Holding steady, #5,399 for boys today.
Popularity of Klein since 1984
Babies named Klein per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 21 |
| 1990s | 47 |
| 2000s | 73 |
| 2010s | 145 |
| 2020s | 84 |
Meaning & origin
Klein is a rare given name, typically of German origin, meaning 'small' or 'little'. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1984 and reached its peak popularity in 2013, though it has never been common. In 2025, it ranked 5,399, with about 1 in 100,475 boys receiving the name. The name is stable in usage, with no clear regional concentration in top states. As a transferred surname, Klein carries a simple, understated quality, often chosen by families with German heritage or those who appreciate its concise sound. Its trajectory shows modest but consistent use, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name outside the mainstream.
Klein is derived from the German word 'klein', meaning 'small' or 'little'. It originated as a surname for a person of small stature, often used as a descriptive nickname. As a given name, it is rare and modern, typically used as a transferred surname or a variant of the German surname.
“Klein” around the world
Where Klein lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Klein
Names that share Klein's style, for a brother or sister.
