Klum
A variant of the German words 'Klump' or 'Klumpe' meaning 'lump' or 'clod'.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 240 Americans carry the last name Klum. That puts it at #89,069 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 0.07 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 1,428,143 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Klum surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
240
1 in 1,428,143
Census rank
#89,069
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
0.1
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
208
very rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 208 bearers of the surname Klum in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 0.07 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 89069th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Klum, the largest self-reported group is White at 94.2%. The next largest groups are Two or More Races (2.4%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Klum
The surname Klum is of German origin and dates back to the late Middle Ages. It is believed to have originated in the southern regions of Germany, particularly in areas like Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. The name is thought to be derived from the Old German word "klumme," which means "mass" or "lump."
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Klum appears in a manuscript from the 14th century, where it is mentioned as a family name in the town of Augsburg. This document provides evidence that the name was already well-established in the region during that time.
In the 16th century, the name Klum can be found in various records and documents from the town of Esslingen, located in the present-day state of Baden-Württemberg. These records include mentions of individuals with the surname Klum working as artisans and tradesmen.
During the 17th century, a prominent figure named Johann Klum (1592-1658) gained recognition as a Lutheran theologian and educator in the city of Nuremberg. His writings and teachings had a significant impact on the intellectual and religious landscape of the time.
Another notable individual was Hans Klum (1718-1789), a master carpenter from the town of Freiburg im Breisgau. He was renowned for his craftsmanship and contributed to the construction of several iconic buildings in the region.
In the 19th century, the Klum family name gained further prominence with the birth of Friedrich Klum (1825-1901), a renowned German painter and illustrator. His works were highly regarded and can be found in various art galleries and museums across Europe.
Moving into the 20th century, one of the most famous individuals with the surname Klum is Heidi Klum (born in 1973), the renowned German-American model, television host, and businesswoman. She rose to international fame in the late 1990s and has since become a household name in the fashion and entertainment industries.
While the above examples provide a glimpse into the history and notable figures associated with the surname Klum, it is important to note that there may be other significant individuals or records that have yet to be uncovered or documented.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Klum
Among Census respondents with the surname Klum, the largest self-reported group is White at 94.2%. The next largest groups are Two or More Races (2.4%).
The bar chart below shows how Klum bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Klum surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- White94.2%
- Two or more races2.4%
Year on year
2010 vs 2010 Census
How has the Klum surname changed between Census years? The chart shows bearer count side by side, and the table compares rank, count, and frequency.
Census year comparison
| Metric | 2010 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #89,069 | #89,069 | 0.0% |
| Count | 208 | 208 | 0.0% |
| Per 100K | 0.07 | 0.07 | 0.0% |
Between the 2010 and 2010 Census, the number of Klum bearers went from 208 to 208 (+0.0% change). The surname held its position in the national ranking, going from #89,069 to #89,069.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Klum
FAQ
Klum surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Klum?
The surname Klum holds position #89,069 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 240 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 0.07 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Klum surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Klum, the largest self-reported group is White at 94.2%. The next largest groups are Two or More Races (2.4%). These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.