Surname Kratzert - Meaning and Origin
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Kratzert: What does the surname Kratzert mean?
The last name Kratzert is a German surname, derived from the Middle High German word 'kratzern', which means 'to scrape or scratch'. The word was historically used to describe a person who was a mason or stonecutter, or someone who worked with stone and other hard materials through scraping, scraping or using a chisel.
In today’s context, the surname Kratzert signifies individuals of Germanic descent, as it was an occupational name taken on by those involved in the construction industry dating back to the late Middle Ages. This is a particularly common surname amongst German-Americans, as it was a popular family name for those who traditionally lived in rural, farming areas.
In a more general sense, the surname Kratzert could also be interpreted as a sign of resilience. Those who overcame and conquered the physicality of the construction industry to create something from nothing certainly embodied a unique strength of character. It was likely part of a culture that sought to make a name for itself through sheer grit and determination.
Overall, the last name Kratzert is indicative of people with German roots that embodied resilience and strength. Although many Kratzerts today live in cities, the original meaning of this surname still lives on. It is a part of every Kratzert’s heritage and a reminder of those that came before us and the courage they showed in working with stone and hard materials.
Order DNA origin analysisKratzert: Where does the name Kratzert come from?
The last name Kratzert is a German name and is most commonly found in German-speaking countries today, primarily in Germany and Austria. Kratzert itself is derived from the Old High German term "krotzari" which means "Ropemaker", so the name likely originated as an occupational name for a ropemaker in the Middle Ages. The name is still found in Germany today, where it is most prevalent in the east and south, and is also present in Austria, where it is spread all over the country. It is also rare but present in Switzerland, France, and Denmark.
The Kratzert surname is also relatively common in the United States, where it began appearing in the late 19th century. Records suggest that the first Kratzert to arrive in the US came from Germany, and throughout the next century the name spread around the country. Today, it is most concentrated in Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and Illinois, but the name can be found in other states as well.
Overall, the Kratzert surname is still relatively common in German-speaking countries and among German-American descendants. As a surname emblematic of German culture, the name is likely to remain a fixture for many more generations to come.
Variations of the surname Kratzert
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Kratzert are Kraetzig, Kraetzel, Kraetz and Kraetzig. It is a German-origin surname, deriving from the lower-German word 'krahse', meaning a 'smart or lively person'.
Kraetz is a variation of Kratzert that emerged in Saxony, referring to a person who was in charge of providing firewood to the townsfolk in the past. In the olden days, Kraetzig was one of the commonly-used names for a loner or an individual who did not have family members.
Kraetzel is a Polish-origin variation of Kratzert, referring to a person or an individual who was believed to be courageous and was known for his acts of bravery by his neighbors. Kraetzig is an Austrian-origin variation, which was used to refer to a person who was generous or generous-hearted.
The name Kratzert may have been adapted or evolved from other European surnames in various parts of the world. For instance, Krzciuk (Polish), Kraitz (Jewish) and Koczur (Celtic) are similar-sounding surnames with the same or similar origin. Furthermore, Krawitz, Krusz, Kruczek and Krawczyk (Polish) may all have been inspired by Kratzert.
Lastly, it is interesting to note that the name Kratzert could also have evolved from earlier forms such as Kratzig, Kraczk and Kraczka (Polish). It could also be seen from the phonetics of the word that Kratzert could possibly derive from other European surnames, such as Gratz, Kraut and Krauterer (German) and Krowczk (Slavic).
Famous people with the name Kratzert
- Florian Kratzert: professional football player
- Michael Kratzert: German bobsleigh athlete
- Karl Kratzert: former professional basketball player
- Rainer Kratzert: German professional golfer
- Wilhelm Kratzert: German aviator and former CEO of TUI Group
- Ulrike Kratzert: German actress and voice actor
- Fritz Kratzert: German expressionist painter
- Georg Kratzert: German U-Boat captain
- Andreas Kratzert: German football coach
- Robert Kratzert: Saxon swimming champion and water polo player