Krause, A descriptive German surname meaning "with curly hair," from the Middle High German "krus," meaning curly. A descriptive German surname meaning "with curly hair," from the Middle High German "krus," meaning curly. The name Todd originates as a surname deriving from the Middle English “tod” or “todde” meaning “a fox.” The surname probably derived to describe those who were fox hunters. In Scottish, the name “Tod” means “clever” or “wily.” So, if our family were true to the orgins of our name, we'd have red, curly hair and, of course, be very clever!