Surname Quaas - Meaning and Origin

Quaas: What does the surname Quaas mean?

The last name Quaas is an uncommon name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the old Germanic word 'kwaz' meaning either "owl" or the more general "bird." It can be traced all the way back to the early Middle Ages and was likely used as a hereditary surname by the same family for centuries. The Quaas family was likely of the nobility class, as the early Quaas families had holdings that could have only been acquired through having a noble title.

In modern times, the Quaas family is quite rare and can be found mainly in Germany and certain parts of the United States. It is also the name of a prominent German artist, Maria Quaas, who is known for her detailed still life paintings.

The Quaas name carries with it a strong sense of pride and tradition, a sense of family that stretches far back into history. The name is an ode to the birds that have fascinated us for so long, and is a reminder of a family's strength, resilience, and fortune throughout the centuries.

Quaas: Where does the name Quaas come from?

The last name Quaas is most common in Germany, particularly in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, where it is ranked in the top 500 most common surnames. It is also quite common throughout Northern and Central Europe, including countries such as Denmark, Austria, Poland, among others. People with this last name are found in some parts of the United States as well, since Quaas is also an Americanized version of the German surname.

Quaas is believed to be of German origin and can be traced back to 14th century Germany. The earliest records of the name were found in an old German script dating back to 1343, and it was recorded as "Kwas". Some sources suggest that the name is derived from "quassan", which means "to tremble" in Old German, while others believe it evolved from "quashan" which meant "to complain".

Quaas can also refer to a small village near the Czech border of Germany, which is thought to have been founded in 1200 CE. It is believed that individuals from this region were some of the first people to adopt the surname.

Today, the surname Quaas is most commonly encountered in Germany, but can also be seen in other parts of Europe and the United States. It is still seen as a distinct surname, with its own unique history and meaning.

Variations of the surname Quaas

The surname Quaas is believed to have arisen in Germany, with variations in spelling including Quass, Qaas, and Kwass.

One legend suggests that the surname may have originated with the medieval knights known as the Questen, who protected against robber barons. The Questen knights would ride in search of castle walls to defend from the attack of the robber barons, thus coming to be known as “The Questers”, or Quass/Quaas knights.

Another theory suggests the surname evolved from a name derived from the Old High German word for ‘grouse’ or ‘game bird’, thus giving rise to the surname Quaas/Quass.

Additional spellings for Quaas include Kwass, Qaus, Qausse, Kwass, Kwasse, Quassen, and Kwaas. Variants with surnames of similar origin include Quas, Quai, and Quat.

The derivative forms of Quaas can be seen across the world, from Germany to the Netherlands, the United States, Scandinavian countries, and the United Kingdom.

Overall, Quaas is a distinct surname with many variations and derivatives which not only offer a hint at its origins, but also demonstrate its wide geographical spread over time.

Famous people with the name Quaas

• Helene Quaas: Helene Quaas is a German retired figure skater and judge who competed in the singles event in the 1950s. She is renowned for her longevity in the sport and achievements; having won several medals at the European Championships and the World Championships, as well as numerous other titles throughout her career.
• Gunter Quaas: Gunter Quaas is a German former professional footballer. Quaas enjoyed a long and distinguished career playing for clubs such as Hamburger SV, Union Berlin, Stuttgarter Kickers and Lillestrom.
• Paul Quaas: Paul Quaas was a German actor of the silent era. He is best remembered for his appearances in films such as The Student of Prague (1913), Madame Dubarry (1919) and Der Raub der Sabinerinnen (1920).
• Ella Quaas: Ella Quaas is a Danish bobsledder who has competed since 2001. Competing in two Winter Olympics, She won the bronze medal in the two-woman event at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, becoming the first female bobsledder from Denmark to achieve a medal in the sport.
• Johannes Quaas: Johannes Quaas is a German astrophysicist at the Leibniz-Institut für Astrophysik in Potsdam, Germany. His primary focus is the study of Sun's interior structure and atmosphere.

Other surnames

Quaadt