Surname Kramar - Meaning and Origin
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Kramar: What does the surname Kramar mean?
The last name Kramar is of Slavic origin and is believed to be derived from the Czech, Polish, and Slovenian word “Kramar” which means a tradesman, merchant, or shopkeeper. According to Polish surname records, individuals with the Kramar surname can be found mostly in Poland and Slovakia.
In Poland, the Kramar name was first found in the Lesser Poland region, where records of the Kramar family can be traced back to 1422. In that year, Bartlomiej Kramar was recorded as living in the village of Bigorzow Górny for the first time. Other early records of the Kramar surname include references to a Wojciech Kramar in the village of Zantis in 1517, and a Jan Kramar in the village of Osialina in 1577.
Since then, the Kramar surname has gone on to become quite widespread across many different countries and regions. In more recent years, it has been recorded in countries such as the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and many others throughout Europe, Asia, and Australasia.
Due to its merchant roots, the Kramar name has come to be associated with individuals of high intelligence, shrewdness, and ambition. As such, it is no surprise that the Kramar family has been able to expand and thrive across multiple different countries and regions.
Order DNA origin analysisKramar: Where does the name Kramar come from?
The last name Kramar is most commonly found in Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Germany. It is an occupational name derived from the Old German word "Kramar," meaning "merchant."
In Austria, Kramar is the 464th most common surname, with 3,651 individuals estimated to be carrying the name. In the Czech Republic, it is the 373rd most common surname, with 12,716 individuals estimated to be carrying the name. In Slovakia, it is the 253rd most common name, with 7,862 individuals estimated to be carrying the name. Germany is ranked 9,651 in terms of most popular surnames with an estimated 205 individuals carrying the name.
The spelling of the name Kramar might also be seen as different variants, such as Kramarz or Krammerz. These are mainly seen in certain parts of Germany, and are generally only seen as a variant spelling of Kramar.
Kramar is believed to have originated as an occupational name given to those who worked in the markets as merchants. It is believed that the name was given to those who traded outside of the city limits and later adapted into names when surnames were adopted.
The name Kramar is also sometimes used as a first name, particularly in parts of Germany, where it is seen as a modernized version of Karl or Carl. This spelling might be seen as Kramar with a single “r” or with two “r”s.
Variations of the surname Kramar
The surname Kramar is an Indo-European toponymic name derived from the Old Slavic word "kramen," meaning "market place" or "town." Due to its Slavic origin, the surname is commonly found in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, but can also be found in other parts of Central and Eastern Europe.
The spelling variants of the surname Kramar include Kramarz, Kramár, Kramarenko, Kramarov, Kramanek, Kramarová, Kramarenka, Kramenka, Kramarcik, Kramarić, Kramier, Kramirić, Kramyrov, and Kramě.
The primary surnames for Kramar are Kramarič and Kramář. These may also be spelled differently in different regions. Kramarič is the most common spelling in the Czech Republic, while Kramář is found more commonly in Slovakia.
Kramarič and Kramář are also used in Hungary, Romania, and elsewhere in Eastern Europe as a patronymic surname – a family name derived from the given name of the father of the original bearer. Therefore, spellings such as Kramariček or Kramářek may be found.
In the United States and Canada, the surnames Kramar, Kramarič, and Kramář may also be used as cognominal surnames. These refer to a category of surnames that were derived from an ancestor’s personal characteristics or rank. For example, the American version of Kramar may be derived from the given name Kramard which means “one who is wise” in Old Slavic.
The various spellings of Kramar indicate how it has been adapted over time in different regions and cultures. For instance, the spelling of Kramarenka and Kramarenko in the Russian language has been adapted from the Old Slavic word “kramen”, while in America, the lack of the Slavic letter ‘č’ has resulted in the spelling Kramar.
Famous people with the name Kramar
- Ondřej Kramář: Czechoslovak-born economist and the first Prime Minister of Czechoslovakia.
- Horst Kramar: Austrian Olympic bobsledder who competed in the 1976 Winter Olympics.
- Hermann Kramar: Austrian biathlete and former World Cup competitor.
- Jim Kramar: American television actor known for appearing in shows such as Quantum Leap, Sliders, and JAG.
- Ronald Kramar: American actor and musician known for appearing in films such as Footloose and Diner.
- Jordan Kramar: Canadian professional skateboarder, entrepreneur and clothing designer.
- Vlado Kramar: Slovenian footballer who played as a defender.
- Peter Kramar: Czechoslovak modern pentathlete who competed at the 1968 Summer Olympics.
- Carol Kramar: American Olympic swimmer who competed in the 1984 Summer Olympics.
- John Kramar: American actor who appeared in the films The Emperor's Club and A Rogue By Any Other Name.