Surname Strauss - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'S'
Unveiling My Strauss Heritage Through iGENEA DNA Testing: An Unexpected Journey into Self-understanding
Embarks on a personal genealogical journey facilitated by the DNA test conducted at iGENEA. Elucidates how the unexpected revelations about the Strauss lineage altered self-perception and comprehension of family heritage.
P. Strauss
read moreStrauss: What does the surname Strauss mean?
The last name Strauss is of German origin and is a common surname found throughout the world. The name translates to “forest” or “woods”, and suggests that the original bearer of the name likely lived or worked close to a forest. The Strauss name is also associated with Old English roots and is sometimes translated as “straussman” or “strasser”, which are both derived from the Old High German word “strasse” meaning “street” or “road”. Additionally, the last name could be a reference to a “carrying-pole” bearer, a profession in the Middle Ages.
The Strauss name is usually associated with Judaism as it often appears as an Ashkenazic Jewish surname. It is believed to have derived from “saraf”, the Hebrew word for “to burn” or “to play music”, as those bearing the surname may have worked in these trades. Alternatively, the name could have originated from the word “strashun” which means “noise” in Yiddish, hinting at a noisy or loud person.
In modern times, the Strauss surname is still frequently encountered across the world. Notable people bearing the family name include composer and conductor Johann Strauss II, economist and political commentator Robert D. Strauss, and fashion designer Marc Jacobs.
Order DNA origin analysisStrauss: Where does the name Strauss come from?
The last name Strauss is most commonly found in Germany and Austria, but is also common in countries around the world. In Europe, it is especially popular in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, and Switzerland. In North America, the last name Strauss is found in the United States and Canada, with some variation in spelling. In South America, it can be found throughout Brazil and Argentina. In Asia, the Strauss surname can be found in China, India, Israel, and South Korea.
In the United States, the largest concentrations of people with the Strauss surname are in California, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Illinois, and Texas. It is also found in substantial numbers throughout the Midwest and New England states.
There are several different famous people with the Strauss widespread, including Levi Strauss, the founder of Levi's Jeans; Richard and Theodore Strauss, two brothers who each became renowned musicians; and Geraldine Strauss, a Holocaust survivor and author of the memoir "No Time for Fear".
Overall, the last name Strauss is a very common one found in many places around the world. It is associated with famous figures in history, music, art, and literature, and continues to be a well-known name in many countries today.
Variations of the surname Strauss
The surname Strauss is a German occupational surname derived from the German word 'Straf,' meaning “rod” or “instrument.” Variations of the surname Strauss include Strass, Strauß, Straw, Streuß, Straws, and Struse.
The surname Strauss is most prominent in Europe, but it can also be found in the United States. The variations are not exclusive to Germany, as the surname is found in countries including Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Switzerland, and Romania. It is also easily found in other countries around the world, with concentrations in Israel, South Africa, Canada, and Australia.
Variations of the surname Strauss may be spelled "Stroose," "Strause," "Straws," or "Strues." The most common variations seen in the United States are "Strauss" and "Straws."
In addition to variations in different countries, the surname can also take different forms based on the version of the language in which it is spelled. For instance, the variations "Strauss" and "Straws" may be spelled as "Strauß" or "Strawß" in a German-speaking context.
The most distinct form of the surname is "Strauß," indicating a family who followed the Austrian variant of German. This variant is the most spread worldwide due to the 19th-century migration of ethnic Germans from what was then the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Finally, the variants of surname Strauss may be compounded if the family is of Jewish origin, often combining the Strauss surname with the family’s Jewish name. For example, if the family name is Goldberg, the surname may become Goldberg-Strauss.
Famous people with the name Strauss
- Richard Strauss: German composer consistently ranked among the greatest composers of all time.
- Levi Strauss: German-American clothing entrepreneur who founded the company that produced the world’s first pair of blue jeans.
- Johann Strauss II: Austrian composer whose work waltz revolutionized 19th century ballroom music.
- Johann Strauss I: Austrian composer, the father of Johann Strauss II, and who popularized the waltz in 19th century Vienna.
- Eduard Strauss: Austrian composer of operettas and family member of the Strauss dynasty.
- Johann Strauss III: Austrian composer, the son of Johann Strauss II and brother of Eduard Strauss, and who composed mainly for the outdoors.
- Josef Strauss: Austrian composer, the youngest of the Strauss family and who composed mainly but not exclusively dances.
- Dmitri Shostakovich: Russian composer of many works of classical music, including ballets and symphonies, whose real last name was actually Shostakovich-Strauss.
- Otto Strauss: German painter and sculptor, known for his Expressionist works.
- Maximilian Strauss: German journalist and writer who earned acclaim for his works about everyday life in Germany.