Surname Krift - Meaning and Origin

Krift: What does the surname Krift mean?

The last name Krift is of German origin, and is derived from the Old German “Krift” which meant "timber". This surname most likely originated as a surname to denote someone who lived near a grove of trees. It was likely used to refer to someone who worked as a carpenter, or who simply lived near a place where timber could be found.

Over time, the name Krift came to be associated with individuals of German heritage, particularly those who lived around the Rhineland region in the early 1700s. It was popularized in the United States by German immigrants, and it can be found in many different parts of the country.

The name Krift is also associated with Texas and the American Southwest, where German immigration was particularly prolific in the late 19th century. It is also one of the most common last names in parts of Germany, due in part to the high numbers of German immigrants who chose to settle there.

Today, the name Krift remains a popular German surname that is found in many different countries. It still carries some of the original associations with carpentry and timber, but it also has strong ties to one's German heritage and identity. It is a name that is associated with many German immigrants who chose to start out in the New World and build something special.

Krift: Where does the name Krift come from?

The last name Krift is most commonly found in Germany. It is among the top 5,000 last names in the country, and is derived from a Slavic root meaning "pine." It appears to have first been adopted by German burghers in the late medieval period.

It is most commonly found in the state of Bavaria. Residents of Bavaria, located in the south of Germany and home to both Munich and Nuremberg, often shared a common culture and language from the Middle Ages to the present day, so it is unsurprising that the Krift name continues to be popular there.

As German immigrants spread across the globe, the name Krift can now be found in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia, as well as in European nations like England, France, and the Netherlands. As of 2020, Krift is the 9,360th most common surname of all German surnames worldwide.

The spelling of Krift with a “K” is the predominant spelling, but the spelling of Krift with a “K” can also be encountered.

Variations of the surname Krift

The surname Krift is derived from the Middle Low German Krift, meaning "narrow valley". Variants of this surname include Krift, Krift, Kriefte, Krieft, Krijft, Krijff, Kreift, Kreyft, Keift, Keifft, Krifft, Kreifft, and Karift. It is also found with regional spellings such as Krifth in East Frisia and Kreifft in Holstein and Pomerania. Variations of this surname include Kriftner, Kriftenauer, Kriftenthaler, Kriftenbauer, Kriftenmacher, Kriftander, and Kriftelmacher.

It is also occasionally found as a surname with a prefix, such as van der Krift, von der Krift, or Zu der Krift, which are all derived from place names. This variation is typically found in regions such as Bavaria, Austria, the Netherlands, and some parts of Alsace-Lorraine. It is also found with the suffix -er, as in Krieftehr, Kriftner, and Kriffeler.

Kriften, Krief, Kriefte, Krieft, and Kreift are all the same surname, originating from the Middle Low German Krift. These variations are commonly found in Germany, the Netherlands, Bavaria, Austria, Switzerland, and other German-speaking countries across Europe. They are also found in Jewish communities in those countries.

Famous people with the name Krift

• Stephanie Krift: Actress, director, writer.
• Carisa Krift: American actress.
• Todd Krift: President of Mercy Health in Cincinnati.
• Bud Krift: Country music songwriter and guitarist.
• Will Krift: Singer and songwriter.
• Elissa Krift: Former Director of the National Endowment for the Arts.
• Nick Krift: Abstraction Painter.
• Bill Krift: Singer and songwriter.
• Squeaky Krift: Award winning powerhouse Bluegrass band.
• John Krift: Professional Drummer.
• Kelsey Krift: Pianist and composer.
• Wendell Krift: Ceramics artist and sculptor.
• Debbie Krift: Director of International Business Development.
• Joe Krift: Emmy Award winning cinematographer.
• Justin Krift: Owner of a commercial real estate group.
• Schuyler Krift: Grammy-nominated songwriter.
• McKenzie Krift: Musician and YouTuber.
• Heather Krift: Playwright and Performer.
• Peter Krift: Professional football player.
• Matt Krift: Professional Artist and Creative Director.

Other surnames

Krifft