What is the origin of the last name Kruse?
Countries of origin for the last name Kruse
The last name KRUSE is a German occupational surname that originates from the Middle High German word “krusen,” meaning “to curl” or “to crimp.” The name is derived from the occupation of a “Krusenmacher,” which refers to a person who made or sold items with curled or crimped edges, such as wigs, feathers, or ribbons. This occupational surname suggests that individuals with the last name KRUSE may have had ancestors who were involved in the production or sale of these goods.
The surname KRUSE is most commonly found in Germany, particularly in the northern regions of Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein. It is estimated that there are around 25,000 individuals with the last name KRUSE in Germany today.
One notable variation of the last name KRUSE is KRUSI. This variation is most prevalent in Switzerland and may have originated as a Swiss German form of the name.
The KRUSE family name has also spread beyond its German origins. It can be found among individuals of German descent in other countries, including the United States. Immigration records indicate that many individuals with the last name KRUSE migrated to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly from Germany and Denmark.
The name KRUSE has retained its original spelling over time, without significant variations or alterations. This consistency suggests that the last name has remained relatively unchanged throughout its history.
While the surname KRUSE has a specific occupational origin, it does not have any direct association with nobility or heraldry. It is primarily a patronymic name based on the occupation of one’s ancestor and does not indicate any specific social status or lineage.
Research into the etymology of the last name KRUSE provides a clear understanding of its origins and meaning. However, it is important to acknowledge that individual family histories and personal connections to the name may hold additional significance and stories that go beyond the general understanding of the surname.
Interesting facts about the last name Kruse
- The surname Kruse is of German origin and is one of the most common surnames in Germany.
- Derived from the word “Kreuz,” meaning “cross” in German, the surname Kruse likely originated as a locational name referring to someone who lived near a crossroads or a cross-shaped feature on the landscape.
- Another possible origin of the surname Kruse is from the Old Norse personal name “Krúsi” or “Kruse,” which means “curly-haired.”
- Throughout history, the surname Kruse has been spelled in various ways, including Kruse, Krus, Krusz, and Krueß. These spelling variations reflect different phonetic interpretations and regional differences.
- Notable individuals with the surname Kruse include Michael Kruse, an award-winning journalist and author known for his in-depth investigative reporting, and Robbie Kruse, an Australian professional soccer player who has represented his country in numerous international tournaments.
- The Kruse surname is not only found in Germany but also in other countries with German ancestry, such as the United States, Denmark, and the Netherlands.
- Over time, the surname Kruse has spread globally due to migration and emigration, leading to Kruse families residing in various parts of the world, including North America, Australia, and South Africa.
- The coat of arms associated with the Kruse surname typically features a shield divided into quarters with different symbols, such as crosses, crowns, and animals, reflecting the heraldry traditions of Germanic origin.
- In Germany, the frequency and distribution of the surname Kruse vary across different regions. It is particularly popular in the northern parts of the country, such as Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein.
- The popularity of the surname Kruse can also be seen in the numerous businesses, street names, and landmarks that bear the name Kruse in Germany and other countries.