Surname Kriss - Meaning and Origin
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Kriss: What does the surname Kriss mean?
The last name Kriss originates from a Germanic name derived from the word “Kris” which means “curled” or “cross-shaped”. It is likely that the original bearer of the name aspired to the symbolism of the cross - reflecting the Christian ideals of the time.
Kriss is a patronymic surname, meaning “son or descendant of Kris”. This indicates that the surname was passed down through the maternal lines. Historically, this means that the Kriss surname would have originated with a singular female individual or family.
The Kriss surname was likely used as a personal identifier for people in the regions of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland where the influence of the Roman Catholic Church was strong. Within these areas, the last name was likely used as a distinguishing factor amongst many different families in the same geographic area.
Today, the surname Kriss is carried by families most commonly found in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland - although it is gaining traction in other parts of the Western European diaspora such as the United States, United Kingdom, and various regions in Australia.
The Kriss surname is an excellent example of how names evolved over time to create a unique identity for people and families. Despite the changes in culture and politics, the Kriss surname continues to be passed down in the same maternal line – emphasizing the importance of family and legacy.
Order DNA origin analysisKriss: Where does the name Kriss come from?
The last name Kriss is most commonly found in countries with a strong German-speaking influence, such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is also found in other countries with Germanic roots, such as the Netherlands and Sweden. It is even found in a few scattered locations in the United States, though most locations are in the Midwestern states.
The Kriss surname is thought to have originated in Germany. It appears to have been brought to the country sometime in the 17th century, with the earliest known recording being a baptism in 1693 in Bergen, Lower Saxony. It is possible that the Kriss family immigrated from elsewhere, perhaps from the Low Countries, though there is no clear evidence to suggest this.
The people with the Kriss surname today are likely to have a Germanic heritage, and they may trace their last name back to Germany. An examination of the records from the time can help trace the family’s history and origin. While the exact origin of the last name is unknown, it is most likely a Germanic name, derived from the Middle High German ‘Kris’, meaning ‘froth’ or ‘foam’.
The Kriss family has spread far beyond Germany over the years, with people of the same surname found all over the world. Today, the surname is found primarily in countries with strong Germanic influence, though it is also found in the United States. For those wishing to trace their family history, researching the Kriss surname can provide an interesting and unique insight into the past.
Variations of the surname Kriss
Kriss is a surname of German, Dutch, and Scandinavian origin that can be spelled in several different ways and can have a variety of variant spellings, nicknames, and surnames of the same origin.
Variant spellings include: Kris, Krisse, Kritz, Kriess, and Krist.
Due to the mispronunciation of the initial 'K' sound, other variations of the name include: Cris, Crane, Crain, Crene, Kreis, Kreiss, Kress, and Krice.
Nicknames derived from the name Kriss include: Kriz, Krizs, Crispy, and Crisso.
Surnames of the same origin include: Crys (sometimes also spelled Cris), Kreis (sometimes also spelled Kreiss), and Krise.
Kress and Kriz are also similar names that were derived from the German word for "riverbank".
Overall, Kriss is a unique surname with numerous variant spellings, nicknames, and surnames of the same origin, providing numerous options for those researching their family's history.
Famous people with the name Kriss
- Krizia Kreutz: Filipino actress
- Chris Kriss: American singer-songwriter
- Krizette Laureta Chu: Philippine editor-in-chief and public figure
- Andrew Kriss: American architect
- Kris Kross: American hip hop duo
- Kriz Kicks: Filipino indie folk artist
- Regina Kriss: Swiss Visual Artist
- Brigitte Kriss-Heinrich: Austrian psychiatrist
- Hans Kriss: German TV producer
- Ruth Kriss: Dutch Distinguished Artisan