Surname Kreuzpainter - Meaning and Origin

Kreuzpainter: What does the surname Kreuzpainter mean?

The last name Kreuzpainter originates from German. The word 'Kreuz' means 'cross' and 'painter' is a variation of 'binder', a German word for a sign- or seal-maker. Historically, this surname was initially adopted by individuals who worked in an occupation related to creating and stamping seals and signs. A more literal translation of this last name is "Cross Maker".

In the old days, individuals with this last name were responsible for making stamps and seals bearing religious symbols or insignia, such as the cross. This was done to provide authentication of documents, along with the authority of those who issued the document. While these symbols were originally associated with religious matters, Kreuzpainters were also called upon to work with secular documents.

The name Kreuzpainter is still found in Germany today, and is one of the oldest recorded surnames in the country. Although it is now far less common than it was five hundred years ago, members of the Kreuzpainter family today may trace their lineage back to a long and storied past. In modern times, a Kreuzpainter may still be a sign or seal maker, or they might have adopted a more contemporary profession. No matter the current occupation of an individual with this last name, they can still look back proudly on the individual responsible for embodying such an age-old and revered tradition.

Kreuzpainter: Where does the name Kreuzpainter come from?

The last name Kreuzpainter is most often found in the German-speaking world, with a particularly high concentration in Austria and Switzerland. The surname has only started to spread to other countries in the last few hundred years, with many members of the diaspora moving to the United States, Canada, and beyond.

Traceable as far back as the 16th century, the name Kreuzpainter can be found used as a given name as well as a surname. It is derived from the German word for ‘cross-painter’, referring to a profession that involved decorating walls and furniture with religious crosses.

The surname Kreuzpainter has an obvious religious connection but today those who bear the name are more likely to have a secular orientation. That said, many with the name remain connected to strong spiritual beliefs either connected to the Catholic church, or more recently, to Protestant denominations.

Within Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, Kreuzpainter families can be found in freelance professions such as artisans, craftsmen, or engineers. However, the most common occupation for those with the surname today is entrepreneurial. Typical Kreuzpainter businesses are varied, including restaurant ownership, retail establishments, and tech start-ups.

Overall, Kreuzpainter is increasing in popularity within the German-speaking world, though it is still considered a fairly uncommon surname.

Variations of the surname Kreuzpainter

The most common spelling of the surname Kreuzpainter is typically Kreuzpaintner or Kreuzpäntner. It is derived from the Old German personal name “Kreuz”, which means “cross” or “sign”. The surname then refers to a person who works with a cross/sign, such as a signmaker, painter, or woodcarver.

Variants of the surname include Kreutzpainter, Kreuzeppatin, Kroitzbaind, Kraitlinger, Krautzbinder, Krautzbainter, Krautzpaintner and Kruzepaintner. These forms are often seen in records from the earliest known places of origin in Austria and Germany.

Variants of Kreuzpainter also include Pflaumbl, Pflaumbler, Pflambl, Pflombel and Plombel. These variants are often seen in records from areas of Alsace, France.

Common surnames of similar origin include Kreuzburg, Kreuzberg, Kroecker, Kranzberger, Krainzberger, Kranzle, Krantle, Kreutzbender, and Kreutzbender. All of these surnames are derived from the Old German word “Kreuz”, meaning “cross” or “sign”.

In conclusion, the surname Kreuzpainter is derived from the Old German personal name “Kreuz”, and all of its variants and spellings originate from the same meaning. Variants of similar origin include Kreuzburg, Kreuzberg, Kroecker, Kranzberger, Krainzberger, Kranzle, Krantle, Kreutzbender, and Kreutzbender. In addition, variants found in Alsace, France, include Pflaumbl, Pflaumbler, Pflambl, Pflombel and Plombel.

Famous people with the name Kreuzpainter

• Günther Kreuzpainter (1933–2007): German painter
• Lydia Kreuzpainter (b. 1932): German sculptor and artist
• Hans Kreuzpainter (b. 1953): German painter and sculptor
• Christa Kreuzpainter (b. 1931): German-Italian painter
• Moritz Kreuzpainter (1845-1905): German painter and architect
• Sebastian Kreuzpainter (1701-1765): German painter and engraver
• Maximilian Kreuzpainter (b. 1912): German painter, graphic artist, and art professor
• Paul Kreuzpainter (b. 1955): German painter and multimedia artist
• Margit Kreuzpainter (b. 1926): German painter, graphic artist, and printmaker
• Hanno Kreuzpainter (b. 1966): German painter and sculptor

Other surnames

Kreuzpaintner