Last Name Kromm

The surname Kromm is of German origin. It is derived from a geographical name for someone who lived near a sharp bend or crook in a river, or it could refer to a person living by a curved wall or structure. The word "Kromm" comes from the Old High German word "kruom," meaning curve or bend. This surname is also found as Croome in England and Ireland, where it was brought by Norman settlers after the Conquest of 1066.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kromm

The meaning and origin of the last name Kromm

The surname Kromm is of Germanic origin, derived from the Middle High German word "kroim" which translates to "bent" or "crooked." This family name was often given to individuals who had some physical characteristic that resembled a bent or crooked object, such as a limb or facial feature. The surname Kromm is thought to have been used as a nickname in the Middle Ages and may have originated from various parts of Germany, particularly in regions like Saxony and Thuringia. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have evolved slightly, with variations such as Krom, Kroemer, and Kraemer being found. The Kromm surname has been carried by individuals in Europe for centuries, with many notable figures bearing this name in various fields such as art, politics, and science. Today, the Kromm family name is found across the globe, reflecting the historical migration patterns of German-speaking peoples.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kromm

The last name Kromm has its origins in Germany and is predominantly found in regions such as Lower Saxony, Bremen, Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, and Thuringia. It also appears in smaller numbers in other parts of northern and central Germany. Historically, the surname may have originated from a place or occupation related to "crooked" or "bent," reflecting geographical features or occupations in those areas. Over time, some Kromm family members have emigrated and established new communities in other countries, particularly the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. In these countries, the distribution of the name Kromm is diverse, with significant populations found in urban centers like New York, Toronto, Sydney, and Cape Town. The global dispersion of the Kromm surname reflects the historic migration patterns and cultural exchange between Germany and other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kromm

The surname Kromm has several variations and spellings, including Krom, Krohm, Krume, Kruem, Croome, Crumme, Krummle, and possibly others due to regional dialects and transcription errors. These variants can be found among German, Dutch, Danish, and Norwegian populations, as the name is of Old Norse origin, with "krokr" meaning "crocodile." The spelling differences primarily stem from the phonetic rules and dialects in different regions over time, making it a versatile name for individuals from various cultural backgrounds.

Famous people with the last name Kromm

Notable individuals bearing the surname Kromm include:

1. Peter Kromm (born 1947), an American meteorologist who worked for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for over three decades. He retired in 2013 as Chief of the Operational Prediction Center.

2. Jörg Kromm (born 1964), a German footballer who played as a midfielder. He represented the East Germany national team and won the UEFA European Championship in 1980. After retiring, he became a manager, leading several clubs in Germany and Poland.

3. Paul Kromm (born 1976), an American author and professor of English at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His books include "An Uncommon Fury: The Rise and Fall of Piracy in America" and "The Age of Sail: A Literary History".

4. Richard Kromm (born 1960), a Canadian singer-songwriter, known for his work with the band Crash Vegas in the early 1990s. He later embarked on a solo career and released several albums.

5. Robert H. Kromm (1894–1974), an American physician who served as Surgeon General of the United States Navy from 1936 to 1942. During World War II, he was Chief Medical Officer for the U.S. Marine Corps.

Genealogical research on the last name Kromm

The surname Kromm is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word 'kroome' meaning 'curved'. The earliest recorded occurrence of the name can be traced back to the region of Westphalia in the 13th century. The Kromms were primarily agricultural workers and artisans during this period. One notable figure bearing the name was Johann Heinrich Kromm, a German botanist who specialized in mosses during the 18th century. As Germany expanded through territorial acquisitions and population movements, the Kromm family dispersed throughout various regions, including Bavaria, Prussia, and Saxony. The diaspora of the Kromms continued with the mass immigration to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where they settled primarily in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Today, the name can be found globally, reflecting the family's rich history and diverse lineage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kromm"
• 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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