Surname Krenek - Meaning and Origin
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Krenek: What does the surname Krenek mean?
The surname Krenek is derived from the German language and is thought to have derived from the nickname Krenn, which in English translates as "rascal" or "wicked one." The first known instance of this surname was Johann Krenhar in 1312, who was living in Meissen, Germany. It is a common surname in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
In the 17th century, the surname began to spread to the United States. Some of the earliest settlers bearing the Krenek name include Johann Kruener, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1753; Joseph Krenecker, who arrived at Philadelphia in 1771; and Johannes Krenek, who arrived in North Carolina in 1776.
The family name Krenek is thought to characterize someone who is lively and playful, but who also has a rebellious streak. It is likely that this interpretation of the name dates back to its original Germanic origin. People with this surname have often pushed against the status quo and gone against the grain, while having an uncompromising desire to make an impact in their work or community. Ultimately, this suggests a creative and independent spirit which is often seen as inspirational and commendable.
Order DNA origin analysisKrenek: Where does the name Krenek come from?
The last name Krenek is most commonly found today in central and western Europe, particularly Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. It is also found in countries formerly belonging to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, such as Hungary.
Krenek is a Germanized version of the Czech surname Krenak, which is derived from the Czech word for "curly-haired," kroutý. The name most likely originated from an ancestor who had curly hair. According to records, the earliest known person with the surname was a farmer from Bohemia in the year 1383 who went by the name Ulricus de Krenak.
The Krenek family name is still very popular in the Czech Republic and Austria, with more than 1,000 people bearing the name in each country. In the United States, the surname is less common but still present; around 1,500 people living in California, New York, and Illinois are named Krenek.
The surname Krenek has been used for centuries, and the people who bear it have made lasting contributions throughout history, not only in the countries of their origin but all around the world.
Variations of the surname Krenek
The surname Krenek has many variations, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Some of the most common include: Krenik, Krennich, Krenski, Krenzik, Krenzke, Kreszac, Kresnik, Kreszke, Kresznik, and Krezenko.
Krenek is a German word that originated from Bohemia and is associated with the grey crane. The spelling of this surname has changed over the centuries and, as such, has variations. In some cases, it is associated with the name Krenecker, which passed from Bohemia into neighbouring countries such as Poland, Hungary, and the Baltic Republics.
Krenek is also the original spelling of the surname Krenik, which is now more commonly used. This spelling is likely to have been derived from the German word Kreutzer, which was the term used for a type of currency. Thus, it is believed that those who first adopted this surname must have been financially successful.
In some cases, the surname Kresznik is used in lieu of Krenik or Krenek. This is a variation that is associated with the Czech word 'kresit' which means to sketch or draw.
The spelling of Krenek is also closely connected to the Polish surname Krenzke, which is derived from the root word 'krzyż' or 'cross'. This is a reference to those who were devotees of the Christian faith.
Finally, the spelling of Krenek can also be linked to the Lithuanian surname Krezenko. This spelling translates literally as 'Krinics', meaning a 'mountain dweller'.
All in all, the surname Krenek has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. All of these variants reflect the history and culture of the region from which the surname originates.
Famous people with the name Krenek
- Ernst Krenek: Austrian-American composer, best known for his operatic works.
- Ludvik Krenek: Austrian-Czech poet, writer, journalist, playwright, and politician.
- Ernst Krenek, Jr.: Son of Ernst Krenek, a sculptor and progressive educator.
- Richard Krenek: Austrian-American composer, particularly of operettas, chamber music, and advanced vocal works.
- Georg Krenek: Austrian-American doctor of anatomy and embryology, principally known for his research in the fields of hedgehog-related embryos and congenital malformations.
- Schuyler Krenek: Oregon-based musician, known best as the leader of the Schuyler Krenek Band.
- Christine Krenek: US-based contemporary visual artist.
- Augustus Krenek: Central-European general, known principally for his involvement in the Prussian-Austrian War of 1866.
- Joe Krenek: Czech-American businessman and politician.
- Erich Krenek: Austrian-American composer and professor at the Conservatory in Zurich, known for his work in complex musical forms.
- Josef Krenek: Czech-Austrian architect and furniture designer.
- Karl Krenek: Austrian-American composer, teacher, and musicologist, primarily known for his studies of Byzantine modes.
- Alfred Krenek: Czech-born Austrian stamp collector and philatelist.
- Christian Krenek: Austrian-American engineer and energy expert.
- Johann Krenek: Austrian painter and draughtsman of the late nineteenth century.