Surname Kreager - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
Kreager: What does the surname Kreager mean?
The last name Kreager is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "krege", which means "obstinate" or "contentious". This was likely a nickname for a person who was known to be quarrelsome or argumentative. Thus, the surname Kreager may denote the personality traits or demeanor of an ancestor. It's important to remember that many surnames originated from occupational titles, geographical locations, nicknames or patronyms, which are derived from the father's name. As with many European surnames, the spelling has varied over centuries and might also exist today as Kräger, Krieger, or others. It's essential to note that meanings can vary based on geographical origin, even among surnames that sound similar or have similar spellings.
Order DNA origin analysisKreager: Where does the name Kreager come from?
The surname Kreager is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German "kreiger" which means "warrior" or "fighter". The name could have potentially been an occupational name for a soldier in the medieval period. Variations of the surname include Kreger, Kreuger, and Kreuger.
Like many European surnames, it spread across the globe due to immigration, especially during the 19th and early 20th century when Europeans migrated in large numbers to North America and Oceania. Today, the surname Kreager can be found in many countries, but is most common in the United States. This is likely due to a large number of German immigrants settling in the U.S over the centuries. Within the U.S, it is more prevalent in states that attracted a significant number of German immigrants, such as Pennsylvania and Ohio. However, it is not a particularly common last name even in these locations. As of 2020, it is ranked as the 40,283rd most common surname in the world.
Variations of the surname Kreager
The surname Kreager originates from Germany and has multiple variations and spellings due to regional dialects, translations, and hand-written records. Some common variants include Kreuger, Krueger, Krieger, Kraeger, Kreigher, and Kregaer. Other possible spellings could be Kreagar, Kreger, Kreugar, or Kriger.
Some surnames of the same origin might include Kruger, Krüger (with an umlaut), or Krug, which share the same root and general meaning referring to a potter or tavern keeper.
In regional dialects of Germany, the "k" may also be replaced with a "c", leading to surnames like Creager, Creuger, Criegar, or Crieger. It's also important to note that the historical use of these surnames may also include patronyms, indicating the name of a father or ancestor, which can lead to additional variations.
The Americanized versions of these names are often simplified to meet English spelling and pronunciation conventions, leading to other variants like Kreger, Kregar or Krieger.
Please note, some variations may have evolved into distinguishable surnames over time with different family lines, despite having common origins or similar spellings. Interpretation and translation by non-native German speakers could have also led to further variations or misspellings.
Famous people with the name Kreager
There appear to be no globally recognized celebrities or public figures with the last name Kreager. However, one person of some prominence may be Dr. Richard Kreager, a retired professor from the Department of Archaeology at the University of Oxford, who was noteworthy in the fields of palaeodemography and paleopathology. There is also Derek Kreager, a sociology professor at Pennsylvania State University, and Tim Kreager, who is known in the realm of Sound Department within the film industry. Chad Kreager, another notable figure, is the owner and head artist of the pet portraits company "Pet Portrait Fun." Remember, the relative fame of these individuals might be field or region-specific and may not equate to global recognition.