Surname Straus - Meaning and Origin
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Straus: What does the surname Straus mean?
The last name Straus is thought to have originated from Germany, and is derived from numerous words and elements in German. It is most closely associated with the surname Strauss, which is derived from the German word for “street” or “path.” The word strauss can also mean “ornamental” or “stately.” The original spelling of the name was Strauß or Strausz, with the English spelling becoming Strauss or Straus over time.
The name Strauss could have referred to the profession of a person who lived or worked on or near a street or path. It is possible that the Straus name originated from people who had a profession or trade based upon the pathways of a town or village, such as a blacksmith, farrier, or wheelwright. Alternatively, the name Strauss could have been adopted by individuals who relocated to a different settlement and were known by the path they had taken to get there.
The surname may also have a Jewish origin. In Jewish culture the root word 'strauß' has come to mean 'ostrich'. It is believed that the Straus name was adopted by Jews in central Europe as a symbol of strength and courage since ostriches were held in high esteem in Jewish culture. This could indicate that the original bearer of the surname was a Jewish immigrant who left Europe during the Middle Ages.
In conclusion, the last name Straus could have originated from numerous sources in German and Jewish culture. It is likely that the name related to a profession or trade related to pathways, or as a symbol of strength and courage.
Order DNA origin analysisStraus: Where does the name Straus come from?
The last name Straus is most commonly associated today with the Straus family, a prominent banking dynasty descended from the original German-Jewish immigrant Lazarus Straus and his wife Sarah. The family founded Macy's department store and is remembered today for their philanthropic works which benefited the poor, the advancement of Jewish religious education, and the support of various Jewish organizations.
The Straus family has numerous branches, all represented in the United States, which means the name remains widespread in the country. The name Straus is primarily associated with those descended from the family, who remain in various cities across the eastern United States and also hold prominent positions in business, government, and philanthropy.
It is also common in Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Austria. Jewish immigrants taking the name Straus spread out to those countries from the original German-Jewish immigrant ancestors and the name also became a prominent feature of Jewish communities in each area.
The last name Straus is also sometimes spelled Strause, Strauss, or Straussman. These variations most likely originated from the various accents of different dialects spoken by settlers throughout the world. Variations are also common in American-Jewish families, many of whom adopted the name during the early waves of immigration to the United States.
Variations of the surname Straus
The surname Straus is of German or Jewish origin from the Middle Ages. The different variants and spellings for this surname include Strauss, Strous, Strouse, Strause, Strausse, Strauß, Drstrus, Struas, and Straws.
Strauss is likely one of the most common German surname, derived from the Middle High German word “strazzze” which means “stream.” Records show people with this surname in what is now Germany in the 13th century. It likely indicates the individual originally called Straus was from a specific stream or small body of water.
Strous has the same meaning as Strauss and is a more modern spelling found in Europe and the United States. It can also appear in various versants such as Strouse, Strause, and Strausse.
Strauß is a Germanized version of the name Straus, typically found in Germany and parts of Austria.
Finally, Drstrus is a Dutch spelling of the surname found across The Netherlands and its former colonies. Other variants include Struas, Straws, Stròs and Strôs.
In the Jewish community, the surname was often associated with royalty, indicating a noble origin, and became linked to some of famous Jewish families.
Famous people with the name Straus
- Isidor Straus: Russian-born American merchant and co-owner of Macy's department store
- Nathan Straus: Austrian-American businessman and philanthropist
- Leo Straus: German-Jewish political theorist and psychologist
- Lillian Straus: American philanthropist and art collector
- Oscar S. Straus: American diplomat, lawyer, and politician
- Katrien Strauss: Dutch field hockey player
- Philipp Straus: German Jewish banker
- Pauline Straus: American philanthropist and Surrealist artist
- Gertrud Bäumer: German suffragist, women’s rights activist, and writer
- Martha Straus: American writer and folk musician
- Randall Straus: American linguist and author
- Carl Strauss: German Jewish writer and publisher
- Richard Straus: German Jewish composer
- Nathan Straus Jr.: American businessman and philanthropist
- Oscar Straus II: American diplomat
- Saul Strauss: American banker
- Oskar Straus: German Jewish composer and conductor
- Lawrence Strauss: American historian
- Egon Strauss: German art historian
- Lola Straus: American writer and choreographer