| ![Show Contents]() Krafter History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
Germany
Etymology of KrafterWhat does the name Krafter mean? The name Krafter is derived from the Old German word "craft," which means "strong" or "courageous." In the early Middle Ages, Krafter 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 Krafter familyThe surname Krafter 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 Krafter familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Krafter 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 Krafter History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Krafter Spelling VariationsMany 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 Krafter include Kraft, Krafft, Kraftt, Krafte, Kraffte, Krafter, Kraften, Kraefte, Kraeft, Kreft, Krefte, Craft, Crafft, Crafte, Craffte, Craeft and many more. Early Notables of the Krafter 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 Krafter Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Krafter familyEuropean 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 Krafters to arrive in North America, and among them were: 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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