Surname Kratofil - Meaning and Origin
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Kratofil: What does the surname Kratofil mean?
The last name Kratofil is an ancient surname from Czech or Slovak origin. It is derived from the Czech word 'krát' and the Slovak word 'ťofila', which are both forms of the Old High German word 'trofila'. The surname can be loosely translated to mean 'protector of one's own.' In other words, it suggests someone who "acts boldly to protect and defend those things they value and consider close to them."
The Kratofil surname is now quite widespread throughout many different countries, and its meaning remains largely unchanged. It is often thought to indicate strength of character and a desire to guard that which is close to the heart. Those with the Kratofil surname have a tendency to be fiercely loyal to their families and communities, often standing up for the things that matter most.
The Kratofil name carries with it a sense of pride and a desire to defend family and home. Throughout history, this surname has been popular among patriots and those who saw the importance in standing up for what they believed in. It is a tribute to those who remain true to their convictions – determined, bold and brave.
Order DNA origin analysisKratofil: Where does the name Kratofil come from?
The last name Kratofil is primarily found in the Czech Republic today, encompassing areas of Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia. It can also be seen in Slovenia, Croatia, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, and parts of Germany.
Kratofil is derived from the Germanic personal name ‘Kraftwil’, and is believed to mean ‘strength of will’. It first appeared in the Czech Republic in the early 16th century, and is thought to be carried by over 7,400 people today. It is most common in Prague and is also quite frequent in northern Bohemia, particularly in and around the cities of Liberec and Usti nad Labem.
Kratofil is also sometimes Anglicised as Kratofill, Kratovil, Kratofilov, Kratofillov, Kratovill, and Kratafill. Some variations of the name have also been seen in Scotland, although this is likely due to migration from the Czech Republic.
The name is shared by several notable figures including Czech-born film director and screenwriter Jozef Kratofil, Australian fashion designer Peter Kratofil, and Slovak artist Karol Kratofil.
Variations of the surname Kratofil
The surname Kratofil can have numerous variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common spellings include Krautofil, Krautopil, Krautopill, Krautoffil, and Krautuffel. These spellings tend to be derived from the same German ancestor, representing a form of the Middle High German words "Kroten" or "Krott" which both mean "maggot".
Kratofil can also take on different common name variants depending on the country. In Croatia, it could be commonly written as Kratofilovic or Kratofilović. In Austria and many German-speaking countries, it could be seen as Krattofil or Krattofil. For those of Hungarian descent, it could be seen as Krattophill.
In terms of surnames of the same origin, some of them include Krott, Krotoff, Krotter, Krotz, Krottauf, Crottauf, Kretzer, and Kreuter.
Some less common variations of Kratofil may also exist depending on the family lines. For example, a Russian variant of the surname could be Krotof or Krotop. In Iceland, Kratofil could take on the form Krattofill.
If you are researching your family tree or trying to find any ancestors with the surname Kratofil, these are all potential variations to consider looking into before coming to a conclusion
Famous people with the name Kratofil
- Nik Kratofil: professional basketball player and coach who played for the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers.
- Steffi Kratofil: Female professional bodybuilding champion winning the title of Miss Germany 2017.
- Marc Kratofil: Male professional bodybuilding champion winning the 2016 IFBB German Nationals.
- Joe Kratofil: former professional baseball player who pitched in the MLB in the 1930s.
- Sylvia Kratofil: author and journalist who wrote the book “The Power of Purpose”
- Jennifer Kratofil: an American actress who has appeared in films such as “That’s My Boy” and “Paycheck”.
- Frank Kratofil: professional hockey player who played in the National Hockey League from 1940 to 1955.
- Diana Kratofil: the artist responsible for the Monument to Evacuees of North American Armed Forces in Prague.
- Ivan Kratofil: Czech professional soccer player who played in the Czech Republic and was a member of the Czech national team.
- Karel Kratofil: sculptor known for his bronze statue of Jan Hus located in Old Town Square in Prague.