Last Name Kriek

The surname Kriek is of Dutch and Flemish origin. It is derived from a nickname for a noisy or chattering person, as "kriek" means "cricket" in these languages, due to the repetitive sound made by these insects. Alternatively, it could also be a topographic name for someone who lived near a thicket of crickets. However, it's important to note that surnames often have multiple possible origins and meanings, and the specific origin of any given instance of the name can depend on its particular history and context.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kriek

The meaning and origin of the last name Kriek

The surname Kriek is of Dutch and Afrikaans origin, stemming from the Middle Dutch word "krik" or "kruik," which means "jar" or "earthenware pot." Over time, it may have been altered to Kriek due to phonetic changes. In its modern form, Kriek is common among Dutch and Afrikaans speakers, particularly in South Africa where it may have been carried by Dutch settlers during the colonial period. It's important to note that surnames in various cultures, including Dutch and Afrikaans, were often occupational or descriptive names, giving insight into the profession or characteristics of the original bearer. In this case, Kriek may have referred to someone who made or sold pottery, or who had a distinctive physical feature resembling an earthenware pot.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kriek

The surname Kriek is predominantly found in countries with Dutch and Flemish roots, primarily in the Netherlands, Belgium, and South Africa. In the Netherlands, it is most frequently seen in provinces such as North Brabant, Limburg, and Gelderland. In Belgium, Antwerp and Limburg have a higher concentration of this surname. South Africa also has a significant number of Kriek families, largely due to Dutch immigration during colonial times. Outside of these regions, the name is less common but can be found sparsely in other parts of Europe and North America, particularly among descendants of early Dutch settlers.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kriek

The surname Kriek has various spellings and variations across different regions. Some common versions include Criek, Cryk, Kreik, and Krick. These variations may arise due to differences in spelling conventions, transcription errors, or regional dialects over time. In Dutch-speaking areas, the name is often spelled as Kriek, which is derived from the Middle Dutch word "krik," meaning crooked or twisted. In other regions, it could be a variation of the German surname Kreik or Krick, both having similar origins and meanings. The variations and spellings serve to highlight the evolution of names and their adaptations across linguistic boundaries.

Famous people with the last name Kriek

Notable individuals with the surname Kriek include:

1. Anton Kriek (born 1963), a South African former tennis player who won the boys' singles title at Wimbledon in 1981.
2. Johan Kriek (born 1958), another South African tennis player, a winner of six ATP singles titles and three Grand Slam doubles titles.
3. Mignon Du Preez-Kriek (born 1976), a South African athlete who competed in the long jump event at the Olympic Games in 2004 and 2008.
4. Louis Kriek, a renowned South African landscape architect and urban designer. He was awarded the prestigious AILA International Award for his design of the Braamfontein Spruit River Park in Johannesburg.
5. Marius Kriek (1936-2008), a South African journalist, editor, and politician who served as the editor of The Citizen newspaper from 1970 to 1980.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as tennis, athletics, architecture, and journalism.

Genealogical research on the last name Kriek

The surname Kriek is believed to have origins in Dutch-speaking regions, specifically Flanders, Belgium and the Netherlands. It derives from the Middle Dutch word "kricke" or "krick," meaning a small bird or, figuratively, a squawk. The name may have been an occupational surname for a person who imitated a bird's call in some profession such as falconry, or it could have been used as a nickname for someone with a chirpy or lively demeanor. The Kriek family is known to have migrated to England during the 16th and 17th centuries, where they settled in various regions including Lancashire and Yorkshire. Over time, variations of the name such as Creeke, Creak, and Creake emerged due to spelling inconsistencies and Anglicization. Some notable Krieks/variants include Henry Kriek (1592-1674), a prominent merchant in early colonial New York City, and Jan Kriek, the South African cricketer who played for Northern Transvaal between 1950 and 1958.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kriek"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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