Strauss

Strauss is a surname of German origin, derived from the word Strauß, meaning "ostrich" in German and, in compound terms such as Blumenstrauß, "bouquet" of flowers. The name is found in German-speaking regions and among Ashkenazi Jewish communities, with spelling variants including Strauß, Strauss, Straus, and Straus(s).

Notable bearers include the Strauss musical dynasty of Vienna. Johann Strauss I (1804–1849) established a popular orchestra and laid the groundwork for a family tradition of dance music. His sons, Johann Strauss II (1825–1899), known as the Waltz King, Josef Strauss (1827–1870), and Eduard Strauss (1835–1916), continued the tradition, composing waltzes, polkas, and operettas that helped define the late Romantic Viennese style.

Other prominent Strausses include Richard Strauss (1864–1949), a German composer known for works such as Also sprach Zarathustra and Der Rosenkavalier; Levi Strauss (1829–1902), the German-American entrepreneur who founded Levi Strauss & Co. and popularized blue jeans; and Leo Strauss (1899–1973), a political philosopher influential in 20th-century liberal education and political thought. The surname appears across various fields, with numerous individuals contributing to arts, science, business, and academia.

See also Strauß for related spellings and historical usage.