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Klein

♂ Boy

Pronounced KLYNE /ˈklaɪn/High

Meaning: From German klein, 'small, little' (originally a surname/nickname for a small person)Low

In 30 seconds: Small; little: Klein is German for 'small'. Crisp, distinguished, and warm (said 'KLYNE').

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Origin LowGerman

MeaningFrom German klein, 'small, little' (originally a surname/nickname for a small person)

U.S. rank (2025)#5506 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births17 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2013

Total births (all-time)≈ 370

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Klein comes from German klein, 'small, little' — originally a surname or nickname for a small person. A crisp, distinguished surname-name (also the fashion name Calvin Klein; nickname Kly).

In the U.S. it appears as a surname-name. Rare as a first name, small-and-little at the root, and distinguished.

Did you know? Klein means 'small, little' in German (originally a surname for a small person) — a crisp, distinguished one-syllable surname-name (said 'KLYNE').

Overall data confidence 55%

References — Klein — German etymology

Variations

KlineCline

Nicknames

Kly

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Klein…

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Reid— a companion short surname boys' name

Crew— another short modern surname boys' name

Rein— a fellow German choice

Harvin— shares Klein's German roots

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Klein mean?

Klein is German for 'small, little' (originally a surname for a small person).

How do you pronounce Klein?

It's said KLYNE /ˈklaɪn/ — one syllable.

Is Klein a boy or girl name?

Klein is a boy's name.

How popular is Klein?

Klein is a very rare name in the U.S.