Kraus family crest and coat of arms

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Meaning of the Kraus family crest symbols

Bird - Eagle

The eagle symbolizes how early family members were considered people of action, quick-wittedness and a noble nature. When the wings are visible, this can additionally represent 'protection' and the protective powers of the family.

Shield - Fess

The fess is an ancient symbol within heraldry and represents one who upholds good conscience, honour and religion against evil forces. It is also a message for future generations to pursue the same.

Meaning of the Kraus coat of arms colors

Silver

The silver or white color on the coat of arms, (known as 'Argent'), signifies sincerity and peacefulness. It is one of the oldest colors known in ancient heraldry.

Yellow/Gold

The gold color (known as Or) represented the noble standing of a family and also stood as a symbol of generosity and those with a giving nature.

Kraus name meaning and origin

The family name Kraus is of German and Jewish (Ashkenazic) origin, derived from the Yiddish word "kroys," meaning cross. It historically referred to someone living near a crossroad or as a nickname for a person with a distinctive personality or appearance.

History of family crests like the Kraus coat of arms

Family crests and coats of arms emerged during the Middle Ages, mostly in wider Europe. They were used as a way to identify knights and nobles on the battlefield and in tournaments. The designs were unique to each family and were passed down from generation to generation.

The earliest crests were simple designs, such as a single animal or symbol, but they became more elaborate over time. Coats of arms were also developed, which included a shield with the family crest, as well as other symbols and colors that represented the family's history and achievements.

The use of family crests and coats of arms spread throughout Europe and became a symbol of social status and identity. They were often displayed on clothing, armor, and flags, and were used to mark the family's property and possessions.

Today, family crests and coats of arms are still used as a way to honor and celebrate family heritage.

Kraus name variations and their meaning

Throughout the centuries, the family name Kraus has seen intriguing variations that reflect linguistic changes and cultural influences across different regions. For instance, in German-speaking areas, variants like Krause emerged during the 17th century as a diminutive form, common in the way nicknames evolved. Moving into the 18th century, the migration of Kraus families to Eastern Europe gave rise to the Slavic-influenced Krausov or Krausek, illustrating the melding of cultures as names adapted to local phonetics and customs. The 19th century saw further diversification with the name taking on variants such as Krausz and Krawz, especially in Hungary and Poland, where local languages influenced pronunciation and spelling. In the Americas, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, immigrant communities embraced Anglicized forms like Cross, demonstrating the adaptability of the name as families sought integration into an English-speaking society. Each variation tells a story of migration, adaptation, and the interplay of languages, enriching the name's legacy across different cultures and epochs.

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