is derived from the Middle High German word “klocher,” meaning “hut,” “cottage” or “building.”
The earliest documented use of the name Klocker dates back to 1548, when Balthaser Klocker was living in Eichstaett, Bavaria. However, many variants of the name Klocker are also documented, including Klöcker, Klocher, Clocker and Lockar.
Klocker is a fairly common surname, especially in south-eastern German-speaking areas such as Bavaria, where it is the 8th most common surnames with over 3,000 people listed with this name in Germany. It is also common in the United States, with over 2,000 people listed with this name in the 2020 US Census.
This name is often associated with traditional German outdoor activities, as it is believed to refer to a place where tools related to such activities were kept or stored. As such, Klocker may be associated with people of rural background who typically spend their time outdoors, such as farmers, hunters, or craftspeople. Additionally, this name may have a association with curiosity and exploration due to the sense of adventure that likely came with travelling to visit the original Klocker.
Order DNA origin analysisKlocker: Where does the name Klocker come from?
The last name Klocker is most common in Germany today, but can also be found in other countries across Europe, such as Austria and Switzerland. Klocker is derived from a German root word meaning ‘locksmith’, indicating an occupation in the past.
Klocker is also found in the United States, particularly in the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Nebraska, and in Canada in provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec. These locations likely reflect areas where German-speaking immigrants settled in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
In the 2000 US Census, the Klocker name was most common in Minnesota and Nebraska. The Klocker name is also listed in that census as being one of the top 1,000 surnames in the United States, with about 1,400 people bearing this surname.
The Klocker surname is particularly prevalent in the city of Twin Falls, Idaho. A local historical society classifies Klocker as one of the five most common surnames in Twin Falls. The Klocker family is also said to be the third-memorial historical family in Twin Falls County.
In total, Klocker is a relatively rare last name, but it has strong connections to the countries of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, in addition to its prevalence in the United States and Canada.
Variations of the surname Klocker
The surname Klocker has numerous variations, spellings and surname forms which all trace back to the same origin and meaning.
Klocker is an occupational surname that was originally used to describe the occupation of a locksmith. Variations of this surname are Klocher, Kloeckner, Klocker, Kloppner, and Klopp.
In Germany, record keepers during the 18th century often recorded surnames in the Latinized form, hence variations of the surname as Klockerus, Klockerius, Klockers and Klockersus were also commonly found.
In the United States, the common variations of Klocker are Klocke, Klockere, Klocher, Klocker, and Klockers. There are also a few localized variations specific to different areas such as Klocken Richmond in New York state.
The name is also found in many other countries including the Netherlands, Spain, England, Poland, Hungary, and Russia. In these countries Klocker is spelled Klokker, Klokar, Klokarz, Kloke, Klokers, and Klucker, respectively.
Overall, the global surname Klocker has seen numerous variations in spelling over the centuries, but it still carries with it the same meaning as it did in the past; that of an occupational locksmith.
Famous people with the name Klocker
- Peter Klocker: Austrian slalom canoeist who competed in the ICF Slalom World Championships and European Championships.
- Carl Klocker: Australian athlete who competed in the 1908 Summer Olympics, where he won a bronze medal in the 3500m team race.
- Raymond Klocker: Belgian footballer and manager who spent most of his playing career with Anderlecht.
- James Klocker: former Major League Baseball player who appeared in 166 games for the St. Louis Cardinals between 1976 and 1978.
- Ryan Klocker: professional wrestler best known as one half of the tag team Blondes Have More Fun with Mark Sterling.
- Joseph Lux Klocker: American World War I flying ace credited with shooting down six German planes.
- Elisabeth Klocker: German operatic soprano and opera director.
- Pat Klocker: American skier who competed in the 1980 Winter Olympics.
- John Klocker: American stock car driver who raced in the Nationwide Series from 1981 to 1985.
- Franz Klocker: Austrian Sound Engineer and Musician.