The German state of Bavaria is the ancestral home of the Krach family. Hereditary surnames began to be used in Germany during the 12th century. Krach is an occupational name for a shopkeeper or retail merchandiser. The name Krach is derived from the German word "kram," which means "tent" or "trading post."
The surname Krach was first found in Bavaria, where the name came from humble beginnings but gained a significant reputation for its contribution to the emerging medieval society. They later became more prominent as many branches of the same house acquired distant estates, some in foreign countries, always elevating their social status by their great contributions to society.
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Krach research. Another 177 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1720, 1801, 1817, 1705, 1430, 1505, 1764, 1568, 1637 and 1617 are included under the topic Early Krach History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Many cultural groups lived in the German states in medieval times. Each had its own dialect and traditions, and unique variations of popular names. Low German, which is similar to contemporary Dutch, was spoken in Westphalia. German names are characterized by additions such as regional suffixes and phrases that tell something about the origin or background of its original bearer. Further contributing to the variation in German names was the fact that there were no spelling rules in medieval times: scribes recorded names according to their sound. The recorded spelling variations of Krach include Kramer, Kraemer, Kremer, Krammer, Kraemmer, Kraymer, Kraymmer, Cramer, Cremer, Crammer and many more.
Prominent among members of the name Krach in this period include Heinrich Kramer (c.1430-1505), German churchman and inquisitor; Ignaz Kramer, known popularly as the "Muenzmeister" (coin-master) of Kremnitz, who was ennobled in 1764 for...
Another 34 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Krach Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
European migration to North America began in the mid-17th century and continued unabated until the mid-20th. Many Bavarians made the long trip to escape poverty or persecution based on their religious beliefs. The chance for tenant farmers to own their own land was also a major drawing card. They settled all across the United States in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Many came to Canada also, settling in Ontario and the prairie provinces. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Krachs to arrive in North America, and among them were: