Krauß is a German surname, a variant spelling of the more common surname Kraus. Both derive from the Middle High German word krus meaning "curly", referring to a nickname for someone with curly hair. The ß character (called "eszett" or "sharp s") gives the surname a distinctly German orthographic form.
Etymology and Origin
The origin traces back to krus from Middle High German. As a nickname, Krauß would have been used to describe a person's most prominent physical feature. The semantic development from "curly" to a surname is common throughout German-speaking regions, giving rise to variants such as Kraus, Krause, Krauss, and Kruse.
Distribution and Variants
Krauß is found primarily in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Variants include Kraus, Krause, Krauss, and Kruse. In many German states, the use of ß in surnames has been more regionally specific.
Notable Bearers
Notable individuals named Krauß or Krauss span well beyond simple genealogy. Alison Krauss, the American bluegrass singer, is one of the most renowned figures globally, but many others have made contributions in fields such as botany, music, or politics: Clemens Krauss, an Austrian conductor; Annemarie Krauß, a German biathlete; and Georg Krauß, a 19th-century industrialist. While many famous individuals use the simplifed spelling "Krauss", the original spelling remains preserved in many German records.
Sources: Wikipedia — Krauss