Krauss

Krauss is a German-language surname, typically regarded as a variant of Kraus. The name is believed to originate from a nickname describing physical traits, such as curly or crisp hair, or a short or stout build. Like many German surnames, it spread with migration and is found today in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and North America. Variants include Kraus and the umlauted Kraß or Krauß.

Notable bearers span science, arts, and public life, and the name appears in corporate contexts as well. The most widely recognized contemporary figure with the surname is Lawrence M. Krauss, an American theoretical physicist and author known for his work in cosmology and science communication. Beyond individuals, Krauss also enters industry through company names, such as Krauss-Maffei, a German manufacturer historically involved in machinery and vehicles.

Krauss remains a relatively common surname in German-speaking regions and among descendants of German-speaking communities worldwide. Genealogical and onomastic studies often note its distribution and variants, highlighting how surnames of descriptive origin evolve and spread over time.