Last Name Krueger

The surname Krueger is of Germanic origin. It's derived from the Middle High German "Kruoghe", meaning "cross-dweller" or "crucifer". This name may have been given to someone who lived near a crossroads or crucifix, or it could have been a metonymic occupational name for someone who made or repaired wooden crosses. The spelling variations of this surname include Cruger, Kruger, and Krug.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Krueger

The meaning and origin of the last name Krueger

The surname Krueger is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "Krug," which means barrel or tub. The name was originally given to someone who lived near such an object or worked with barrels due to their occupational or residential proximity. Over time, it has been anglicized as Cruger, Kruege, and Kroeger, among others. The spelling variations reflect the migration patterns of German-speaking individuals, particularly to America during the 19th century. Notable figures with this surname include horror filmmaker Wes Craven and professional baseball player Brian Krueger.

Geographical distribution of the last name Krueger

The surname Krueger is predominantly distributed in Central and Northern Europe, particularly in Germany, where it is one of the most common family names. It also has significant presence in Scandinavia, including Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, due to historical migrations and settlements. Smaller populations bearing the name can be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries with a large German or Scandinavian immigrant population. Variants of the name, such as Kruger, Kreuger, Cruse, or Krog, also exist across these regions and beyond. The exact geographical distribution may vary due to changes in spelling conventions over time and assimilation processes among immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Krueger

The surname Krueger has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and spelling conventions over time. Here are some common versions:

1. Krueger: This is the most common spelling, of German origin, which comes from the occupation of a "Krugschmied," or barrel maker.

2. Kruger: A more popular variant, especially among Afrikaans speakers in South Africa, derived from the same German root word but with slight differences in pronunciation and spelling.

3. Kruhger: This is a less common variation of the surname that represents a phonetic adaptation to English pronunciation.

4. Cruger: Another variant found among English speakers, where the "k" sound is replaced with a "c."

5. Crugger: A phonetic spelling of the name that follows English orthography.

6. Kroeger: A variation that reflects minor changes in pronunciation or spelling over time.

7. Croeger: A less common spelling where the "k" sound is replaced with a "c."

8. Cruwger: An alternative spelling with a slight alteration of the vowel sound.

Famous people with the last name Krueger

Among individuals sharing the surname Krueger, several notable figures have made significant contributions across various fields. In the realm of academia, Robert Krueger is known for his research on the genetics of autism spectrum disorder at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. On the other hand, Heidi Krueger, a renowned wildlife biologist, has dedicated her career to studying polar bears in Svalbard, Norway and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. In entertainment, Douglas "Psycho" Krueger is an American musician who played bass guitar for the heavy metal band Slayer from 1986 until their retirement in 2011. Lastly, Mark Krueger served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Symantec Corporation, a leading cybersecurity company, and was previously the CEO of McAfee Associates, Inc. These figures exemplify the diverse talents and achievements of individuals with the surname Krueger.

Genealogical research on the last name Krueger

The surname Krueger originates from Germany and is a variation of Krug, meaning "barrel" or "cask." Historically, the name was often given to someone associated with barrel-making. The earliest known records trace the lineage back to the region of Westphalia in medieval Germany. One notable bearer of the name was Dietrich Krüger, a 14th-century knight who fought in the Teutonic Order during the Crusades.

The family later migrated to Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, where it gained prominence in Sweden, Denmark, and Russia. In the 17th century, many Kruegers emigrated from Germany to North America, settling primarily in Pennsylvania and the Midwest. Among these were the ancestors of famous American figures like William Randolph Hearst, a newspaper magnate, and Karl Krueger, a U.S. congressman from Minnesota.

The geographical distribution of the name Krueger today reflects this historical migration pattern, with significant populations in Germany, the United States, Canada, Sweden, and Australia. Variations of the surname include Krug, Kruger, Krüger, and Cruger, among others.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Krueger"
• 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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