Kraus Family Crest and Surname Origin
A short guide to the Kraus surname: its meaning, its roots in Germany, and its heraldry.
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Origin of the Kraus name
Kraus is a German nickname for someone with curly hair, from Middle High German krūs, "curly, frizzy". It is especially common in Bavaria, Franconia and the former German-speaking areas of Bohemia. Kraus and Krause share the same root, with Krause more typical of northern Germany.
Our historical archives hold much more on the Kraus name: dates, names and records of early bearers.
This overview covers the Kraus name in Germany. We also hold records of the name in other countries, such as Austria, the Czech Republic and the United States; your full pack is researched for your family's country of origin.
Get your full Kraus family history
The researched Kraus pack traces meaning, early bearers and migration routes, and includes a personalized Kraus coat of arms.
Kraus name FAQ
What does the Kraus name mean?
Curly-haired. Common variants include Krause, Krauss, Kruse.
Where does the Kraus surname come from?
It originates in Germany, and is also found in Austria, the Czech Republic and the United States.
Is there a Kraus coat of arms?
Arms were granted to individuals, not whole surnames, so there is no single Kraus crest. Herald Lab paints a personalized Kraus coat of arms based on historic heraldry.
Researched by Herald Lab Research Studio, since 1993. Sources: Duden Familiennamen; Dictionary of American Family Names (Oxford).