Surname Kräutlein - Meaning and Origin

Kräutlein: What does the surname Kräutlein mean?

The last name Kräutlein (pronounced Kroyt-Leyne) is a German occupational surname from the medieval era. It is derived from the German word for "herb," kraut, and the diminutive suffix -lein. Thus, the name literally means "little herb."

The surname Kräutlein originated in the Middle Ages and likely referred to an herbalist or gardener. In this context, an herbalist was someone who was knowledgeable in plant-based medicine, and would have grown and harvested medicinal herbs from gardens. Alternatively, the name may refer to an 'herb hawker.' This term was often used for a peddler of herbs and spices in the Middle Ages.

The last name Kräutlein is most commonly found in the German states of Bavaria and Saxony-Anhalt. It is also seen in the Czech Republic and Switzerland. The original spelling of this name was Krautlein, and has undergone various spelling variations over the centuries such as Kratlein, Krautlin, Kratlin, and Krattlein.

An interesting fact about the name Kräutlein is that it appears as an occupational name among North American Mennonites in the United States and Canada, likely indicating an ancestor who emigrated from Europe to pursue religious freedom.

Overall, Kräutlein is an interesting surname that has rich historical roots. It is likely associated with someone who was involved in herbal medicine and possibly gardening, but there are many possibilities. The name has unique associations with religion and the movement of individuals in pursuit of religious freedom.

Kräutlein: Where does the name Kräutlein come from?

The last name Kräutlein is most commonly seen today in the Germany area, specifically in the south-west regions of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. This surname is not found in great abundance, however the family's roots trace back hundreds of years and therefore has been long established in these areas. It is possible to find people bearing this last name in America, Australia and other countries throughout the world.

Anton Kräutlein of Ulm (Bavaria) gave birth to the first recorded member of the Kräutlein family in 1615. The Kräutlein’s resided throughout the generations in outskirts villages of Baden-Württenberg. Records show the family have lived in the villages of Erlenmoos, Dettingen, and Renfrizhausen.

The last name Kräutlein is not particularly common in other parts of Germany. Croatian origins have also been speculated for some in this family.

Due to the fact that the family’s presence in Germany dates back centuries, a prominent spread of the surname can still be seen in the towns and villages in which the family have been known to reside. Today the Kräutlein family is found in greater numbers and further afield.

Variations of the surname Kräutlein

Kräutlein is a German surname of the toponymic type, meaning "little herb". It originated from an archaic Middle High German phrase that described a person from a small village or settlement where herbs have been grown or crafted. Although the literal translation of the surname is "little herb", the name is often interpreted as being derived from the Middle High German word Krut, meaning "herb" or "plant".

Variants, spellings, and surname derivatives of Kräutlein include Crutlin, Krautlein, Krautline, Kraltline, Kraltin, Krutline, Kratline, Krautly, Kräutly, Kräutli, Krautli, Kraltli, Kraltlein, Kattlein, Krautler, Kratler, Kraltler, Kettlein, Kattlein, Krautle, Kräutle, Krautl, Kraltl, Krutl, Kratl, Kraltle, Krautlle, Kräutlle, Krautlin, Kratlin, Kraltlin, Kattlein, and Kettlein.

In some cases, the original German spelling of the surname has been modified to create a variety of different spellings throughout different translations, regions and countries. For example, in the United States, many German immigrants modified the spelling of Kräutlein to Crutlin.

Kräutlein is a versatile surname that has a wide range of derivatives, spellings, and variants. Its toponymic origin makes it easy to trace its connection to its place of origin, and its variety of different variants serves as a testament to its long-standing history as a surname throughout different countries and cultures.

Famous people with the name Kräutlein

• Johannes Kräutlein: Johannes Kräutlein (born 13 August 1945 in Stuttgart, Germany) is a former German footballer who played as an attacking midfielder.
• Fritz Kräutlein (1915-2012): Fritz Kräutlein was a German World War II fighter ace with 10 victories and one of the premier figures in postwar German aviation.
• Julie Kräutlein (b. 1994): Julie Kräutlein is a German Paralympic archer, who competed at the 2012 Summer Paralympics and placed 11th in the individual compound event.
• Christophe Kräutlein: Christophe Kräutlein is a former French speed skater and cyclist, who won three medals at the 1997 World Inline Speed Skating Championships.
• Reinhold Kräutlein (1914-1997): Reinhold Kräutlein was a World War II German Luftwaffe unit commander, who flew on over two hundred combat missions during the war, rising to the rank of Major.
• Threadneedle Prize winner Elisa Kräutlein: Elisa Kräutlein is a contemporary German sculptor who works exclusively with reclaimed materials, and in 2014 she was the winner of the Threadneedle Prize.
• Günter Kräutlein (b. 1931): Günter Kräutlein is a German entrepreneur, businessman, and Fulbright scholar who founded the company Endospan, and is the author of the book "Management Body of Knowledge".
• Antje Kräutlein (b. 1965): Antje Kräutlein is a German composer who has composed award-winning works for a variety of local musical ensembles, choral groups, and chamber orchestras.
• Portrait photographer Uwe Kräutlein: Uwe Kräutlein is a German photographer who specializes in the art of portraiture, creating vivid pictures of his close friends, famous figures, and everyday people.

Other surnames

KräutleKrautlerKräutler