Surname Kunz - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling My Heritage: The Kunz Story Through DNA Lens
The iGENEA DNA test has offered insights into my background I was unaware of before, changing my understanding of my personal identity and heritage. I discovered the deeper meaning of my surname, Kunz, leading to a reevaluation of what I stand for, where I come from, and whom I owe my existence.
S. Kunz
read moreKunz: What does the surname Kunz mean?
The last name Kunz is a German surname, derived from the Middle High German term ‘kunt’. It is a patronymic name, which means it is derived from a personal name. This German surname was most likely taken on by individuals living in an area with a German-speaking population, such as Austria, Switzerland, and Germany.
The term 'kunt,' which originated from the Middle High German era, wasn't necessarily the name of a particular person, but rather is derived from several nicknames or descriptors. It could mean a person of short stature, or someone with a large and strong physical presence. Additionally, it could indicate someone who was a skilled craftsman, or a person who was hairy or dark-haired.
The name Kunz is also common in the southeastern parts of Germany, with records tracing the oldest ‘Kunz’ family to the region of Bavaria, during the mid-1300s. Later, records of individuals with this name can be found all over Europe, including in areas such as France, Switzerland, and Belgium.
Interestingly, the name Kunz has also made its way to other parts of the world; in the United States, for example, Kunz is the nineteenth most common last name among those of German origin. Records show the earliest use of the last name Kunz in the US in the early 1800s as a result of German migration.
Overall, the surname Kunz has continued to be a common name in many places around the world, and is indicative of the influence of German-speaking populations throughout history.
Order DNA origin analysisKunz: Where does the name Kunz come from?
The last name Kunz is most commonly found in Europe today. It is a prominent surname in Germany and Austria, where it is among the most popular surnames in the region. Kunz is also common in Switzerland, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, and parts of France and Belgium. It is also found, though less commonly, in the Czech Republic, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, and Finland. In the United States, and Canada, the Kunz surname is mostly of German origin, and is found in various concentrations throughout the country. In Australia, the Kunz name is associated with immigrant families from Germany and Austria, but is also associated with French and Belgian immigrants, though much less so. It is also found in smaller numbers in New Zealand and South Africa. Kunz has also become a recognizable last name in many countries around the world, especially among ethnic Germans in countries like Brazil, Argentina, Russia, and others.
Variations of the surname Kunz
Kunz is a surname of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "kuntz". Its variants include Kunze, Kuntz, Kunts, Kuntsche and Kunzmann. In its different versions, this name can be found in many parts of the German-speaking world.
The "Kuntz" variation of this surname is particularly popular in Austria, Germany, Alsace-Lorraine, and in some parts of Switzerland. This version of the name may have also been adopted by some Jewish families that had previously migrated to the region from Central or Eastern Europe. The "Kunzmann" version of the name is especially common in Bavaria and in some parts of Switzerland.
The spelling of the name "Kunze" is more frequently found in Lower Saxony and Saxony, in many parts of Germany. Additionally, this spelling variant is the most common version of the Kunz surname found among families that have more recent ancestry from Poland, where the name is transliterated as "Kuncewicz".
The spelling "Kunts" is another variant of the surname and is found in Rhineland-Palatinate, as well as in some parts of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Finally, the spelling "Kuntsche" is comparatively rare and only found in small pockets of Germany, such as Bavaria and Württemberg.
In summary, there are several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Kunz. From “Kuntz” to “Kuntsche,” each variation is associated with a specific region and certain related branches of the family.
Famous people with the name Kunz
- Jenell Kunz: Jenell Kunz is an American musician, actress, and author, known for her work on stage, television, and film. She is best known for her appearances in the TV shows 'Glee,' 'Criminal Minds,' 'Supernatural,' and 'Extant,' as well as the film 'A Night in Old Mexico.'
- Niklas Kunz: Niklas Kunz is a Swiss professional football player, currently playing for FC Luzern in the Swiss Super League. He is known for his pace and power, as well as his ability to link up play with his teammates.
- Alex Kunz: Alex Kunz is a former professional German ice hockey player. During his time as a player, he featured in 131 games in the DEL and DEL 2, and in one in the National League A. After retirement, Kunz took up a coaching role with EV Landshut in the DEL 2.
- Patrick Kunz: Patrick Kunz is a Swiss international footballer who currently plays for FC Basel in the Swiss Super League. He is primarily a central defender and is known for his rugged tackles and last-ditch blocks.
- Jake Kunz: Jake Kunz is an American retired ice hockey player who played for multiple clubs in the ECHL and AHL, and featured in one NHL game for the San Jose Sharks in the 2001/02 season.
- Sasha Kunz: Sasha Kunz is an American model and Instagram influencer, known for her posts that have received millions of likes from her followers. She is also an ardent supporter of animal rights, and often posts about animal cruelty and her campaign work for animal welfare.