Surname Kräft - Meaning and Origin

Cracking My Genetic Code: Uncovered Viking Ancestors and Scandinavia Connections Through iGENEA DNA Test

The iGENEA DNA test proved to be a journey through my lineage, unravelling unexpected links that were woven into the fabric of my family history. I found out that my surname, Kräft, which I had assumed of German origin, has a footprint in Scandinavia, showcasing my ancestors' Viking origins and revealing our family’s colourful, centuries-spanning narrative.

U. Kräft

Kräft: What does the surname Kräft mean?

Kräft is a German surname that can be traced back to the early 15th century. Originally, the name was derived from the Middle-High German word kraft, meaning “power, strength, or might.” Over time, the name developed and evolved as families moved throughout Europe. Today, this surname is most commonly found in Germany, but can also be found in other European countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and Sweden.

When it comes to modern day usage, the last name Kräft is commonly associated with making something bigger and better. People with the last name Kräft often have an instinctive grasp of power and are seen as ambitious, driven, and strong-willed. These individuals often have a strong sense of intuition, are good communicators, and tend to be visionary thinkers who think outside the box in order to find solutions to difficult problems.

In the social world, the surname of Kräft is respected for its history and meaning. This translates numerous advantages, as many employers are interested in hiring individuals with this last name because of its connotations of strength and power. Whether it be in business, politics, or any field of professional work, Kräft is a respected and sought-after trait in a professional.

Kräft: Where does the name Kräft come from?

The last name Kräft is a German surname with roots in the Middle Ages. It is most commonly found today in places such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other parts of Central Europe, though its use has spread beyond that region and can now be found elsewhere including in the United States.

The origin of the name Kräft is believed to stem from an ancient German word meaning “power.” Alternatively, the name could come from the Middle Dutch Kroft, which means ‘a mountain peak’ or ‘a crest.’

The name is still quite common in modern-day Germany, where it ranks at 470th in the most-used surnames in the country. Similarly, in Austria it is found in the top 700 last names and in Switzerland it is somewhere between the 300th and 500th most common.

While the origins of many German surnames can be traced back to the Middle Ages, Kräft has managed to stick with modern generations. With the increased mobility of people, the name has spread to countries such as the United States, often brought over by new immigrants or people with ancestral ties to Germanic regions.

Regardless of where it originates from or where it is found today, the last name Kräft will likely remain in use for years to come. As more and more people reconnect with their families and ancestral homelands, this German name will continue being part of today's world.

Variations of the surname Kräft

Kräft is a surname of German origin. It is the German word for 'crab', and thus this surname may have been originally borne by a person with a crab-like physical appearance or personality. It could also have been a name for someone who worked with, or owned, crabs.

Variants of the surname Kräft include Kraft, Kreft, Kraff, Krafft, Kref, Kreff, Kraff, and Krafft. Further, the spelling may be amended depending on the region or the language being used, such as 'Kraftt' in Dutch or 'Kræft' in Danish.

Common surnames derived from Kräft include Kräften, Kräffert, Kräffel, Kräffinger, Kräffelmeier, Kräftinger, Kräftstein, Krafftmann, Kraftl, and Kraftner. Surnames such as Kräftauf, Kräfte, Kräftekraft, and Kräfteprozess are also associated with the Kräft surname.

In addition, other names related to Kräft include names derived from occupations linked to crab-fishing, such as Krabbenacker, Krabbe, Krabbenfischer, and Krabbenhaft. Other notable surnames related to Kräft include Krabbenhöfer, Krabbekam, Krabbeschlenker, Krabbenschubert, and Krabbenfrau.

The variations of Kräft and surnames associated with it show the ways in which surnames can morph and diversify over time and geographical space. The numerous variations of this surname demonstrate the evolution of culture and language, as well as provide insight into the history of German people.

Famous people with the name Kräft

• Magda Kräft: Swedish actress known for roles in Oskar-Linnros, The Fly, and Stockholm Stories
• Stig Kräft: Swedish actor behind roles in Klassfesten, Återträffen, and Irene Huss
• Kim Kräft: Swedish actor known best for his lead role in Jag är Ingrid
• Rasmus Kräft: Swedish film director who created the popular drama series Paradise Hotel
• Linn Kräft: Swedish-American reality television star who competed in the eleventh season of Survivor
• Edwin Kräft: Swedish politician who served as Mayor of Umeå from 1998-2002
• Josephina Kräft: Swedish-American environmentalist who is the founder of the Nature Walk organization
• Åsa Kräft: Swedish singer-songwriter who is the lead singer of the pop-rock group, Diser
• Lina Kräft: Swedish-American singer-songwriter who has released three successful albums
• Rinat Kräft: Swedish actor, filmmaker, and writer who is best known for his work in television series such as Quiz In The Row
• Märta Kräft: Swedish-American fashion designer who has had her works featured on the catwalks of New York and Paris
• Einar Kräft: Swedish artist whose sculpture work has been installed in numerous public spaces throughout Sweden
• Charley Kräft: Swedish-American entrepreneur and former CEO of the gaming company, Digital Dragons
• Olle Kräft: Swedish journalist and editor-in-chief of the national weekly newspaper Expressen
• Frida Kräft: Swedish-American athlete who competed in the 2012 Summer Olympics in the double sculls event.

Other surnames

KräftenKräftingKraftschenkoKraftschuk