| ![Show Contents]() Kraften History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
Germany
Etymology of KraftenWhat does the name Kraften mean? The name Kraften is derived from the Old German word "craft," which means "strong" or "courageous." In the early Middle Ages, Kraften 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 Kraften familyThe surname Kraften 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 Kraften familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kraften 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 Kraften History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Kraften Spelling VariationsIn the medieval era, many different cultural groups lived in the German states. There are thus many regional variations of German surnames from that era. Westphalians spoke Low German, which is similar to modern Dutch. Many German names carry suffixes that identify where they came from. Others have phrases attached that identify something about the original bearer. Other variations in German names resulted from the fact that medieval scribes worked without the aid of any spelling rules. The spelling variations of the name Kraften include Kraft, Krafft, Kraftt, Krafte, Kraffte, Krafter, Kraften, Kraefte, Kraeft, Kreft, Krefte, Craft, Crafft, Crafte, Craffte, Craeft and many more. Early Notables of the Kraften familyAdam 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 Kraften Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Kraften familyBetween the mid-17th and mid-20th centuries, German settlers arrived in North America by the thousands. Persecution based on religion and poverty were great motivators in this large-scale migration. So too was the opportunity for tenant farmers to own their own land. Ample land and opportunity awaited the settlers who went to such states as Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California, as well as Ontario and the prairie provinces of Canada. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Kraften or a variant listed above: 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.
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