Last Name Krupa

The surname "Krupa" is of Slavic origin. It is derived from a geographical name meaning "meadow" or "field" in several Slavic languages, including Polish and Croatian. In Poland, it can be found as "Krüpa" due to the influence of German language and orthography. The surname may have been given to someone who lived near a meadow or field. It is common among Slavic populations in Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland and Croatia.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Krupa

The meaning and origin of the last name Krupa

The surname Krupa is of Slavic origin, specifically from Eastern Europe, particularly among Croats, Serbs, and Slovaks. The name derives from the Old Slavonic word "krupa," which means "grain" or "pea." It was often given to individuals who lived near fields where grains or peas were cultivated, or it could signify a family that traded in these crops. In the context of surnames, which emerged during the Middle Ages and the Early Modern Period as a way to distinguish between people with similar first names, Krupa would have been assigned to someone living on or near a farm producing grains or peas. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name may have varied due to migrations and cultural influences. Today, the surname Krupa is widely found in Croatia, Serbia, Slovakia, and other Slavic-speaking regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Krupa

The surname Krupa has its origins predominantly in Central Europe, particularly in Croatia and Slovenia. It is also found in significant numbers in neighboring countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro due to historical migrations and settlement patterns. Additionally, the distribution extends to other parts of Eastern Europe, including Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovakia, reflecting historical population movements. The diaspora includes communities in Western Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand, largely as a result of emigration during the 20th century. These geographical distributions underscore the rich cultural history associated with the Krupa name.

Variants and spellings of the last name Krupa

The surname Krupa can be found with various spelling and pronunciation variations across different regions and linguistic groups. Some common spelling variants include: Krupa, Crupa, Krüpa, Krúpa, Krupas, Krupes, Crupas, Crupeis, Krupai, and Krupey. The name is of Slavic origin and means "cup" or "bucket" in several Slavic languages. This surname can also be found in countries such as Croatia, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Ukraine. Other possible variations may arise due to phonetic or transcription errors, regional dialects, or migration-induced alterations. It is essential to note that the correct spelling of a particular family's surname can depend on historical context, country of origin, and individual preferences.

Famous people with the last name Krupa

Notable individuals with the surname Krupa include:

1. Sabrina Krupa - A professional dancer and model who gained prominence as a contestant on the American reality show "So You Think You Can Dance."
2. Tommy Krupa - An American football player who played for the New York Giants, Chicago Bears, and Detroit Lions during his NFL career spanning from 1984 to 1990.
3. Božidar Krupa - A Croatian footballer who played as a striker for clubs such as Dinamo Zagreb, Paris Saint-Germain, and the Yugoslavia national team during his career in the 1960s and 70s.
4. Joey Krupa - An American drummer best known as a member of the band Cheap Trick from 1975 to 2000. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with his fellow band members in 2016.
5. Ryszard Krupa - A Polish economist, writer, and politician who served as the Minister of Finance from 1985 to 1988 during the Communist era. He is considered one of the architects of Poland's economic transformation in the late 20th century.

Genealogical research on the last name Krupa

The surname Krupa, derived from the Slavic word for "swamp" or "marsh," has its origins in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in regions such as Poland, Croatia, and Slovenia. Historically, the name was often associated with settlers who lived near wetlands or marshes, as these areas were often underpopulated and offered fertile soil for agriculture. The earliest recorded instances of the Krupa surname can be traced back to the Middle Ages in Poland and Croatia. Notable bearers of the name include the Croatian poet Antun Mihanović Krupa, who was active in the 19th century, and the Polish politician Stanisław Krupa, who served as a member of parliament during the interwar period. In terms of genealogical research, it is recommended to consult records from these regions, including church records, census data, and historical documents, for further information on the Krupa family lineage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Krupa"
• 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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