Surname Krienitz - Meaning and Origin
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Krienitz: What does the surname Krienitz mean?
The surname Krienitz is of German origin. The name is derived from the middle German word "krie," which means "crown," and the suffix "-itz," which is a diminutive. During the medieval period, members of this family adopted the name as a mark of their nobility and service to the Crown. The Krienitz name was most commonly used to denote families with royal pedigree.
In modern times, the name Krienitz has evolved to take on different meanings. Aside from its original connection to royalty, the name has come to signify dependability, loyalty, and responsibility. In many parts of Europe, the Krienitz surname is viewed positively as a sign of hard work and dedication to family and community.
Today, the Krienitz surname is still in use and is found in several countries around the world, including the United States, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. Though family members may differ in their occupations and lifestyles, the Krienitz name continues to embody a strong sense of pride and loyalty.
Order DNA origin analysisKrienitz: Where does the name Krienitz come from?
The Krienitz surname is most commonly seen today in Germany and other German-speaking countries. This surname dates back to medieval times, when it was mostly found in the regions of Brandenburg, Pomerania, and East Upper Silesia, which border present-day Poland. It is believed to have been derived from the German word krie, which roughly translates to “crown,” as was common among German aristocrats. The name is often attached to various places in the region, such as Krienitzergasse, Krienitzbrunnen, and Krienitzersee, to name a few.
Outside of Germany, the Krienitz surname can be found in other parts of Europe, including the Netherlands, Austria, and Switzerland. Additionally, there have been various migrations of Germans all over the world, so one may also encounter Krienitz as a surname in the United States, South America, and other parts of the world.
Sharing the same roots may have been a great source of community and fellowship for those carrying the Krienitz surname. After all, as the aphorism goes, “One can never choose one’s family, but one can always choose one’s friends.” Perhaps that’s why the Krienitz surname still carries a strong sense of kinship and camaraderie today.
Variations of the surname Krienitz
The variants, spellings, and surnames of origin for Krienitz are Kreinitz, Krief, Krainitz, Krein, and Krainz. The early spelling of Krienitz was known as Kreinitz or Krainitz in the 13th century. This surname was one of the many names that came from the regions of Germany’s Rhine, Bavaria, and Hessen.
Krienitz or Kreinitz is a patronymic, meaning it came from the father’s name with an added “-itz” or “-itzen”. It has been associated with the Old High German personal name Conrad or Cuno. In some ancient occurrences in various German records, the surnames Kreinitz, Krienitz, Krainitz and Krainz appear in very similar forms, and can be traced back to the same origin.
The spelling “Krienitz” appears during the 15th century. It is assumed that some people used the form Krienitz, others used “Kreinitz” while still others used Krainitz and/or Krainz. There is also some evidence to suggest that there may have even been a change in pronunciation from “Krienitz” to “Kreinitz” as time went on.
Krienitz is the most common spelling of this surname today. In some records, Krienitz may even be the anglicized spelling of Krainz or Krainitz. Some of the current variants and spellings of Krienitz are Kreinitz, Krief, Krainitz, Krein, and Krainz, all of which are derived from the same root.
Famous people with the name Krienitz
- Kurt Krienitz (Austrian swimmer and Olympic gold medalist)
- Adam Krienitz (Polish actor and director)
- Erwin Krienitz (German musician and composer)
- David Krienitz (German photographer and biologist)
- Alexander Krienitz (German sculptor and painter)
- Erich Krienitz (German military leader in World War II)
- Johann Krienitz (German doctor and professor of medicine)
- Paul Krienitz (Austrian actor and musician)
- Steven Krienitz (American lawyer and judge)
- Kurt-Heinz Krienitz (German conductor and composer)