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Last Name Krafft

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What is the origin of the last name Krafft?

The surname Krafft has German origins and is derived from an occupation or a nickname. It is believed to have originated from the Middle High German word "krafte," meaning strength or power. The name was often given to someone who possessed these qualities, or it could have been a metonymic occupational name for a strong man or servant. In some cases, it may also be a shortened form of the personal name Kraft (meaning strength).

Learn more about the origin of the last name Krafft

The meaning and origin of the last name Krafft

The surname Krafft is of German origin, derived from an occupational name for a craftsman who worked with leather, specifically a tanner or leather worker. The term "Krafft" is derived from the Middle High German word "kraft," meaning strength or power, which could have been applied to someone who had the physical prowess required for such labor. Alternatively, it may have originated as a nickname for a vigorous or powerful person. This surname was brought to England by German immigrants in the 17th and 18th centuries, where it became anglicized to various forms such as Craft, Crafft, and Krafft. Today, it is found among populations of German descent all over the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Krafft

The surname Krafft is predominantly found in Germany and neighboring countries, with a significant concentration in regions such as Baden-Württemberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Bavaria. It also has a notable presence in Switzerland, particularly in German-speaking cantons like Aargau, Basel-Landschaft, and Zurich. Additionally, the Krafft family name can be found in Austria, Denmark, and some parts of the United States due to migration from these European countries over time. In the United States, the highest concentrations are found in states with a high German-American population, such as Pennsylvania, Texas, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Ohio.

Variants and spellings of the last name Krafft

The surname Krafft has several variations and spellings across different regions and historical periods. Some common variants include Krafte, Kräft, Crafft, Craff, Craft, Creft, Kraft, de Kraaft, von Kraaft, and Kraaf. These variations may result from differences in spelling conventions, phonetic interpretations, or regional dialects. The original German form of the name is "Kraft," which means strength or power in German. It is also a common Jewish surname, often associated with the Ashkenazi Jewish community. Some notable individuals bearing this surname include the artist Ernst Heinrich Krafft, the botanist Georg Ernst Krafft, and the German-born American architect John Krafft.

Famous people with the last name Krafft

Notable individuals with the surname Krafft include:

1. Hans Krafft (1897-1943), a German general during World War II who was a key figure in the Battle of Crete and the Atlantic Wall.
2. Adolf Krafft (1853-1902), a German geologist and polar explorer who participated in several expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica.
3. Karl Otto Krafft (born 1947), a German composer known for his electronic music and experimental works.
4. Kai Krafft (born 1960), a German artist who creates abstract sculptures and installations using a variety of materials.
5. Ernst-August Krafft (1898-1992), a German general during World War II who was involved in the planning and execution of the invasions of Poland, France, and Norway.

Genealogical research on the last name Krafft

The Krafft surname originates from Germany and is derived from the Middle High German word "Krat," meaning 'crab.' The name was originally an occupational name for a fisherman, as crabs were commonly found in the North Sea where many early bearers of the name lived.

The Krafft family can be traced back to the 13th century in Germany. Some notable members include Johann Heinrich Krafft (1649-1702), a prominent Swiss pastor and historian, and Johann Rudolf Krafft (1817-1898), a Swiss painter known for his landscapes and historical works.

The name spread to other parts of Europe, including Sweden, where the famous astronomer Anders Johan Lexner von Krafft (1740-1795) was born. In the United States, the Krafft family settled primarily in Pennsylvania and Maryland in the 18th century. Notable American descendants include George Krafft (1832-1897), a prominent lawyer and politician in Maryland.

The Krafft name is still common in Germany, Switzerland, and the United States today, with variations including Krafft, Crafft, and Craft. Genealogical research on this surname continues to reveal new connections and histories among its bearers.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

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