Cranz (surname)

Cranz is a German surname.

Origin and Meaning:

The surname Cranz is generally considered to be of German origin. It is often attributed to being derived from the Slavic word "kraj," meaning "edge," "border," or "end." In this context, it may have been used to denote someone who lived on the edge of a village, forest, or other geographical boundary. It could also be derived from a place name.

Geographic Distribution:

The surname Cranz is primarily found in Germany, with concentrations in areas historically associated with Slavic settlements and German expansion eastward. It is also found in countries where German emigration occurred, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Notable People with the Surname Cranz:

• Carl Cranz (1858-1945): A German artillery officer and ballistics expert. He made significant contributions to the science of exterior ballistics and wrote extensively on the subject.
• Christl Cranz (1914-2004): A German alpine ski racer. She was one of the most dominant female skiers of the 1930s, winning twelve World Championship medals and a gold medal at the 1936 Winter Olympics.

Variations:

Variations of the surname Cranz may include Krantz, Crantz, and Krentz.

See Also:

• German surnames