Surname Kryger - Meaning and Origin
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Kryger: What does the surname Kryger mean?
The surname Kryger is of Danish origin and can also be pervasive in other Scandinavian countries. It translates to "warrior" in English. The word has its roots in the Old Norse word, "kriger," which also refers to a warrior or soldier. This surname might have been associated with ancient families involved in martial activities or warfare. Alternatively, the name could be an occupational one, indicating the family's traditional role or profession. However, like all surnames, individual family histories may vary and the most accurate information will often come from genealogical research specific to certain Kryger families.
Order DNA origin analysisKryger: Where does the name Kryger come from?
The surname Kryger is of German origin. It's derived from the Middle High German word "krieger," which means "soldier" or "warrior." It was a occupational name given to a soldier. There have also been suggestions that it might be derived from the Danish or Swedish word “kriger," conveying the same meaning.
Today, the surname Kryger is primarily common in Denmark, followed by South Africa, United States, Poland, and Australia. Within Denmark, it is especially common in the regions of Southern Denmark, Zealand, and Central Jutland. It is important to note that while it is significantly more common in these areas, it is by no means exclusive to them, and individuals with the Kryger surname can be found around the world.
Variations of the surname Kryger
The surname Kryger is of Polish origin and can have various spellings and variations including Kruger, Krueger, Kreuger, Krüger, and Kröger. Many of these variants are largely due to regional differences in spelling and pronunciation, but they all derive from the same root. They are derived from the Middle High German "kruog," meaning a tankard or a jug, and as such, it was likely originally an occupational surname for someone who made or sold tankards or jugs.
While some of these variants are popular in Poland, they are also commonly found in countries like Germany due to migration and the spreading of populations. It's also important to note that any given variant may be more or less common in different regions.
There's also a Danish variant, Kryger, which might have a different origin relating to war or fighting, however, this is speculative. The surname could have also spawned from other allographs such as Kyger, Cryger or even Tryger. The surname has been widely adopted by Americans of Polish descent, with some families choosing to simplify or "Americanize" the spelling over generations.
Famous people with the name Kryger
- Joe Kryger: Professional hockey player who played for NCAA's University of Wisconsin between 2010-2014.
- Amanda Kryger: Political activist and former CEO of Open Society Foundations, a philanthropic organization.
- Helene Kryger: Danish former stage and film actress.
- Mia Kryger: Danish actress and singer-songwriter.
- Malcolm Kryger: Australian naturalist and television presenter.
- Jeppe Kryger: Danish actor and voice actor.
- Annette Kryger: Danish singer and songwriter.
- Lora Kryger: English illustrator and author.
- Nanna Kryger: Danish producer and actor.
- Kristen Kryger: Professional Mixed Martial Arts fighter.
- Gary Kryger: Canadian-born American restaurateur and businessman.
- Kevin Kryger: Dutch actor and singer.
- Anna Kryger: Danish television presenter and news anchor.
- Corry Kryger: Australian soccer player.
- Anja Kryger: Danish actress and voice actress.