Krige (surname)

The surname Krige is a relatively uncommon surname of Dutch and Afrikaans origin. It is believed to be derived from the Middle Dutch word "kriege," meaning "war" or "strife," potentially indicating an ancestor who was a warrior or someone involved in conflict. Another possibility is that it's derived from a topographic name referring to a location characterized by its ruggedness or difficulty.

The surname is most prominently found in South Africa, where it arrived with early Dutch settlers. Several individuals with the surname Krige have achieved prominence in various fields, particularly in the arts, sciences, and politics in South Africa. Its distribution outside of South Africa is generally limited.

Notable people with the surname Krige include:

• Uys Krige (1910-1987), a South African writer and poet.
• Japie Krige (born 1940), a South African former rugby union player.
• Alice Krige (born 1954), a South African actress.
• Dan Krige (1919-2013), a South African mining engineer known for developing Kriging, a geostatistical technique.