krieger

Krieger is a surname of German origin. It derives from the German word krieger, meaning "warrior" or "fighter." The name likely originated as a nickname or occupational designation for someone who served as a soldier, and was later adopted as a hereditary family name.

In Germany and other German-speaking regions, Krieger remains common. It has also spread internationally through migration and is found in the United States, Canada, and other countries with German diasporas. In some cases, Jewish families adopted the surname during the 18th and 19th centuries, following local naming practices.

Variants of the name reflect transliteration and language differences. An Anglicized form, Krueger, is common in English-speaking countries, while Krieger remains widespread in German-speaking areas.

As a surname, Krieger is borne by people across many fields, including science, arts, sports, and public life. It is also used in fiction and popular culture as a surname for characters.