Surname Jentz - Meaning and Origin
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Jentz: What does the surname Jentz mean?
The last name Jentz is of German origin and can be traced back to medieval times. It is thought to be a geographical or local surname, referring to someone who lived near a Jentzen waterway or somewhere in the Jentzen region, though the exact location or origin of the name is unknown.
The Jentz surname appears in various forms across Europe, such as Jentzsch, Jentzen and Jenzen. Those with the name could once have been servants to rulers, though this is not confirmed. In modern times, many people bearing the name of Jentz can be found in Germany, with a small concentration in the United States.
Similar to other surnames, the meaning of Jentz could refer to a physical feature or location in which someone lived or worked. The name could also come from a profession, such as a craftsman or tradesperson, or from someone's occupation - an athlete, farmer or hunter. It could also signify a family connection or be derived from a nickname, such as one honouring a loved one or ancestor.
The surname Jentz is fairly uncommon, so those bearing the name may have something interesting and unique to share about its roots and origin. As with many other German surnames, its true meaning may never be definitively known.
Order DNA origin analysisJentz: Where does the name Jentz come from?
The last name Jentz is most commonly found in the United States and Germany today. It is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word for "generous" or "benevolent".
In the United States, the name Jentz is most prevalent in Pennsylvania. Records show that it has been in the area since the mid-18th century, and many families with the name have a long history in the state. Other states with high occurrences of the last name include Illinois, Nebraska, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and New York.
In Germany, the name is somewhat more widespread than in the United States. It is found in several northern states such as North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, and Schleswig-Holstein.
The name also appears in several other countries, including Poland, Brazil, Denmark, Canada, and Australia.
Today, many people with the name Jentz can trace their ancestors to either Germany or the United States, though the name is by no means limited to these two countries.
Variations of the surname Jentz
The surname Jentz is of German origin and has several variants and spellings. Some of the more common variants are Gentz, Gentzsch, Gentsch, Gintz, Gintzsch, Jantsch, Jeantsch, Jentsch, Magentz, Magentzsch, Magintz, Magintzsch, Mentz, Menz, and Mentsch.
Jentz is a patronymic surname, which means it was formed by adding a suffix based on the first name of a person's father. Common suffixes used in Germany to form a patronymic are -z, -zsch, -sch, -itsch, and -s. For example, Johannes Jentz would be Johannes son of Jent, thus, Jentz.
The surname Jentz can also be found as a variant of the surnames Gentz and Gentzsch. One of the earliest known mentions of the Gentz name appears in a document in Nuremberg in 1375 when Conrad Gentzsch was recorded as a resident there. Another early mention of the name appears in 1436 in Prussia when Conrad Gintz was mentioned in Prussian records.
The surname Gentz can also be found as a variant of the surnames Jantsch, Jeantsch, Jentsch and Mentsch. Jeantsch is thought to be an older variant of Jentsch. Both Jantsch and Jeantsch are thought to have originally been derived from Jentz. Mentsch is also thought to have originally been derived from Jentz.
In some cases, the Jentz surname can also appear as Magentz, Magentzsch, Magintz, Magintzsch, Mentz, and Menz. Magentz and Magentzsch are likely derived from the name Gentz. Menz is thought to have originated as variants of Mentz, which is itself a variant of Jentz.
Famous people with the name Jentz
- Vicki Jentz: British actress known for roles in the "Lost World of Mitchell & Kenyon" and "The Ledger".
- Brian Jentz: former professional American football player.
- William Jentz: American historian and author of several books on German military history.
- Jacob Jentz: professional soccer player from Portland, Oregon.
- Dieter Jentz: former professional soccer player who represented Australia in the 1974 World Cup.
- Eva Monier-Jentz: former member of the German Olympic field hockey team.
- Richard Jentz: American automotive historian and author of several books on early military vehicles.
- Thomas Jentz: German military historian and author of several books on German military vehicles and World War II.
- Reinhard Jentz: German historian and author of several works on German military history.
- Martina Jentzsch: German Paralympic athlete who competed in para-alpine skiing events at the 2004 and 2006 Paralympic Games.