Surname Kroll - Meaning and Origin

Uncovering the rich history of the Kroll lineage: An iGENEA DNA analysis experience

Venturing into my family history with an iGENEA DNA test, I discovered the fascinating origins and meaning of my surname, Kroll. From its roots in Central Europe to its meanings associated with diligence and efficiency, my understanding of my lineage has been greatly enriched.

O. Kroll

Kroll: What does the surname Kroll mean?

The surname Kroll has Polish, German, and Jewish origins. In Polish, it's derived from the word "król" which means "king", indicating a connection to royal families or professions associated with kings, like a royal servant. In German contexts, Kroll might originate from the Middle High German word "krol" or "kroil," translating to "curly," hence, possibly indicating a physical characteristic of the family's patriarch, such as curly hair. Moreover, some Jewish families used Kroll following migration from Poland or Germany to English-speaking countries. The meanings can vary widely depending on the regional influences, historical context, and original spelling. Thus, Kroll could have been an occupational surname, a descriptive name, or associated with royal service.

Kroll: Where does the name Kroll come from?

The last name Kroll is derived from the Middle High German word "krol" or "kroil," which means curly. Originally, it was likely a nickname for someone with curly hair. The highest concentration of people with the surname Kroll can be found in Germany, Poland, and the United States. The name is particularly prevalent in northern and central parts of Germany. However, it should be noted that the name is spread worldwide due to emigration patterns, and it can also be found in countries like Canada, Brazil, and Australia. It is also possible that the name has different origins in different countries due to the variety of languages and dialects present around the world.

Variations of the surname Kroll

The surname Kroll might have different variants and spelling depending on the region or country where it is used. Some common variations may include Krol, Krohl, Krull, Krall, Krahl, Kral, and Kroul. These variances are mostly due to phonetic spelling and cultural differences in pronunciation.

Kroll is a surname known to have German and Dutch origins. In Dutch, it's considered a variant form of Kraal, stemming from the Middle Dutch krol, meaning ‘curly’, ‘stout’ or 'warrior.' In German, Kroll might be a metonymic occupational name for a grower or dealer in barley, from Middle High German krol ‘barley.’ It is also suggested that Kroll might be a variant spelling of Krull as well as of the name "Kröhl."

The surname Kroll may also consist of a prefix like "von" or "van" signifying ‘from’ in many Dutch and German surnames. For instance, Von Kroll or Van Kroll could be possible variations. However, these are less common.

As for surnames of the same origin, they are likely to include various German or Dutch surnames that denote occupations, topographic features, or descriptors of physical traits. This can include names like Bauer, Schmidt, De Vries, or Janssen.

Famous people with the name Kroll

• Nick Kroll: An American actor, comedian, producer, and writer. He is known for his roles in TV shows like "The League", "Big Mouth" and "Kroll Show".
• Charlie Kroll: An internet entrepreneur, recognized as the founder and CEO of the financial technology company, Ellevest.
• Bobby Kroll: A famous Canadian football player.
• Michael Kroll: An American attorney, known for his activism against capital punishment.
• Andrew Kroll: He was an Executive Vice President during his time at Wells Fargo Bank and later served as CEO for Colliers International.
• Robert Kroll: A Minnesota police officer who served as the president of the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis.
• Riki Kroll: An American contemporary artist and exhibition curator.
• Tracy Beth Kroll: An American critic and author.
• Mary Kroll: An American actress, known for Eagle Eye (2008), Cloverfield (2008) and August (2008).
• Thor Kroll: A professional golfer who played on the PGA Tour in the 1940s and 1950s.
• Peter Kroll: A german chemist who is currently Professor of Chemistry at the University of Texas at Arlington.
• Jason Kroll: A Hollywood executive who has held executive posts at Paramount Pictures and Metro Goldwyn Mayer.

Other surnames

Krol