Krafft

Krafft is a surname of German origin. It is a variant spelling related to Kraft, which derives from the Middle High German kraft meaning strength or power. The name most likely originated as a nickname for a strong or capable person, and over time it became established as a hereditary family name. The form Krafft, with a double f, appears in historical records and is found among families in German-speaking regions as well as in communities descended from German emigrants.

Geographic distribution today includes Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, with the name also present in other parts of Europe and in North America due to migration. The spelling variant Krafft tends to be maintained by families that trace their roots to German-speaking areas, while some branches adopted other forms such as Kraft.

Variants and related names can arise from pre-standardized orthography, resulting in forms such as Crafft or similar spellings in older documents. As with many German surnames, regional dialects and clerical changes in historical records contribute to a spread of the name and its variants.

Notable individuals bearing the surname Krafft are not enumerated in this article. For broader historical and cultural context, see Kraft (surname) and Kraft, which cover related names and their bearers across different regions and periods.