Surname Kretzmann - Meaning and Origin

Kretzmann: What does the surname Kretzmann mean?

The last name Kretzmann is a German surname derived from two words in the country's language: “Kreuz” which means cross and “mann” which translates to man. Combined, the meaning of the name gives us “man of the cross”, symbolizing an individual who is devoutly religious and likely passionate about their faith. The presence of the name in Germany dates back to medieval times when religion was the central focus among citizens and identity was heavily tied to one’s faith.

Those who have the last name Kretzmann are likely of German descent and it is likely that their ancestors were educated in local religious systems and had strong religious convictions. It is also possible that this last name has been bestowed on an individual who had strong faith-based values and acted on them, making a name for himself or herself.

Today, those with the last name Kretzmann still carry those same values and likely believe in strong religious principles and moral grounds. They are part of a larger family tree of people who have been connected to the cross and the faith that is associated with it.

Kretzmann: Where does the name Kretzmann come from?

The surname Kretzmann is most commonly found today in Germany. It is one of the oldest surnames in the country, and is derived from Germanic tribes from Central and Eastern Europe. The original meaning of the surname refers to a person who is an expert in woodworking or carpentry.

In Germany, the name can be found mainly in the states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. It is quite common in these two states and is still frequently found in small farming and craft villages. As such, the name is a testament to the history of the area; many of its citizens are descendants of families who have lived in the region for centuries.

Other countries where the name is prevalent include Norway, the United States, Canada, and Australia. German immigrants to these countries during the 19th and early 20th centuries often adopted the name when creating new households.

Finally, the current distribution of the name can also be found in the Netherlands. Here too it is historically linked to the craft traditions of the country, particularly in rural villages.

All in all, the last name Kretzmann is still quite popular today, particularly in Europe, with families bearing the name often connected to ancient folk traditions.

Variations of the surname Kretzmann

Kretzmann is a German surname, normally spelled with a ‘K’, though it can also be spelled with a ‘C’ as in ‘Kretschmann’. The name is derived from the German word ‘Kretz’, which means pebbles or stones, and is typically found in areas of Germany, such as Bavaria, Hesse, and Baden-Württemberg.

The name is also found in the areas of Austria and Switzerland.

Variants of the surname Kretzmann can include Kretzmar, Kretzman, Kretschmar, Kretschmann, Kreiszmann, Kritzman, Kritzmann, and Krutzman.

Kretszman, Kretschmann, Kreiszmann, Kritzmann, and Krutzman can all also be seen as just slight spelling variations of the surname Kretzmann, though Kreitzman would not be the correct spelling of the surname.

The name Kretzmann might also be found with slight variations in spelling due to its presence in many languages throughout Europe, such as in Czech, where the name is spelled Křečman; in Polish, where the name is spelled Kreczman; or in Dutch, where the name is spelled Kreitsman.

Surnames related to Kretzmann can include Kertzman, Kreftman, Kehrmann, Kretz, Kreutzmann, Kretzman, Kreisman, Kreitman, Kretschmar, and Kritzman.

Kretzmann is generally an uncommon name and is relatively rare across Europe. Despite its rareness, there is evidence that the surname has been in use since at least the 13th century, and has likely been in use much longer.

Famous people with the name Kretzmann

• Ron Kretzmann: Was an American professional basketball player who played for the Chicago Bulls and Washington Bullets from 1974 to 1983.
• Paul Wakefield Kretzmann: Pastor and scholar who wrote the Kretzmann Project. He also collaborated with Clyde E. Fant on the New Fortress Commentary on the Bible.
• Adam Kretzmann: Founder and CEO of Kretzmann Investments, an investment management firm based in Los Angeles, California.
• Lillian Kretzmann:scientist and engineer who was the first woman to earn a doctorate in engineering from the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois.
• Pete Kretzmann: American business executive and former CEO of Kraft Foods.
• Richard Kretzmann: American architect who designed the Riverbank laboratories in Geneva, Illinois.
• Friederich Kretzmann: German-American minister who served in the Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
• Joseph Kretzmann: Major League Baseball player who played with the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Browns during the 1883 and 1884 seasons.
• Detlev Kretzmann: German historian of modern Europe and editor of the books “Recent European Culture” and “History of Modern Europe since 1700”.
• Walter Kretzmann: German-American sculptor and museum director who founded the Kretzmann Sculpture Museum at Washington University in St. Louis.

Other surnames

KretzmährKretzmar