Surname Krause - Meaning and Origin

How an iGENEA DNA test Transformed my Perception of the Krause Identity

As a curious amateur genealogist, I was intrigued about what secrets about the Krause lineage and my ancestral history an iGENEA DNA test could unearth. The results have intrigued and fascinated me, overturning my simplistic perception of Krause as just a surname, to an emblem of a multifaceted, deeply rooted family identity.

F. Krause

Krause: What does the surname Krause mean?

The surname Krause is of German origin and has multiple potential meanings. Generally, it is associated with descriptive characteristics. The most common interpretation links the name to the Middle High German word "kraus" which means "curly" or "curly-haired". This suggests that the original bearers of the surname may have been people with curly hair. Another interpretation associates Krause with the word "Krausen," used locally by medieval cloth manufacturers to refer to the processing of raw wool. Therefore, the surname could have been an occupational name for someone involved in this trade. The nature and variety of meanings showcase the multiplicity of occupational and nicknaming conventions frequently used in surname derivation across German-speaking areas.

Krause: Where does the name Krause come from?

The surname Krause is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "kraus," meaning "curly". It was typically used as a nickname for individuals with curly hair. Krause has variations such as Kraus, Krauss, Krausz, Kräus, Kräuss, and Kräusz. It is one of the most widespread German last names today.

The name is common in Germany and has diffused to other countries through migration. Today it can be found in significant numbers in the United States, Canada, Brazil, and South Africa among others, particularly in regions with substantial historical German immigration. In the United States, it is most common in the Midwest and the Pennsylvania Dutch region, reflecting the heavy German settlement in these areas. Popularity in Brazil is primarily due to the large German-speaking community in the south of the country. Overall, anyone with the surname Krause could have ancestral ties to Germany, but the geographical distribution of the name today is broad due to centuries of global migration.

Variations of the surname Krause

The surname Krause has several variant forms and spellings depending on regional localization, due mainly to the nature of transliteration from one language to another. It is of German origin, often meaning "curly-haired" or "thick, frizzy hair".

Some of its variant forms include Kraus, Krausse, Krausz, Krauss, and Krauze. These variants often have the same or very similar pronunciations. Additionally, alternate forms or spellings occurring from further transliterations of the name into different languages are Kruse, Krusen, and Krouse.

Surname variations resulting from geographical or cultural changes can possibly include Cruz or Krauser as well, considering linguistic origins and historical migrations of different populations.

Keep in mind that the frequency and usage of these surnames will vary significantly based on region and the presence of German-specific populations. Remember that similarities in surnames do not necessarily attest to genetic or familial relations, as many surnames were often based on occupational, physical, or locational characteristics.

It's always important in genealogical research to verify information through multiple records and sources when tracing familial lineage. Variations in spelling would have been common, especially prior to standardized spelling conventions.

Famous people with the name Krause

• Christoph Krause: German professional soccer player
• Steve Krause: American composer and producer
• Henryk Krause: Polish chess master
• Anja Kraus: German television star
• Curtis Krause: American baseball player
• Dieter Krause: German actor
• Erin Krause: American model
• Christa Krause: Austrian actress
• Evan Krause: Australian singer-songwriter
• Alfred Krause: German sculptor
• Heleen Krause: Dutch artist
• Taylor Krause: American model
• Stephanie Krause: Austrian actress
• Olaf Krause: German actor
• Mike Krause: American professional surfer
• Christopher Krause: German actor
• Chris Krause: Icelandic singer-songwriter
• Ursula Krause: German athlete
• Tini Krause: German actress
• Stefan Krause: German composer and conductor

Other surnames

KrausKrausaKrausbauerKrausemannKrausenKrauserKrausertKraushaarKrausharKraushauptKrauskopfKrausmannKrausovaKrauspeKrauspenhaarKraussKrausseKrausserKrausshaarKräussleKraussmannKrauszKrausze