Last Name Krumholz

The surname Krumholz is of German origin. It is derived from two Old High German words, "krum" meaning crooked or bent, and "holz" meaning wood or forest. Therefore, a person with the surname Krumholz may have lived near a crooked or bent tree or in a crooked area of a forest. The name is first found in the Rhineland region of Germany.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Krumholz

The meaning and origin of the last name Krumholz

The surname Krumholz is of German origin. It translates to "crooked grove" or "crooked woodland clearing" in English, derived from the Middle High German "krum" meaning crooked and "holz" meaning wood or forest. This surname was typically given to individuals who lived near a peculiar shaped piece of land, such as a bend in a forest or a twisted tree. The name Krumholz appears to have been first used during the late Middle Ages, particularly in regions now part of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, where Germanic naming customs were prevalent. Over time, due to migration and assimilation, families bearing the surname Krumholz spread across various parts of Europe and later, to other continents.

Geographical distribution of the last name Krumholz

The surname Krumholz is predominantly distributed across Europe, particularly in countries with a significant Jewish history such as Germany, Austria, Poland, and Russia. A notable concentration can be found in the Rhineland region of Germany where it originated from the town of Krummholz (crooked forest or wood) in the Eifel Mountains. The name later spread due to migration and assimilation during the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly to the United States and Israel. In the United States, states with a high frequency of the surname Krumholz include New York, Pennsylvania, California, and Texas. Furthermore, it is also prevalent in South America, notably in Brazil, where Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants settled during the 20th century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Krumholz

The surname Krumholz has various spelling and pronunciation variations, reflecting its origin from German-speaking regions. Some of these include Krummholz, Kromholz, Kroemholtz, Krehmholz, and Cremholz. These differences can arise due to factors such as dialect, transcribing errors, or the influence of other languages. It is worth noting that the name means "crooked grove" or "bend in the woodland", derived from the German words 'Krumm' (crooked) and 'Holz' (wood, forest). Regardless of spelling, this name is traditionally associated with families originating from Germany.

Famous people with the last name Krumholz

Notable individuals with the surname Krumholz include:

1. Marc Krumholz - An American oncologist who is the Executive Director and Chief of Hematology-Oncology at the University of California, San Francisco's Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. He has made significant contributions to the field of cancer research, particularly in leukemia.

2. Robert Krumholz - An American actor who is best known for his roles on television shows such as "China Beach" and "Murder, She Wrote". He also appeared in several films throughout his career.

3. Michael A. Krumholz - A prominent figure in the field of law, he served as the Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California from 1986 to 2015. During this time, he played a significant role in several high-profile cases.

4. David Krumholz - An American actor and comedian who is known for his work on "The Big Bang Theory", where he portrayed Howard Wolowitz's nemesis, Dr. Albert Rohan. He has also appeared in other TV shows and films.

Genealogical research on the last name Krumholz

The surname Krumholz originates from Germany and is primarily found among Ashkenazi Jewish families. It is derived from the German words "Krumm" (crooked) and "Holz" (wood), suggesting that an early ancestor lived near a crooked or misshapen tree. Notable individuals with this surname include Jakob Krumholz, who served as Chief Rabbi of Frankfurt am Main during the 18th century, and David Krumholtz, an American actor known for his roles in television shows like "The New Adventures of Old Christine" and "Eli Stone." The family is believed to have migrated from Germany to other parts of Europe and later to America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Krumholz"
• 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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