Krause is a common German surname, a variant of Kraus. Both names derive from the Middle High German adjective krus, meaning "curly," originally used as a nickname for a person with curly hair.
Etymology and Variants
The surname Krause shares its etymology with Kraus, Krauss, and the variant spelled with the German ß (Krauß). These forms are all variations, differing only in spelling conventions over time or through geographic migration. Another related name, Kruse, is likely a Low German cognate or a phonetic variant, common in northern Germany. The word krus also evolved into the modern German noun Krause, meaning "ruffle" (as in frilled collar), reflecting the same curly or crinkled texture. Surnames derived from physical characteristics or occupations are common in Germanic naming traditions; in this case, the name originally described someone with curly, frizzy, or unkempt hair rather than an occupation.
Geographical Distribution
According to Wikipedia, as of 2014, the surname Krause is most frequent in Germany, where about 64.9% of all known bearers reside (a frequency of roughly 1 in 531 people). Within Germany, it is particularly concentrated in Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Berlin—states and regions in the northeast and east of the country. Outside Germany, significant numbers of Krauses are found in the United States (20.6% of bearers, frequency about 1 in 7,541), as well as in Brazil, South Africa, Poland, Canada, and Australia. This distribution mirrors patterns of German emigration in the 19th and 20th centuries: many Germans with the surname Krause settled in North America, South America, and other parts of the world.
Comparison with Variants
The variant Kraus is also common, but data suggest that Krause is more prevalent overall. In regions like the eastern United States, the spelling Krause may be more often encountered than Krauss, which sometimes reflects a mixture of originating dialects in Germany. Because these surnames differ by only one letter (or an umlaut/ß), they are often treated as interchangeable by genealogists, though Kraus and Krause are distinct in official linguistic classification.
Notable Bearers
Notable individuals with the surname Krause cover diverse fields. For example, Alan Krause (1931–2023) was an Australian rules footballer who played with Melbourne; Albert A. Krause (1841–1913) was a U.S. Civil War Veteran who served as City Engineer of Buffalo, New York; and others have achieved prominence in sports, music, and the arts worldwide. The listing in Wikipedia is extensive and hints at the enduring popularity of this surname across generations.
Key Facts
- Meaning: Curly hair (nickname from Middle High German krus)
- Origin: German
- Type: Surname, variant of Kraus
- Usages: Predominantly German, also common in German diaspora countries
Sources: Wikipedia — Krause