Conrads

Conrads is a surname of Germanic origin, typically a patronymic form derived from the given name Conrad (also written Konrad). The given name itself comes from Proto-Germanic elements kon- "bold" and rād- "counsel" or "advice," often interpreted as "bold counsel." The surname appears in German-speaking regions from the Middle Ages and spread to neighboring areas through migration and trade.

In German- and Dutch-speaking areas, the suffix -s is commonly used to form patronymics or indicate belonging to a family. As a result, Conrads can be read as "son of Conrad" or "the Conrads family." The form is related to other spellings such as Conrad, Konrad, Konrád, and Conrado, and may appear in historical records as Conradt or other variants.

Geographic distribution shows the name most frequently in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, with smaller presences in other Central European countries. In North America, Conrads appears among descendants of German and Dutch emigrants, particularly in the United States and Canada, where 19th- and 20th-century records document the surname.

Notes on spelling: Conrads is closely related to Conrad, Konrad, Konrád, and Conrado, with regional spellings varying over time.