Surname Kratzer - Meaning and Origin

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My iGENEA DNA test results, illuminating my ancestral timeline with the vibrant hues of heritage and migrations, have revealed fascinating insights about my surname—'Kratzer.' With roots deep into the Ashkenazi Jewish lineage and Central European tribes, the 'Kratzer' journey is an intriguing tapestry of migrations, societal adaptations, and the interplay of diverse cultures over centuries.

D. Kratzer

Kratzer: What does the surname Kratzer mean?

The last name Kratzer is of German origin and is a habitational name derived from the location of Kratzen, near Hannover, in Lower Saxony, Germany. The name Kratzer is a topographic name, derived from the Middle High German words ‘kratzen’, which means "scratch”, and ‘bere’, which means “edge”, and the combination of these two words refer to someone who lived near jobs and settled near a body of water where one could ‘scratch’ the edge of the river.

In some cases, the Kratzer surname may have originated from occupational names, such as a cutter of cloth or stone or a farrier. It is sometimes associated with an inhabitant of the area of Kratzer in Bavaria.

During the Middle Ages, the Kratzer surname gained popularity across Germany, and with the onset of migration of Europeans to North America and the continent of Africa in the mid 19th century, the name became even more widespread. Today, the Kratzer name is found mainly in the United States, Canada, and Germany.

The Kratzers are known for their strong sense of family and their willingness to work hard. They are also very loyal and passionate about their beliefs and traditions. Most Kratzers take great pride in their German heritage and some are even active members of their local German clubs and associations.

Kratzer: Where does the name Kratzer come from?

The last name Kratzer is most commonly found in the German-speaking areas of Europe, including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is also found in the United States, particularly in Pennsylvania, where it is one of the most common surnames. It is thought to have originated in what is now the Czech Republic and western Germany around the 15th or 16th century, when many German families emigrated to the United States.

Kratzer is a very common surname. In the United States, it is the 455th most common name, with the Yurkiewicz family, which is of predominantly Polish descent, having the highest number of members bearing the name Kratzer. In Germany, it is the 87th most popular family name, with the highest concentrations in the Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, and Thuringia states. In Austria, it is the 146th most popular family name, with the highest numbers in Vienna, Styria, and Lower Austria.

Many people bearing the Kratzer name emigrated to the United States, particularly during the 19th century when large numbers of Germans left their homeland. A vast majority of them settled in Pennsylvania, particularly in the area along the Susquehanna River, near present-day Harrisburg. Others also headed to the Midwest and Texas. Today, one can find Kratzer family members all across the United States, though the highest numbers are still found in Pennsylvania.

Variations of the surname Kratzer

The surname Kratzer is believed to have derived from the Middle High German word "kracze," meaning "to scratch or scrape." Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include Krätzer, Kratzner, Kratz, Kretser, Kretchmer, and Kreitzer.

Krätzer is believed to have been the most common way of spelling the surname and is still popular in Southwest Germany. Kratzner is thought to be an Austrian variant, and is most common in the Tyrol and Bavaria.

Kratz is believed to be an abbreviation of 'Kratzer,' and is an occupational name given to those in the tanning trade. The 'Kretser' spelling is most popular in Switzerland, Derbyshire, and Linconshire.

Kretchmer is a variation that has been recorded in both the United States and Canada, while Kreitzer is the most common form of the surname in Pennsylvania.

It is not clear where the surname first appeared, although it is generally believed that the earliest records of the name are found in Germany. It is believed to first have been used as a personal name for someone described as 'one who scratches or scrapes', suggesting an occupation such as is thought of behind Kratz.

The name remained mostly in German culture and is still popular mainly in Germany, the United States, and Canada.

Famous people with the name Kratzer

• William Kratzer: notable American cinematographer who worked on some major films including The Party, The Godfather and Chinatown.
• Don Kratzer: former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins.
• Steve Kratzer- American football coach and former college and NFL player.
• Willy Kratzer: Austrian football goalkeeper.
• Dieter Kratzer: German modern pentathlete who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics.
• George Kratzer: American aviator during World War I.
• Arnold Kratzer: Austrian swimmer who competed in the 1964 Summer Olympics.
• Ira Kratzer: Bass guitarist and composer.
• Vernon Kratzer: American marathon runner.
• Wilhelm Kratzer: German sculptor.
• Bustin Kratzer: American car racer who participated in the Indianapolis 500 in 1911.
• John Kratzer: Chief financial officer and co-founder of Cinedigm.
• Bill Kratzer: American actor and voice actor who provided the voice of some animated series.
• Alan Kratzer: Without context, this name is too common to indicate a specific person.
• Donna Kratzer: American digital artist.

Other surnames

KratzKrätzKratzelKrätzelKratzertKratzlKrätzlKrätzmannKrätzschmannKrätzschmarKrätzschmärKrätzschmer