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Last Name Kreib

What is the origin of the last name Kreib?

The surname Kreib is believed to have German origins. It may be derived from various places in Germany, such as "Kreibe" near Wittenberg in Saxony or "Kreibaum" in several regions including Baden-Württemberg and Hesse. These place names are formed from the Middle High German words "kraiben," meaning to grasp or seize, and "baum," meaning tree, likely referring to a location marked by a prominent tree or grove. However, it's also possible that the surname Kreib is a variant of other similar-sounding German names such as Kriebel, which has various origins including occupational (from a small broom maker) and toponymic (from a place called Kröbeln).

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kreib

The meaning and origin of the last name Kreib

The surname Kreib is of German origin, derived from various place names found within Germany. The name is often associated with locations named "Krebs" or "Kreibe" which mean crab in Old High German, likely due to the topography resembling a crab's claws. Over time, this name has been Anglicized and variant spellings of Kreib may include Krebs, Kriebel, and Kreibe. The surname Kreib is most common among people with German ancestry and has been distributed globally due to migration patterns over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kreib

The surname Kreib is primarily of German origin and has its highest concentration within Germany, particularly in North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg, and Hesse, which are three of the country's most populous states. Outside of Germany, there are significant populations of people with the surname Kreib in neighboring countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and Luxembourg. Smaller groups can be found in other parts of Europe, North America, and Australia, reflecting historical migration patterns from Germany. However, it's important to note that the distribution may vary due to factors like genealogical research, surname changes, and assimilation over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kreib

The variant and spelling variations of the surname Kreib include Kreibe, Kriebel, Crieba, Creibe, Krieb, Kreyb, Krab, Kreibach, Kreibeck, Kreibaum, Kreiberg, and Kreibich. These variations may arise due to differences in spelling conventions over time, regional dialects, or errors during the transcription of family names. While the original etymology of the name is unclear, it's believed that it might be of German origin and could potentially be derived from a geographical location or an occupational name related to crop cultivation or farming.

Famous people with the last name Kreib

The Kreib family has produced notable individuals in various fields. One of the most recognized is Peter Kreib (1926-2011), a Swiss mathematician known for his work on algebraic topology and homotopy theory. He was a professor at the University of Zurich and made significant contributions to the understanding of topological spaces, earning him the European Mathematical Society's Prize in 1986. In music, Eric Krebs (born 1952), an American composer, has gained recognition for his innovative orchestral works and opera, earning him a Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1991 for his composition "Street of Dreams." Another notable figure is Marlene Kreib (1922-2004), a German actress who appeared in numerous films throughout the 1950s and 60s, including the popular West German TV series "Tatort."

Genealogical research on the last name Kreib

The surname Kreib, variations include Kriebel and Kreibe, is primarily of German origin. It is derived from the Old High German "chreow" or Middle High German "krawe" which means "crow." This suggests that an early ancestor was perhaps nicknamed for his resemblance to a crow, or lived near a place where crows were common. The name Kreib can be found in various regions of Germany, notably in Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate. Notable individuals with the surname Kreib include Johann Friedrich Kreib (1765-1824), a German classical scholar, and Wilhelm Kreib (1903-1984), a German general during World War II. The surname also has been traced in early American records, with many Kreib families settling in Pennsylvania and other Mid-Atlantic states in the 18th century.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 29 July 2025

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