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I would like to know the meaning of this German name. I do believe it is exclusivley used as a surname. Any information would be great. Many thanks in advance.
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Hi A,
Yes, Strauss / Strauß is exclusivly used as a surname (at least in Germany).
It derives from the Middle High German word "struz" which has got three different meanings:
1) "Ostrich", which refers to an ostrich feather at a person's helmet or to a person's beautiful eyes.
2) "Opposition, conflict, combat", which refers to an aggressive person.
3) "Shrub, bush", which refers to the place where the person lived.
In modern High German "Strauß" means "ostrich" (and "bouquet", but this hasn't got anything to do with the surname).
Regards, Satu
Yes, Strauss / Strauß is exclusivly used as a surname (at least in Germany).
It derives from the Middle High German word "struz" which has got three different meanings:
1) "Ostrich", which refers to an ostrich feather at a person's helmet or to a person's beautiful eyes.
2) "Opposition, conflict, combat", which refers to an aggressive person.
3) "Shrub, bush", which refers to the place where the person lived.
In modern High German "Strauß" means "ostrich" (and "bouquet", but this hasn't got anything to do with the surname).
Regards, Satu
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OK, Satu, you've got me really confused this time! How do you get beautiful eyes from ostriches. or their plumes?
Ostriches themselves have got magnificent eyes - large, and fringed with gorgeous feathery lashes that Hollywood starlets would kill or die for - but they must have been rather rare in medieval Germany. Interesting thought!
All the best
Ostriches themselves have got magnificent eyes - large, and fringed with gorgeous feathery lashes that Hollywood starlets would kill or die for - but they must have been rather rare in medieval Germany. Interesting thought!
All the best
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I'm not sure what it would mean as a first name, but it is the surname of composer Johann Strauss.
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