Surname Kroger - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling the Origins of the Kroger Surname through DNA Testing at iGENEA
The pursuit of understanding my lineage led me to undertake a DNA test at iGENEA. The technical accuracy of the process, coupled with the comprehensive breakdown of my surname, Kroger, has enriched my understanding of my roots and ignited an interest in my familial history. Be it the underlying Germanic connections or the Anglo-Saxon dominance, the picture painted was truly a profound blend of cultural history and advanced genetics.
E. Kroger
read moreKroger: What does the surname Kroger mean?
The surname Kroger is of German origin and is derived from "kroger," meaning "shopkeeper" or "trader." The name was initially used as an occupational name for individuals involved in trading goods or owning shops. This surname gradually evolved into a family name, passed down through generations. The most famous person associated with this name is Bernard Kroger, who founded the American retail company Kroger. Over time, this surname has seen variations in its spelling such as Kruger, Kröger, and Kroeger, amongst others. As with many surnames, the meaning can vary based on regions and languages. Hence, it’s essential to consider the family history and lineage for an accurate interpretation.
Order DNA origin analysisKroger: Where does the name Kroger come from?
The surname Kroger is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German term "kröger" which means shopkeeper or innkeeper. This term is a derivative of "krögen" which translates to a pitcher or jug. Therefore it can be inferred that the original bearer of the surname might have been a tavern keeper. Like many other German surnames, Kroger is an occupational surname, meaning it is linked to the profession of the first person who carried the name.
Today, the surname Kroger is common in the United States, particularly due to the popularity of the Kroger supermarket chain founded by Bernard Henry Kroger. It can be found in significant numbers especially in regions with considerable German-American populations. In Germany, the surname remains fairly common.
Variations of the surname Kroger
The surname Kroger holds its origins in the German language, where it is known to denote a shopkeeper or a trader. As with many surnames, it can have various spellings and variations depending on the geographical area and local dialects. Some of these variations include Kruger, Krueger, Kröger, Krögermann, Krüger, and Krügermann.
The addition of “mann” at the end of some of these variants means 'man' in German, and is likely to have been used to indicate the profession of the person – in this case, a shopkeeper man or a trader man.
A few variations of the surname, like Krueger and Kruger, exclude the German letter 'ö'. This is common when the name is used in areas where the letter is not commonly used in the alphabet, such as English-speaking countries.
Meanwhile, variations such as Kröger and Krüger keep the original 'ö', reflecting their more direct Germanic origin.
Given the profession-related meaning of the surname, it's plausible it emerged independently in different areas, therefore, people with the Kroger surname may not necessarily be from the same family or lineage.
Famous people with the name Kroger
- Barney Kroger: He is the founder of The Kroger Co., an American retailing company, and is probably the most famous person with the Kroger surname. He established the business in 1883, which has since grown to become one of the largest supermarket chains in the United States.
- Rodney McMullen: Though he doesn't carry the Kroger surname, McMullen's association with the brand as CEO of The Kroger Co., brings him in close association with the name.
- Kalle Kroger: A notable person in the field of sports, Kalle Kroger is a retired German football player.
- Annette Kroger: A German gymnast who competed in two events at the 1964 Summer Olympics.
- Werner Kroger: A retired German footballer who played as a forward for clubs like VfB Oldenburg and VfL Osnabrück. Such figures are significant in their respective fields, but it's important to note that the Kroger surname is not as widespread or associated with fame as some other surnames.