Last Name Krum

The surname Krum is of Old High German origin. It is derived from a personal name Krimo, which was brought to Germany by the Alemanni people. The name Krimo is believed to be composed of two elements: "kri" meaning "famous" or "notorious," and "-mo" which could mean "protection" or "peace." Over time, the personal name Krimo evolved into various forms such as Krimo, Krimbald, Crimonis, Crummen, and eventually Krum in English-speaking regions. The spelling variations of this surname can be attributed to factors such as changes in transcription, migration, and language shifts over the centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Krum

The meaning and origin of the last name Krum

The surname Krum is of Germanic origin, derived from the Old High German word "kruom" which means "crooked" or "bent." This name was originally a nickname used to denote someone with a crooked or bent physical feature, such as a limb, or it could have been a topographic name for someone living near a bend in a river. The surname Krum can also be found among Eastern European Slavic populations, where it may have different origins and meanings due to the process of adoption and assimilation over centuries. Over time, variations of the name Krum have appeared in various languages and countries, reflecting its spread through migration and historical events.

Geographical distribution of the last name Krum

The surname Krum has a predominantly Eastern European distribution, with significant concentrations found in Bulgaria and Russia. In Bulgaria, it is among the top 20 most common surnames, reflecting its historical and cultural significance in the region. Additionally, smaller populations of individuals with the last name Krum can also be found in neighboring countries such as Macedonia, Serbia, and Romania. Beyond Europe, a notable diaspora exists in various parts of the world, including North America, Australia, and South America, due to migrations during the 20th century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Krum

The surname Krum has several variants and spelling versions due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and time periods. Some common variations include:

1. Krüm: This is the original German spelling, where the umlaut "ü" is used to indicate a long "u" sound.
2. Kum or Koom: These are simplified versions of the original German spelling, often found in transcriptions or adaptations for other languages.
3. Krom or Kroem: These variations may represent attempts to phonetically capture the pronunciation of the name in different dialects or languages.
4. Krumm: A variation that suggests a misspelling or misunderstanding, as it implies a German word meaning "bent" or "curved."
5. Krume: This may be a misspelling or an alternative spelling found in some records.
6. Crom or Croem: These variations could potentially represent attempts to adapt the name for other languages, such as English or Dutch, although they are less common than the versions listed above.

Famous people with the last name Krum

Notable individuals with the surname Krum include Boris I (850-927), also known as Boris the Cruel, who was Grand Prince of Kyivan Rus' and is recognized for his military victories, political alliances, and significant role in the conversion of Kyiv to Eastern Orthodox Christianity. In Bulgarian history, Ivan Asen II (1218-1279) held the title Tsar, expanding the Second Bulgarian Empire and defeating several crusades. Another well-known figure is Krum Batchvarov (1850-1940), a Bulgarian general who played an essential role in the Balkan Wars and World War I, and was later a key political figure during the interwar period. Lastly, Petar Krum (born 1972), is a Bulgarian musician and singer-songwriter, popular for his unique blend of traditional folk and contemporary music.

Genealogical research on the last name Krum

The surname Krum is of Old High German origin, derived from the personal name Kruno or Chrodo, meaning "famous warrior" or "glory-worthy." It was initially brought to various regions of Europe during the Great Migration period (approximately 375-750 AD). The name has multiple variations across different countries and language groups, including Croome, Croom, and Kruim.

In Germany, the Krum family can be traced back to the medieval era, with records showing a Hans Krum from Worms in the 14th century. In Scandinavia, Krum is an old Danish and Norwegian name that was popular during the Viking Age (8th to 11th centuries).

In Eastern Europe, the name gained popularity among the Slavic peoples due to German influence, particularly in regions under Habsburg rule such as Bohemia and Moravia. The Krum family is also found in Bulgaria, where Tsar Krum (r. 803-814) was a prominent historical figure who united several Bulgarian tribes and expanded the Bulgarian Empire.

In modern times, the distribution of the surname Krum can be found throughout Europe, as well as in North America due to migration waves from the Old World. Genealogical research on this name can benefit from exploring various regional archives and genealogy databases for a comprehensive understanding of its history and evolution over time.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Krum"
• 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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