Surname Gotz - Meaning and Origin

Unveiling Ancestry and Forging Connections: My iGENEA DNA Test Experience

This piece details my personal experience with the iGENEA DNA test. It reveals how it unraveled the fascinating history and geographic origins of my surname 'Gotz', and discusses the new connections I made with fellow Gotz members.

K. Gotz

Gotz: What does the surname Gotz mean?

The last name Gotz is of German origin and it is a patronymic name derived from the first name Gothard, composed of the elements "God" and "hardy", meaning "strong" or "brave". Thus, it translates as "brave or strong God". This first name was popular in the Middle Ages owing to St. Gothard, an 11th century bishop of Hildesheim in Germany, who gave his name to the St. Gotthard Pass through the Alps. The surname also has variations in different regions and it is sometimes spelled as Götz, Goetz, Goez, Goetze, Gotts, among others. The widespread distribution of the surname across Central Europe points to the popularity of the namesake saint and the durability of his cult even after the Protestant Reformation, which generally discouraged the veneration of saints. This surname has been borne by several notable people, including actors, inventors, athletes, and more.

Gotz: Where does the name Gotz come from?

The surname Gotz is of German origin and is derived from the personal name Gotz, which is a short form of the name Gottfried. Gottfried itself comes from the Old German elements “got,” meaning “god,” and “fridu,” meaning “peace.” Thus, the name could be interpreted to mean “God's peace.”

The Gotz surname was first found in Switzerland, where the family gained a significant reputation for its contributions to the emergent medieval society. Later, the surname spread out into various regions of Europe, integrating into the local societies and often being anglicized.

Today, the Gotz surname is common in German-speaking countries including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. However, individuals with the Gotz surname can be found worldwide due to migration, with a significant number in the United States and other parts of the world.

Variations of the surname Gotz

The surname Gotz has several variations and might be found in different spellings due to regional differences, language variations, and translations. The common origins of this surname are German, Jewish, and Swiss.

Variants and alternate spellings may include Götz, Goetz, Gotts, Gots, Goetze, Göetze, Goetzen, Goetzig, and Gotze. In the case of Götz, the "ö" often gets altered to "oe" in non-German-speaking regions, hence, Goetz.

These names originated from the personal name Gotz, which itself came from the Old High German name Gottschalk, comprised of "gott" meaning god and "scealc" meaning servant.

In the context of Jewish surnames, it could be an acronym from religious phrases. For instance, 'Gimel' 'Tzadei' might refer to 'Gabbai Tzedakah', denoting a person responsible for the distribution of charity.

Note that surname origins can also be geographical and refer to a characteristic of the original bearer. Over time, due to migration and shifts in borders, these surnames may have spread to other countries and regions, thereby diversifying their spellings based on local language adaptations.

Famous people with the name Gotz

• Karl-Heinz von Götz: Also known as Karli Gotz, he is a famous German cartoonist.
• Albrecht Götz von Olenhusen: He is a renowned German historian and genealogist who specialises in family history.
• Gustav Gotz: A famous American artist known for his works in the early 20th century.
• Gottfried Gotz: A well-known German clergyman and author.
• Götz George: He has been a leading actor in German television and film where he worked for over six decades. His most famous role was in the crime drama series "Tatort."
• Peter Gotz: He was an American politician who served in the Washington House of Representatives.
• Götz Otto: A German actor recognized for his roles in the films “Tomorrow Never Dies” and “Iron Sky.”
• Ilona Gotz: A prominent Australian entrepreneur and founder of the McMillan Shakespeare Group.
• Nevin Gotz: A notable Estonian actor who has worked in both film and theatre.
• Sebastian Gotz: A professional German footballer.
• Götz Aly: A renowned German journalist, historian, and author. His works focus mainly on the history of the Holocaust.

Other surnames

GotautGotayGotcherGotesmanGotezmanGötfertGotfridGotfridtGotfriedGotfriedtGotfrydGothardGothardtGothartGötheGöthelGöthemannGothknechtGotlebGotlibGotliebGotlobGotlobeGotloebGotoGotowtGotschalGotschaldGotschalgGotschalk