Franz Kafka was a German-speaking Bohemian novelist and short-story writer, widely regarded as one of the major figures of 20th-century literature. His work fuses elements of realism and the fantastic.

What does Kafka mean in German?

Kafka is a mainly German surname of West Slavic origin meaning jackdaw, or occasionally from a Yiddish diminutive for Jacob. Notable people with the surname include: Alexandre Kafka (1917–2007), Brazilian international economist born in Prague. Bohumil Kafka (1878–1942), Czech sculptor and pedagogue.

Does Kafka mean Crow?

As Kafka himself points out, the name “Kafka” means crow in Czech, which is part of why he chose the name for himself. Crows in Kafka on the Shore are harbingers of protection, warning, and advice. More specifically, they signify wisdom that feels as if it is coming from an inner voice or conscience.