Surname Krieft - Meaning and Origin
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Krieft: What does the surname Krieft mean?
The last name Krieft is of German origin. It is derived from the surname “Kreft” which first appeared in medieval times, referring to a person who was from a small settlement near a winding river. The literal translation of the word kreft is ‘a meandering river’. Over time, the spelling of the surname has been customized.
Krieft is still widely in use today in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, as well as by German descendants in other parts of the world. The Krieft surname is often attributed to craftsmen, and denotes a skilled individual who worked with their hands to make objects and tools.
The Krieft surname also has a military connotation. Many Krieft men served in the army in the 16th and 17th centuries, leading to a strong military tradition within the family.
Krieft is associated with a proud heritage that has been passed down through generations. To those who bear the name Krieft, it may come to represent strength, perseverance, and loyalty. The Krieft family motto is ‘Be Wise, Be Brave’, encouraging those who bear the name to live up to their ancestral legacy and be proud of their heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisKrieft: Where does the name Krieft come from?
The last name Krieft is originally a German surname derived from the middle High German word “krieft” meaning “strong” or “brave.” It is not a particularly common name, however it does appear in various countries around the world.
The highest concentration of Krieft families today is in Germany, where the name appears in many German phonebooks and genealogical records. It can also be found in many other parts of Europe including the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, and Switzerland.
In the United States, according to the 2020 Census, the name Krieft appears in greater numbers in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. It is also scattered across the country in many other states including Illinois, Indiana, The population outside of these states is relatively low overall.
Outside of the United States and Europe, the name is also found in many small populations in countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. While the name is not as widespread as other German names like Miller or Schneider, it continues to pop up in countries around the globe.
Variations of the surname Krieft
Krieft is an occupational surname which means “carpenter” in German. It is also one of the oldest surnames in Germany, with some branches of the family tracing their lineage back to the 12th century.
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Krieft are as follows:
Kraft – This is a variation of the surname Krieft, both pronounced in the same manner. It is derived from the same German word for carpenter.
Kreft – This is an alternate spelling of Krieft, also derived from the same German word.
Krefting – This is a patronymic form of the Krieft surname, and is derived from adding the suffix “ing” to the surname.
Kreftinger – This is another patronymic form of the Krieft surname, and is formed by adding the suffix “inger” to the surname.
Krefte – This is a slightly different variant of the Krieft surname.
Kryft – This is an anglicized version of the Krieft surname, often found in English-speaking countries.
Krüft – This is a variant of the Krieft surname with a slight German spelling variation.
Kröft – This is yet another variation of the Krieft surname, found in some German-speaking countries.
Kreutzer – This is a patronymic surname, derived from adding the suffix “er” to the Krieft surname.
Kruger – This is another German form of the Krieft surname, with the “er” suffix added to the surname.
Criff – This is an anglicized version of the Krieft surname, found in English-speaking countries.
Crief – This is another anglicized version of the surname, derived from the original German form.
Kreutel – This is a variant of the Krieft surname, often found in some German-speaking countries.
Krefth – This is a slightly different variant of the Krieft surname, with the “h” suffix added to the end.
Regardless of its spelling, the Krieft surname is rich in history and has been passed down through various generations of the same family. It is a highly respected and distinguished surname, which has continued to be carried by many members of the family today.
Famous people with the name Krieft
- Benny Krieft: Professional soccer player
- Sabine Krieft: German singer
- Alexander Krieft: German television presenter
- Kevin Krieft: Professional wrestler
- Mona Krieft: German actor
- Thomas Krieft: German actor
- Martin Krieft: German cyclist
- Stefan Krieft: German Alpine skier
- Dieter Krieft: German field hockey player
- Franziska Krieft: German pentathlete
- Monika Krieft: German fencing coach
- Alexander Krieft: German classical musician
- Julian Krieft: German ice hockey player
- Raphael Krieft: German surfer
- Brigitte Krieft: German politician