Straus

Straus is a surname of German origin, commonly written as Straus as a variant of Strauß (Strauss). The umlaut form Strauß is the source of the English transliterations Strauss and Straus; immigration to the United States and other English-speaking countries often led to the dropping of the umlaut, producing Straus.

Notable individuals with the surname include Isidor Straus (1842–1912), a German-born American merchant who co-owned Macy's department store; Nathan Straus (1848–1931), his brother and partner in the Macy's business; and Roger W. Straus Jr. (1917–2004), an American publisher who co-founded Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

In publishing, the name Straus is associated with Farrar, Straus and Giroux (FSG), a major American publishing company formed in the mid-20th century by Roger Straus, John Farrar, and others. The firm became known for works in literature, history, and scholarship.

Geographically, Straus as a family name is found in the United States and in parts of Europe, especially among people of German and Ashkenazi Jewish descent. The name has appeared in various historical and cultural contexts, including business, philanthropy, and publishing.