Last Name Kraft

The surname Kraft is of German origin. It comes from the Middle High German word "kraft," which means power or strength. This name was often given to a strong or powerful person. In some cases, it may have been occupational, referring to a blacksmith or someone who worked with iron. However, like many surnames, its exact origin can vary depending on specific regions and families within Germany.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kraft

The meaning and origin of the last name Kraft

The surname Kraft is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "krafft," which means strength or power. This name was originally given to someone who was strong or powerful, or it could have been used as a nickname for someone who exhibited those qualities. It is also possible that it was an occupational name for a blacksmith, since the verb "kraften" in German means to smith or hammer. The surname Kraft first appeared in the region of Swabia, in southern Germany, during the High Middle Ages. Today, the name Kraft is common throughout the German-speaking world and among German immigrants in other countries, particularly the United States. Variants of the name include Craft (in English) and de la Fuerza (in Spanish).

Geographical distribution of the last name Kraft

The surname Kraft has a significant presence primarily in German-speaking countries such as Germany and Switzerland, where it originates. It is also commonly found among individuals with German ancestry in other parts of Europe, particularly in Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. In North America, the name is predominantly distributed across the United States and Canada due to immigration from Germany during the 18th and 19th centuries. Smaller populations can be found in South America and Australia, as a result of later German emigration waves. The name Kraft has also been adopted by some individuals outside these regions as part of their identity or through marriage or naturalization.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kraft

The surname Kraft is derived from the German language, where it means "power" or "strength." Variations and alternate spellings of this name may include: Craft (an English spelling variation), de Krafft (a French-German patronymic form), Craaft, Kraafft, Krafte, Kräft, Kreift, Kraff, Crafe, Crafft, Kraph, Kräft, and Graf. Each of these variations may have a unique origin or be influenced by regional dialects, cultural assimilation, or phonetic transcription. It is also possible that some individuals bearing these names have no direct connection to the original Kraft lineage.

Famous people with the last name Kraft

The Kraft family is renowned for their significant contributions across various fields. One of the most prominent figures is Jacqueline "Jackie" Kraft, an American politician who served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 2013 to 2019. She was also the first female Minority Whip in the history of that legislative body.

Another notable figure is Max Kraft, a Swiss-born American architect known for his modernist designs and contributions to the International Style. Some of his most recognized works include the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, the United States Embassy in New Delhi, and the United Nations Secretariat Building in Nairobi.

In the world of entertainment, James L. Kraft, also known as "Jimmy," was a screenwriter and producer who worked on popular television shows like The Lucy Show, Here's Lucy, and Mork & Mindy during the 1970s and 1980s. He was also a writer for I Love Lucy and The Dick Van Dyke Show in the 1950s and 1960s.

Genealogical research on the last name Kraft

The surname Kraft originated from Germany and is associated with several notable families across history. The earliest records of the Kraft family can be traced back to the region of Swabia in southwestern Germany, where the name was derived from the Middle High German word "krafft," meaning strength or power. One significant lineage, the Knights of Kraft, gained prominence during the medieval period, serving as vassals to various ruling families. The Kraft family also played a role in the migration of the Palatines to North America in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Notable figures with the surname include Henry J. Kraft, founder of the Hershey Chocolate Company, and Karl Friedrich von Krafft, a prominent German entomologist. Today, the Kraft family can be found in various countries worldwide, including the United States, Germany, and Canada.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kraft"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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