Last Name Kropfl

The surname Kropfl is of German origin. It is derived from a Middle High German word "kruofel," meaning "hump" or "knob." This name would have originally been given to someone who had a physical feature resembling a hump or knob, such as a large nose or a protruding chin. The family name may have also been occupational, referring to a craftsman who made objects with such features, like a potter or a woodworker.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kropfl

The meaning and origin of the last name Kropfl

The surname Kropfl is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "krofeln," which means "swollen or knobby place" in English. This toponymic name was often given to someone who lived near such a landmark, or it could have been an occupational name for a baker or miller, as the term also refers to the large swelling on the side of a grinding stone. The name Kropfl is predominantly found in Germany and Switzerland, where variations like Kroppel, Kropfel, and Kropfle can also be encountered. Its early origins can be traced back to the medieval period, with recorded instances in German genealogical records from the 13th century onwards. Over time, the name has been distributed among various regions of Europe due to migration patterns and historical events, such as religious conflicts and economic shifts. Today, it remains a relatively uncommon surname within the broader European context but continues to be passed down through generations in families with German or Swiss ancestry.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kropfl

The surname Kropfl is predominantly found in the German-speaking regions, particularly in Switzerland and Austria. In Switzerland, it is most common in the cantons of St. Gallen, Thurgau, and Zurich. A significant number of individuals with the surname Kropfl also reside in the Austrian states of Vorarlberg, Tyrol, and Carinthia. It is also found in smaller numbers in Germany, specifically in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. The name's geographical concentration in these regions suggests a historical migration pattern from the Upper Rhine Valley into Switzerland and Austria during medieval times. Additionally, due to the diaspora of Swiss and Austrian immigrants, Kropfl can also be found in other parts of Europe, North America, South America, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kropfl

The surname Kropfl has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across geographical regions. Some common variants include Cropl, Croupel, Kroepfl, Kruppel, Kroefel, Krofcheck, Crofcheck, Kröpfl, Kropfel, Kropell, Krupel, Kruppelhoff, Kropchek, and Krophal. These variations primarily stem from changes in pronunciation, spelling conventions, and regional dialects, as well as errors in record-keeping throughout history. The name is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "kropf," meaning "hump" or "bump," likely referring to a physical characteristic of an early ancestor.

Famous people with the last name Kropfl

Notable individuals with the surname Kropfl include:

1. Hans Kropfl (1920-2007), a Swiss cross-country skier who won three Olympic gold medals and ten world championship titles in the 1940s.

2. Markus Kropfl (born 1985), a Swiss footballer who played for FC Schaffhausen, FC Aarau, and SC Brühl St Gallen.

3. Lara Kropf (born 1997), a Swiss singer-songwriter who participated in the fourth season of the German reality TV show "Deutschland sucht den Superstar" (Germany seeks the superstar). She later represented Switzerland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2016.

4. Peter Kropf (born 1957), a Canadian musician and songwriter, best known as the bassist for The Guess Who from 1983 to 1995. He also served as the band's lead vocalist from 1992 to 1995.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields of sports, music, and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Kropfl

The surname Kropfl is of Swiss German origin, specifically from the canton of St. Gallen. It is derived from the Old High German word "kroppa," meaning "hump" or "knob." The earliest recorded instance of the name dates back to the 13th century in the region of Appenzell, Switzerland. Over time, the Kropfl family migrated and settled in various parts of Europe including Germany, Austria, and the Alsace region of France. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, some members of the Kropfl family emigrated to North America, primarily to the United States and Canada, due to economic reasons or religious persecution. Today, the Kropfl name is found in significant numbers in these regions, with notable concentrations in states such as Texas, California, and Pennsylvania in the U.S., and Ontario in Canada. Genealogical research on the Kropfl family continues to uncover more information about their history, migrations, and contributions to various societies around the world.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kropfl"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

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