Surname Schwenkkraus - Meaning and Origin
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Schwenkkraus: What does the surname Schwenkkraus mean?
The last name Schwenkkraus is a German name originating from either the Middle High German or Upper German language. It is derived from the word 'Schwenk', which roughly translates to swivel or turn. This suggests that the name is likely indicative of a person who had a professional, or at least skilled, aptitude for turning things – either in metalwork, woodwork, or some other type of craft.
Alternatively, Schwenkkraus may be a variation of the separate words ‘Schwenk’ and ‘Kraus’ meaning ‘curly’ or ‘gnarled.’ This would point to an ancestor having a curly or gnarled hair, and could refer to an entire family.
A further explanation of Schwenkkraus is the combination of ‘Schwenk’ and ‘Kräsus’ which translates to ‘rich in the turning process’ or ‘wealthy from turning.’ This could refer to a person having a successful business, or driving a large or affluent trade in turning items.
No matter the exact origin of the name, it’s likely that the Schwenkkraus family had a respected professional background to do with either turning objects or having a good sum of wealth associated with it. Alternatively the name may have been given to a family with some rather curlier members!
Order DNA origin analysisSchwenkkraus: Where does the name Schwenkkraus come from?
The last name Schwenkkraus is most commonly found in Germany today. It is a German surname, derived from the Middle High German words "schwenken" and "krus," which mean "to swing" and "cross" respectively. Historically, it was a nickname for someone who was "swinging the cross," likely for religious ceremonies or processions.
In the 20th century, the name began to spread around Europe. It is particularly common in the Netherlands, Belgium, and the United States. It is also found scattered around other countries, including Australia, Canada, England, Scotland, and Switzerland.
In Germany, this name appears to be clustered around the region of Hesse, with smaller numbers appearing elsewhere in the country. Many of today's Schwenkkraus families can trace their ancestry back to this region of Germany - although some families have since left, dispersing around the world.
Those with the last name Schwenkkraus today form a part of a larger diaspora. This name was once a small niche, but it's now found in many countries and cultures - a testament to how far names and traditions can travel.
Variations of the surname Schwenkkraus
The surname Schwenkkraus has several possible forms and variants. Some of the most common spellings and variants include Schwenckerower, Schwenckerow, Schwencker, Schwenker, Schwenkaer and Schwenkera.
The surname Schwenkkraus originated from the medieval German city of Schwenkraus, which was located in the Bavarian region of Germany. The name is derived from an old German verb "schwenken," meaning to swing or sway. This verb likely referred to the people who lived in this city, as it was located on an incline and its residents often had to balance and sway just to stay on their feet.
In addition to these spellings and variants, several surnames have evolved from the same root. Examples include Schwenkser, Schwenckerl, Schlanker, Schwenckner, Schwanker and Schwankner. These variants often appear in records in Eastern and Central European countries, such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, and Croatia.
In some cases, the surname Schwenkkraus has been modified in English speaking countries. This might include a name spelled Schwenke or Schwencker. Even with different spellings and forms, these names often reflect the original origin of the family.
Famous people with the name Schwenkkraus
- Elizabeth Schwenckkraus: an American fashion avant-garde designer and artist.
- Dieter Schwenkkraus: a German contemporary figurative sculptor.
- Kurt Schwenkkraus: a German professional racing cyclist.
- Fritz Schwenkkraus: a Swiss footballer who played for FC Basel in the Swiss National League A.
- Peter Schwenkkraus: a German ice hockey left winger.
- Meike Schwenkkraus: a German professional tennis player.
- Catherine Schwenkkraus: an American journalist, author and criminal justice consultant.
- Jens Schwenkkraus: a German music composer, arranger, and producer.
- Debbie Schwenkkraus: an American filmmaker and media artist.
- Maria Schwenkkraus: a German actress, theatre director and voice-over artist.