NomOrigine Background

Last Name Kur

What is the origin of the last name Kur?

The surname "Kur" has multiple origins depending on the region and ethnicity. 1. In some cases, it is of German origin and can be a shortened form of various compound names containing 'Kür' or 'Kuer', such as 'Kurz' (meaning short), 'Kuhren' (meaning small cow enclosure), or 'Kürten' (a town name in Germany). 2. In Turkish, "Kur" can refer to the Kurds, an ethnic group primarily living in the mountainous regions of southeastern Turkey, northern Iraq, western Iran, and northwestern Syria. The name "Kurd" is believed to have originated from the word "gurd," meaning guard or warrior in several ancient languages, including Sumerian and Akkadian. 3. In Russian, "Кур" (Kur) can be a geographical surname referring to places named Kur, such as the city of Kursk or other locations within Russia. 4. In Sanskrit, "कुर" (Kur) means chariot, and it could potentially be a last name brought by Indian immigrants. However, this is less common. It's essential to note that surnames often have complex histories and can change over time due to various factors like migration, assimilation, and local adaptation. Therefore, the specific origin of the surname Kur may vary for different individuals depending on their family history and ancestral background.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Kur

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kur

The meaning and origin of the last name Kur

The surname Kur is of Germanic and Slavic origins, derived from various roots that may have different meanings depending on their etymology. In German, Kur can be an occupational name for a baker or a short form of the given name Friedrich (Fritz). The German word "Kuhr" means a mound or hill, which could potentially be a topographic name for someone who lived near such a feature.

In Slavic languages, Kur is a diminutive form of various names, such as Kuzma or Kuzmenko, which are derived from the common Slavic name "Kuzma," meaning "smith" or "metal worker." In some cases, it may also be a nickname for someone with red hair, as "kur" means "red" in several Slavic languages.

The surname Kur has also been found among Jewish families, possibly representing an Ashkenazi variant of the Hebrew name Kohen (priest). It is important to note that the exact origin and meaning of a specific instance of the surname Kur can depend on its particular historical and geographical context.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kur

The surname Kur is predominantly found in various regions of Europe, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, with significant concentrations in Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, and the Czech Republic. It also has presence in Finland, Germany, and Scandinavian countries due to historical migrations and cultural influences. The name is of Slavic origin, derived from the word "kur" which means "warrior" or "brave". In some cases, it may also be found among people of German descent, where the name can originate from the town of Kür in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. However, the distribution can vary significantly depending on specific regional dialects and historical records.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kur

The surname Kur has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciations. Some common variants include Cur, Kuur, Kurow, Kuer, Kyr, Kyur, and Kurr. These variations can be found among different ethnic groups, particularly those of Slavic and Baltic origins. The name may also be found in other languages with similar pronunciation such as Georgian (კური), Armenian (Քուր), and Turkish (Kür). It's important to note that the spelling can vary based on the individual's ethnic background, personal preference, or country of origin.

Famous people with the last name Kur

The Kur family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most recognized is Alexander Kur, a Russian mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of functional analysis and earned the Fields Medal, often referred to as the "Nobel Prize for mathematics," in 1966. Another prominent figure is Günther Kürten, a German serial killer infamously known as the Vampire of Düsseldorf. In entertainment, Rami Malek, whose surname was originally Kurz and later changed to Malek, is an acclaimed American actor best known for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury in the biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor. Lastly, Marlene Dietrich, born Maria Magdalena Ernst, adopted Kurz as her stage surname early in her career and became a leading actress and singer in the golden age of Hollywood.

Genealogical research on the last name Kur

The surname Kur originates from Germany and is derived from various geographical locations such as Kur, Kurtscheidt, and Kürten. Historically, it was concentrated in the Rhineland-Palatinate region. Variations of the name include Kurr, Kurrer, Kurz, and Kuer.

In Sweden, Kur is a variant of the Swedish surname Kurer, which has Scandinavian roots. In Finland, the surname Kuur is also found, originating from the German settlers who migrated to Finland during the 16th century. The name is less common in English-speaking countries but may be found among descendants of German or Scandinavian immigrants.

In terms of famous individuals with the surname Kur, there are several noteworthy figures, including Johann Carl Friedrich Kur (a German botanist), and Raimondas Kuraška (a Lithuanian basketball player).

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 23 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Kurabi (Last name)

surnames > kurabi

The surname "Kurabi" is of Turkish origin. It is derived from the Turkish word for "cookie" or "biscuit," which is "kurabiye." This surname likely originated as an occupational sur...

Kuraeshi (Last name)

surnames > kuraeshi

The surname "Kuraeshi" is of Albanian origin. It is derived from the Albanian word for "heart".

Kurai (Last name)

surnames > kurai

The surname "Kurai" is of Japanese origin. It is derived from the Japanese words "kura" meaning "warehouse" and "i" meaning "well". This surname is commonly found in Japan and may ...

Kuraisha (Last name)

surnames > kuraisha

The last name Kuraisha is of Arabic origin. It is believed to be a surname derived from the Arabic word "quraish," which refers to a powerful tribe in Arabia during the time of the...

Kuraishen (Last name)

surnames > kuraishen

The last name "Kuraishen" is of Arabic origin. It is likely derived from the tribal name "Quraysh," which was one of the prominent tribes in pre-Islamic Arabia. Members of this tri...

Kurakkodu (Last name)

surnames > kurakkodu

The last name "Kurakkodu" is of Indian origin, likely from the South Indian state of Kerala. The name may be derived from a place name or a particular community within Kerala.

Kuraman (Last name)

surnames > kuraman

The last name Kuraman is of Japanese origin. It is derived from the Japanese words "kura" meaning "warehouse" and "man" meaning "ten thousand."

Kurami (Last name)

surnames > kurami

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Kuran (Last name)

surnames > kuran

The surname "Kuran" is of Turkish origin and is derived from the Arabic word "Quran", which is the holy book of Islam. This surname may have been given to individuals who were scho...

Kuranjiyoor (Last name)

surnames > kuranjiyoor

The last name "Kuranjiyoor" is of Indian origin and is likely derived from a place name, possibly referring to a town or village in India.

Kurash (Last name)

surnames > kurash

The surname Kurash is of Turkish origin, derived from the Turkish word "kurash" which means 'wrestling'. This surname may have originally been a occupational surname for someone wh...

Kurashl (Last name)

surnames > kurashl

The surname Kurashl is of Turkish origin, derived from the Turkish word "kurashl" meaning "to fight" or "to wrestle." It is believed to have originated as a nickname for someone wh...

Kurasinski (Last name)

surnames > kurasinski

Kurasinski is a Polish surname that is likely of locational origin, derived from the name of a place where the original bearer of the surname once lived or held land. In this case,...

Kurasz (Last name)

surnames > kurasz

The surname Kurasz is of Hungarian origin. It's derived from the Hungarian word "kurász," which means a type of Hungarian horse breed that was used for hunting on horseback. In th...

Kuraum (Last name)

surnames > kuraum

The last name "Kuraum" is of Japanese origin. It may be derived from a place name or have some significance related to a geographic location or family ancestry in Japan.