Klauer family crest and coat of arms

Klauer is a German surname derived from the Middle High German word "klawe," meaning "a claw" or "a talon." It may have originally been a nickname for someone with a fierce or aggressive nature.

Family crests and coats of arms emerged during the Middle Ages, mostly in wider Europe. They were used as a way to identify knights and nobles on the battlefield and in tournaments. The designs were unique to each family and were passed down from generation to generation.

The earliest crests were simple designs, such as a single animal or symbol, but they became more elaborate over time. Coats of arms were also developed, which included a shield with the family crest, as well as other symbols and colors that represented the family's history and achievements.

The use of family crests and coats of arms spread throughout Europe and became a symbol of social status and identity. They were often displayed on clothing, armor, and flags, and were used to mark the family's property and possessions.

Today, family crests and coats of arms are still used as a way to honor and celebrate family heritage.

The variations of the family name Klauer highlight the fascinating linguistic and cultural evolutions that occur across different regions and time periods. In Germany, the surname itself may be found in forms such as Klawer or Klauwer as the spelling has shifted over centuries, particularly during the 18th century when orthographic standardization began gaining traction. In neighboring countries like the Netherlands, the name has taken on variations such as Kluwer, which reflects the Dutch phonetic adaptation, particularly noticeable during the 17th century when trade and migration facilitated the exchange of names between regions. Meanwhile, in Slavic nations, a transformation can be seen with surnames like Klaurov or Klaurowski emerging, particularly noticeable in the 19th century when many German names were Slavicized due to socio-political changes and the movement of ethnic groups. In the United States, as migration reached its peak in the 19th century, several variations like Clower or Clawer began to take hold as immigrants anglicized their surnames for ease of pronunciation and integration into English-speaking society. Each of these adaptations illustrates not only the phonetic shifts inherent in language evolution but also the broader historical contexts of migration, cultural interaction, and identity that shaped how the Klauer name and its variants have endured and transformed across different societies and eras.

Learn how to find your family crest.

Other resources:

• Get your official family crest here.
• Learn about heraldry at britannica.com
• See an introduction at wikipedia.com