Klee is an uncommon surname of Old Germanic [chlēo] and Ashkenazi origins [קליי]. It means 'clover' and is perhaps a topographical name like Feldman. Variations include Kleefeld, Kleeblatt, Kleiman, and Kleeberg.
According to the Beit Hatfutsot, the name Klee may originate from the Greek word Kalonymos, which Jews took as an equivalent for the Hebrew Shem Tov, meaning "good name". Klee and Kleemann are recorded as Jewish family names in late 18th century Alsace, France.
Notable people with the surname include:
Paul Klee (1879–1940), German-Swiss painterAlfred Klee (1875-1943), prominent Zionist leaderRuth Judith Klee (1901-1942), family friend of Anne FrankBernhard Klee (born 1936), German conductorCarsten Klee (born 1970), German footballerErnst Klee (1940-2013), German teacher, writer, and filmmaker of works about the HolocaustHeinrich Klee (1800–1840), German theologianKarl Heinz Klee (1930–2008), Austrian sports officialKen Klee (born 1971), American professional ice hockey playerMiguel Klee (born 1977), Guatemalan football goalkeeperOllie Klee (1900–1977), outfielder in Major League BaseballVictor Klee (1925–2007), mathematician
