Surname Krabbe - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
Krabbe: What does the surname Krabbe mean?
The last name Krabbe is of Germanic origin meaning 'crab'. It is a surname derived from a nickname for someone who was thought to be much like a crab, perhaps someone who was very irritable, particularly sensitive or apt to make sudden movements.
The name can be traced to the Middle Ages, and it is thought to have first been used as a surname in Germany, though it has since spread to other countries. It is speculated that those who bore this name in medieval Germany were likely associated with fishing or a coastal lifestyle. Indeed, the crab has long been a popular symbol of fertility and abundance, so it is perhaps fitting that it became a surname.
Today, the surname Krabbe is most common in the Netherlands and Germany. In the Netherlands, it is the 873rd most popular last name, while in Germany it is the 479th most popular. As the surname has spread over time, it is now also common in the United States.
The meaning of the surname Krabbe still reflects the original crab-like characteristics, so those who bear the name may be particularly sensitive or prone to unexpected movements. Yet, regardless of its origin, the name is now associated with a long history and can be a source of pride and identity for those who bear it.
Order DNA origin analysisKrabbe: Where does the name Krabbe come from?
The last name Krabbe is commonly found throughout Northern Europe, including the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Scandinavia, and the surrounding region. It is also found in some parts of the United States.
In the Netherlands, the last name Krabbe is especially common in the province of North Holland, where it is found in over 10 towns. It is also found in other provinces of the Netherlands, including Overijssel, Friesland, and Flevoland.
In Germany, the name is found primarily in the state of Schleswig-Holstein, along with parts of Lower Saxony and Hamburg. It is also found in the regions of Niedersachsen, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony-Anhalt, and Bavaria.
In Belgium, the last name Krabbe is found in the Flemish region, especially in the city of Antwerp.
In issues of Scandinavian countries, the last name is found in the provinces of east and southern Norway, including the cities of Moss, Fredrikstad, and Drammen. In Sweden, it is found in the city of Malmo.
In the United States, the name is primarily concentrated in the Midwest-Midwest region, including the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, and Illinois. It is also found in some states in the Northeast and in other parts of the country.
Overall, the common surname Krabbe is found in many countries throughout Northern Europe and in some states in the United States. It is a common name that has a long history, tracing back centuries in many areas.
Variations of the surname Krabbe
Krabbe is an occupational surname derived from the Middle High German term "krappe" which literally translates to "fried cake turner" or "cook". This surname is most common in today's Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden with variations such as Krab, Krabach, Krabbel, Krabbenhöft, Krap, Krage, Krapp, Krapf, Krapfenbauer, Krapfenboeck, Krapfhahn, Krapohl, Krapth, Krabmüller, Krapouwers, Krabbendam, Kraaijpoel, and Kraaikamp.
In some cases, Krabbe and similar variants are linked with Jewish surnames like Krappmann or Krappstein. This name possibly derives from Middle High German term "kroppen" which means "to hit" hence someone who would possibly pace aggressively in the marketplace. It could also have derived from a topographic name with the variant Krappen meaning "someone who lives near a steep cliff".
In the Netherlands, an alternative variation is Krap which may be taken from "Krabbel" meaning "to crawl" and denotes someone who had a habit of crawling around when they were younger. In some cases in Sweden, the variation Krabba has been used to denote someone from a house of the same name.
In Denmark, variants such as Krabbegaard, Krabbeholm, and Krabbersmark are used. These names are likely taken from habitational names which are derived from the homesteads with Kruppe or Krabbe in the name.
In some instances, the surname Krape has appeared in Schleswig-Holstein due to droppped consonant in the Danish dialects.
Other regional variants include Krabec (Czech Republic), Krap (Estonia), Krapivin (Ukraine & Russia), Kropiewnicki (Poland), Krabbecker (Austria), and Krabecher (Southern Germany).
Famous people with the name Krabbe
- Jorrit Krabbe: Dutch composer and producer.
- Jan Henry Krabbe: Dutch tennis player.
- Willem Krabbe: Dutch illustrator and graphic designer.
- Eric Krabbe: German badminton player and coach.
- Kenneth Krabbe: Danish footballer.
- Willem Krabbe: Dutch Olympic athlete.
- Karl Laurens Krabbe: Danish painter and sculptor.
- Joram Krabbe: Dutch drummer and composer.
- Jonathon Krabbe: British actor and music producer.
- Marianne Krabbe: Danish painter.
- Bert Krabbe: Dutch cyclist.
- Dirk Krabbe: German sailor.
- Cornelia Krabbe: German diver.
- Wouter Krabbe: Dutch actor.
- Sonja Krabbe: Dutch journalist.
- Wilma Krabbe: Dutch writer and activist.
- Paul Krabbe: American professional basketball player.
- Elizabeth Krabbe: Dutch actress and television presenter.
- including former Dutch Prime Minister Johannes Van den Bosch: Dutch politician.
- Viktor and Julian Krabbe: Dutch jockeys.