Last Name Krok

The last name Krok is believed to have originated from various regions, and it can be traced back to different root words in several languages, leading to its variation across countries and cultures. In Polish, Czech, and Slovak, Krok means "step" or "stride." This surname could have been originally occupational for someone who was a messenger or traveler or topographical for someone who lived near a place with long, narrow stretches of land. In Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Norway, Krok can also mean a cape or promontory, and it could have referred to someone living by such a geographical feature. The surname Krok is also present in the Baltic region, where it may be of German or Slavic origin. In this context, Krok might have been an adaptation of various names, such as the Polish Krók (meaning "little king") or the Russian Krök (descending from the word for a bend). The exact origin of the surname Krok can vary depending on the specific family lineage and geographical location. It is essential to investigate each individual family history to determine their unique origins accurately.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Krok

The meaning and origin of the last name Krok

The surname Krok is of Slavic origin, specifically from the Czech and Slovak languages. It is derived from the word "kroky" or "krůk," which translates to "crow" in English. This surname may have been given as a nickname for someone who was perceived to resemble a crow, perhaps due to physical appearance or behavioral traits. Alternatively, it could also have originated from a geographical location named Krok or similar, or even have been occupational, referring to someone who had a job involving crows, such as a falconer or raven-keeper. The surname Krok has various spellings across different countries and languages, including Krokowski, Krocka, and Krók in other Slavic languages, and Croc in English.

Geographical distribution of the last name Krok

The surname Krok has a significant concentration in regions that were once part of the Kingdom of Bohemia, now the Czech Republic. Historically, it is one of the most common Czech patronymic names, derived from the first name Karel (Charles) and indicating a son of someone named Karel. Over time, people bearing this surname have dispersed, leading to populations in other parts of Europe such as Slovakia, Poland, Germany, and Austria. In North America, there are notable communities of individuals with the last name Krok, particularly in the United States and Canada, primarily due to immigration from the Czech Republic and Austria during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Additionally, smaller groups can be found in Australia and New Zealand as a result of further migration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Krok

The surname Krok has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some common variants include Croc, Crok, Krook, Krock, and Krohk. These variations may arise due to differences in spelling conventions, phonetic changes over time, or regional dialects. For example, the Czech form of the name is Krocha, while the German variant is Kroch. In Scandinavian countries, the name can be found as Kruk or Krück. Additionally, there may be instances where the surname has been anglicized from similar-sounding names in other languages, such as the Polish Krók or the Hungarian Krúk. Despite these variations, the underlying origin of the name is likely to be derived from the Old Norse word "krúkr," meaning a curved or hooked shape, reflecting its Scandinavian roots.

Famous people with the last name Krok

Notable individuals with the surname Krok include:

1. Jiri Kroc (1892-1980), a Czechoslovakian-born American businessman, best known for founding McDonald's Corporation. He purchased the San Bernardino, California, McDonald's franchise in 1954 and expanded it rapidly.

2. Zdenek Kroka (born 1937), a renowned Czech architect who is considered one of the most important representatives of the Brutalist architecture movement. His notable works include the University Library in Olomouc, Czech Republic.

3. Jan Kruk (1860-1922), a Polish composer and conductor, primarily known for his operas. Some of his most famous works include "The Sea Captain" and "The Enchanted Tailor."

4. Ivo Krajinsky-Krok (1896-1975), a Czechoslovakian general and military historian. He served as the chief of staff of the Slovak National Uprising during World War II.

Genealogical research on the last name Krok

The surname Krok originates from various European countries, primarily Sweden and Finland. In Sweden, it is derived from the Old Norse word "krok" meaning hook or bend, often used as a topographic name for someone who lived near such a feature or an occupational name for a fisherman or smith specializing in hooks. In Finland, Krok can be a variant of the Finnish surname Korhonen, derived from the word "korva," meaning ear, possibly referring to a nickname for someone with an ear-shaped physical feature or a dweller near such a topographical feature. The earliest records of the name Krok in Sweden date back to the 14th century, while in Finland, it began appearing in records during the late 1800s following the introduction of family names by the Russian Empire. Notable individuals with the surname Krok include Swedish-American musician and composer Harry Krokis and Finnish politician Martti Krok, among others.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Krok"
• 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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