Surname Klugman - Meaning and Origin

Klugman: What does the surname Klugman mean?

The last name Klugman is of German origin and is derived from the German word 'klug' which means 'clever'. It was originally given to someone with a reputation for being intelligent, analytical or wise. In the Middle Ages, when it was common for professions to be passed down from fathers to sons, those bearing the surname were often engaged in occupations associated with intelligence, knowledge or problem solving. These often included being a scribe, scholar, teacher, doctor or lawyer.

The name Klugman is known for having been borne by many notable individuals throughout history, including the well-known American character actor Jack Klugman, and the prominent writer and professor Arnold Klugman. During the 19th century, the name was particularly common among German immigrants in the United States, prompting some members of the family to Anglicize their name to be more palatable to the American populace.

Today, the name Klugman is still widely seen throughout the world, particularly in Germany and other countries with German heritage. It is seen as reflective of intelligence, astuteness and wit. As history has shown, those bearing the name are often capable of great accomplishments.

Klugman: Where does the name Klugman come from?

Klugman is a surname of Ashkenazi Jewish origin. It is primarily found in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Israel. In the United States, the highest concentration of citizens with this surname can be found in New York, California, and Florida, as well as in the Midwest states of Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan.

Due to the large record of Jewish immigrants in the late 19th to early 20th century, America has the highest number of people with the Klugman surname. In the UK, the last name is most commonly found in London, as well as in Birmingham and Manchester.

In Israel, the name has become popularized due to the influx of Jewish immigrants coming from Eastern Europe in the late 19th to early 20th century. Today, there are more than 17,000 people with the Klugman surname living in Israel.

The Klugman name is also prevalent in countries around the world such as Canada, South Africa, Australia, and even in Mexico. Due to the diaspora of Jews, the last name can be found in many places around the world.

Variations of the surname Klugman

The Klugman surname is most often found amongst Jews from a German-speaking background and derives from either the German word “klog” or from an abbreviation of the phrase, “Kleiner Kluger Mann,” meaning “little clever man.” Variants and spellings of the surname include Kligman, Kluger, Clugman, Klügmann and Klögmann.

Surnames that have a similar origin or sound and are thought to be associated with the Klugman surname include Klugham, Klughem, Klegerman, Klegan, Klugheim, Klegmann, Kloogman, Kliugman, Klöhmann, Clugmann, Klughmann, Klugmane, Kliugmen, Klugmayr, and Klugmeier.

The surname Klugman is most commonly found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, Poland, Latvia, the Czech Republic, Belarus, Russia, and the United States.

Variants of Klugman have been adapted in other languages, including the Polish form "Kługman," the Hebrew form "קלוגמן" (kluhg-MAHN), the Russian form "Kлугман," and the Lithuanian form "Klugamanas".

In some cases, the surname "Klugman" has been changed or altered to other surnames. Examples include Claman, Klugh, Kług, Klous, Kline, Klein, Kling, Klint, Kleinman, Klintman, Klinsky, Klinger, Kliem, Klukowski, and Klimke.

Famous people with the name Klugman

• Jason Klugman: American film and television actor
• Tony Klugman: American actor
• Alan Klugman: British singer
• Jack Klugman: American television, film, and stage actor
• Quincy Klugman: American actor and playwright
• Hal Klugman: American theater producer
• Rebecca Klugman: American artist and children's book author
• John Klugman: American opera singer
• David Klugman: American doctor
• Joshua Klugman: American comic book writer and editor

Other surnames

Klugmann