Craffte History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

Etymology of Craffte

What does the name Craffte mean?

The name Craffte is derived from the Old German word "craft," which means "strong" or "courageous." In the early Middle Ages, Craffte was a popular first name among knights because it referred to strength. In the early 14th century, a number of branches in southern Germany adopted Kraft or Craft as a family name.

Early Origins of the Craffte family

The surname Craffte was first found in Bavaria, where the family made a considerable contribution to the feudal society which shaped modern Europe. The family branched into several houses, all of which played an important role in the local political conflicts which forged the nation. In the early Middle Ages, the name was a popular first name taken on by knights. In the early 14th century, a number of branches in southern Germany developed around Kraft or Craft as a family name. Individual bearers of this name first mentioned in ancient chronicles include the famous minstrel Count Kraft von Toggenburg from the Thurgau region, and Hans Kraft of Wuerzburg (c.1409).

Early History of the Craffte family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Craffte research. Another 314 words (22 lines of text) covering the years 1298, 1429, 1507, 1552, 1679, 1749, 1770, 1778, 1805, 1813, 1820 and 1840 are included under the topic Early Craffte History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Craffte Spelling Variations

One can encounter great variation in the spelling of surnames: in early times, spelling in general, and thus the spelling of names was not yet standardized; and later, spellings would change with branching and movement of families. Variations of the name Craffte include Kraft, Krafft, Kraftt, Krafte, Kraffte, Krafter, Kraften, Kraefte, Kraeft, Kreft, Krefte, Craft, Crafft, Crafte, Craffte, Craeft and many more.

Early Notables of the Craffte family

Adam Krafft (Kraft) (1429-1507), who was a famous Nuremberg sculptor. Some of his work is in the vestry of St. Lawrence cathedral, Nuremberg. Anton Kraft (1749-1820) was a composer and friend of Haydn. He joined the Esterhaza orchestra in 1778. Baron...
Another 40 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Craffte Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Craffte family

German settlers were among the most common to come to North America between the mid-17th and mid-20th centuries. Poverty and religious persecution drove many Bavarians to make this long trek. tenant farmers were also enticed by the prospect of owning land. From east to west, these German immigrants populated the United States, settling in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Ontario and the prairie provinces of Canada also provided homes to many. Early settlers bearing the Craffte surname or a spelling variation of the name include: Valentin and Matthew Kraft, both of whom arrived in America with their wives and children in 1709. Andreas Krafft landed in Philadelphia in 1728; as did Hans Michael Crafft in 1742.