Surname Krichbaum - Meaning and Origin

Krichbaum: What does the surname Krichbaum mean?

The last name Krichbaum is of German origin and its meaning is derived from the German words 'krück' (meaning 'cane' or 'crutch') and 'baum' (meaning 'tree'). It is likely that the surname was originally the name of an ancestor who was either a maker or user of walking sticks or crutches. This name is often seen with many different spellings, including Krichbaum, Krickbaum, Kreichbaum and Kreigbaum.

The surname Krichbaum can be found in Germany, Switzerland and Austria as well as in other places around the world in countries with German ancestry. It is likely that Krichbaum originated from a farming family in Germany and that the use of the crutch or cane was only used by the head of the household. It is thought that it may have been based on the metaphor of the cane as a symbol of strength and stability, as a household head would have been expected to provide for the family in the face of difficult times.

This surname is still in use today, and is often used as a given name for children. Those with the last name Krichbaum may find that they are related to those with the same last name in the surrounding countries with German ancestry. The Krichbaum family may be proud of its heritage and the strength and stability that the name represents.

Krichbaum: Where does the name Krichbaum come from?

The last name Krichbaum is most commonly found in Germany today, especially in the southern states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. This surname is also relatively widespread in Austria and Switzerland. The first recorded mention of this surname was in Germany in the early 1500s.

The name Krichbaum is most likely derived from the Old German phrase "krích báum", which translates to "strong tree". This name was likely given to families who lived near trees of notable strength, such as oak or pine trees.

It is theorized that Krichbaum was first used as a nickname to describe a strong-willed person who was unyielding. It was most likely later adapted into a surname.

This surname can also be spelled Krieckbaum or Kreichbaum, depending on the particular region and variant of the language in which it is written.

Despite its origin in Europe, this surname has spread to all corners of the world, including places such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and more. It continues to be a relatively common name today.

Variations of the surname Krichbaum

The surname Krichbaum has multiple orthographic variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These include Krähbühl, Krähbuhl, Krähbühler, Krechbauer, Krechbauer, Krechbohr, Kregbohm, Krempbauer, Kreschbohm, Kreschbaum, Kreschbaumer, Kretchbauer, Kritschbaum, Kritschbaumer, Kritzbaum, Kritzbaumer, Krizbaum, Krizbauer, and Krizbohmer.

The orthographic variants indicate the surname has Germanic origins. One possible origin is from various dialects which have transformed the name over time. The particular spelling selected depends on dialect preference and pronunciation of each region. It is also possible for surnames to evolve from a place name.

The surname Krichbaum translates from German to mean ‘crown of trees.' This may suggest the name is derived from an area which was abundant in oak trees. The Krechbauer and Kretchbauer variants refer to an ‘oxen breeder’ or ‘ox farmer,’ which indicates it was also likely present in an area known for raising cattle.

Krichbaum is among the estimated 800,000 surnames found in the German language. It is also part of the wider network of surnames associated with other European countries, such as Austria and Switzerland. The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Krichbaum provide insight into its rich linguistic tradition.

Famous people with the name Krichbaum

• August Krichbaum (1847–1923), German politician and Member of the Reichstag
• Bill Krichbaum (1922–2004), American professional basketball player
• Charles Krichbaum (1817–1895), German-American jurist and magistrate.
• Dorothea Krichbaum (born 1952), German politician and member of the Bundestag.
• Friedrich Krichbaum (1907–1979), German military officer during World War II.
• Gina Krichbaum (born 1981), German Olympic equestrian.
• Ludwig Krichbaum (1847–1911), German politician and Member of the Reichstag.
• Philip Krichbaum (1823–1888), German physicist and inventor of the polariscope.
• Rob Krichbaum (born 1967), American professional baseball coach.
• Sylvester Krichbaum (1855–1927), German playwright and theatre director.

Other surnames

Krichbaumer