Last Name Krick

The surname "Krick" is of German origin. It is derived from a nickname for someone with a harsh or creaking voice, as the German word "Krick" means a sudden, sharp sound or crack. Nicknames formed a significant part of many European surnames in the Middle Ages, either based on a characteristic, occupation, place of origin, or other defining feature. In this case, the name Krick was likely bestowed upon someone who had a distinctive and memorable vocal quality.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Krick

The meaning and origin of the last name Krick

The surname Krick is of Germanic origin, derived from the Middle High German word "krich," which means "cricket." This name was often given to individuals who lived near areas where crickets were common or whose occupation involved a similar sound, such as weavers. The use of animal names in surnames was a common practice during the Middle Ages, particularly among German-speaking populations. Over time, variations of the name Krick emerged due to spelling differences and regional dialects, including Kreck, Krich, and Kreik. Today, the surname is predominantly found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and regions settled by German immigrants. The distribution of the name reflects historical migration patterns, such as those associated with the Holy Roman Empire and later waves of European immigration to North America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Krick

The surname Krick is predominantly found in Germany and its neighboring regions. It originates from Swabia, a historical region in southern Germany, and has been recorded as a common name in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and Hesse. The name also appears in significant numbers in Austria, where it is often spelled Kreick or Kriek. A smaller number of people with the surname Krick can be found in Switzerland, particularly in the German-speaking cantons. Smatterings of individuals bearing this last name can be located in other parts of Europe and the Americas due to historical migrations and settlements, but its highest concentration remains in Central Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Krick

The surname Krick has several variations and spellings, including Krickx, Krigk, Krickau, Kricke, Kricki, Krigkee, Krik, Kricke-Hansen, Krack, Krackow, Krag, and Kraake. These alterations may be due to regional dialects, transcription errors over time, or intentional changes by individuals or families. The root form "Krick" is of Germanic origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "krich," meaning a cry or noise. It's also found as a first name in some countries, with slight variations such as Krickus, Kricks, or Krikke used primarily as diminutives or nicknames.

Famous people with the last name Krick

Notable individuals with the surname Krick include:

1. Charles A. Krick (1932-2014), an American geologist and volcanologist who was a pioneer in the study of hydrothermal systems, particularly those found in submarine volcanoes. He served as a research scientist at the Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory of Columbia University from 1967 until his retirement in 2004.

2. John Krick (born 1948), an American football coach and former player. He played college football at the University of Pittsburgh and professional football with the New York Jets, Washington Redskins, and Philadelphia Eagles from 1970 to 1975. As a coach, he has worked for various NFL teams since 1980, including the Green Bay Packers, Oakland Raiders, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

3. Karl Krick (born 1945), an American politician who served as the Mayor of Weirton, West Virginia, from 2006 to 2018. He previously worked as a coal miner, union official, and small business owner. During his tenure as mayor, he was known for his efforts to revitalize the city's economy and infrastructure.

Genealogical research on the last name Krick

The surname Krick is of German origin, stemming from the Middle High German word "krich," meaning "corner" or "crag." It first appeared as a hereditary name in medieval Germany during the High Middle Ages (1050-1250 AD). Variations of this name include Kreik, Krieck, and Krickhoff.

Early records show that the family originated from the Rhine region, particularly in areas such as Hesse and Palatinate. Notable bearers of the name Krick in Germany include Heinrich Krick, a 16th-century farmer and merchant from Worms, and Johann Christoph Krick, a 18th-century organ builder from Hanau.

As German immigration to other countries increased during the late 1700s and early 1800s, many families with the surname Krick emigrated to North America. Today, significant populations of Kricks can be found in the United States, particularly in Pennsylvania and Ohio, where the name is often associated with German-American pioneers and farmers. The genealogical research continues to uncover new insights into the origins, migrations, and achievements of those bearing the surname Krick.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Krick"
• 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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