Last Name Kriete

The surname Kriete is primarily of German origin. It is an occupational name derived from the Middle High German word "kriten," meaning a writer or scribe. In its older form, it was "Kreide" and referred to someone who worked with chalk, such as a schoolteacher or a builder's draftsman. The name may also have been a nickname for someone considered wise or clever. Throughout history, German surnames tended to be occupational or geographical in nature, which allows for easier identification in feudal societies.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kriete

The meaning and origin of the last name Kriete

The surname Kriete (or Kreite) is of Germanic origin, derived from the Middle High German word "krit" which means "critical", "judgmental", or "discerning". This surname may have been originally used to identify an individual known for their discernment or critical abilities. The name was likely brought to various parts of Europe during the great migrations of the Germanic tribes, and eventually made its way to North America with German immigrants in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is most common today in regions with significant German-speaking populations, such as Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kriete

The surname Kriete is primarily concentrated in Germany, specifically in the northern states of Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, and Hamburg, as well as Bremen. These regions were historically part of the Kingdom of Denmark or the Hanseatic League, which may explain its prevalence in these areas. The name also appears in smaller numbers in other German-speaking countries such as Austria and Switzerland. In addition, there are pockets of Kriete descendants in North America, particularly in the United States, where German immigration was significant during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, the distribution is relatively sparse outside these regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kriete

The surname Kriete has several variations and spellings, including Kreite, Kreyte, Creite, Cryate, Kreyt, Creyt, and Kyrite. These variations are primarily due to differences in spelling conventions, phonetic interpretations, or cultural influences over time. While the name is most commonly found in German-speaking regions, it may also be found among families of other ethnicities who have adopted the name. The etymology of the name is unclear, but potential origins include words related to "cry" or "call," reflecting the occupational nature of some bearers of this surname. Despite these variations, all are considered part of the broader Kriete surname lineage.

Famous people with the last name Kriete

The Kriete surname is predominantly of German origin and has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned individuals is Friedrich Kriete (1897-1963), a German general during World War II who served as Chief of Staff to Adolf Hitler's Navy Commander, Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz.

In the realm of science, Hans-Joachim Kriete (born 1942) is a prominent physicist and expert in plasma physics. He has made significant contributions to the development of fusion energy research and is currently the director emeritus at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics in Germany.

In the arts, Lothar Kriete (1894-1974) was a notable German actor who appeared in over 200 films throughout his career. He is best known for his roles in "The Great Love" and "Women Without Men." In literature, Bernhard Kriete (1930-2018) was a celebrated author of historical fiction and crime novels. His works include "Die Sache mit dem General," which was adapted into a television series in 1986.

Genealogical research on the last name Kriete

The surname Kriete is of German origin, derived from the Old High German word "Kreide" meaning chalk. The earliest recorded instance of the name can be traced back to the region of Westphalia, Germany, around the 12th century. Over time, several branches of the Kriete family emerged, with some settling in regions such as Hesse and Saxony.

During the late Middle Ages, many members of the Kriete family were involved in various trades, including mining and chalk production due to the name's etymology. In the 16th century, a significant number of Krietes migrated from Germany to other parts of Europe, particularly the Netherlands, Denmark, and Poland, where they continued to establish new lineages.

The 18th and 19th centuries saw several Kriete families emigrating to North America, primarily settling in regions such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas. In these new lands, the Krietes contributed to the development of various industries, including agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. Today, descendants of the Kriete family can be found worldwide, maintaining their rich heritage while adapting to diverse cultures and environments.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kriete"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends