Surname Pelzing - Meaning and Origin
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Pelzing: What does the surname Pelzing mean?
The last name Pelzing is of German origin and is derived from the personal name Pelz, which in turn comes from the Middle High German word for fur or coat. The name Pelzing typically indicated an animal or cloth trader; one who offered pelts. Over time the name has evolved to be a family name primarily found in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.
The Pelzing family was probably established in the Middle or Modern Time period, when it was used in Germanic regions to identify a member of the same family by a unique personal name. The name was also used to show proof of the members’ rank and background. In documents it is also constructed as Pallzinck, Pellinc, Pellinck, and Pelling.
Members of the Pelzing family have contributed to many aspects of society from the early 1600s onward. They were involved in trade and industry, with many becoming merchants and artisans. Some were also successful attorneys, doctors, and educators.
It is unknown if the Pelzing family were directly related to any specific noble family, though members were most likely highly educated and respected. The coat of arms of the Pelzing Family includes a black panther rampant upon a yellow shield, with two black stars on either side holding a yellow ribbon. This is believed to represent courage and bravery in battle, scholarship and leadership.
Order DNA origin analysisPelzing: Where does the name Pelzing come from?
The last name Pelzing is most common today in Germany, where it is estimated that around 1,200 individuals share the surname. The name Pelzing is believed to have been derived from the given name Paul or the Latinized form of Paullus. As a result, the name is believed to have originally been given to those who descended from, or were related to Paul.
The name first appeared in records in Germany during the 13th century, and it has been suggested that the early Pelzing family members were among some of the first settlers of the region. Over the years, however, the name has spread further afield to other countries and territories, the most common locations being Germany, the United States, Canada, and South America.
In the United States, records indicate that the Pelzing family were some of the earliest German immigrants to the region in the 17th and 18th centuries. The majority of these early Pelzing immigrants established themselves in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Maryland. Since then, some members of the Pelzing family have spread to other locations throughout the country, including New York, Illinois, and Florida.
The last name Pelzing is still common in the areas of Germany where it originated, and is still found throughout the United States, where it is relatively common among German-Americans. It is a much rarer name in other countries and territories, with only a small number of individuals who carry the name outside of the United States and Germany.
Variations of the surname Pelzing
The surname Pelzing is a variation of the German surname Pellzing, which is an Uradel name dating back to Middle Ages in central Germany. It is derived from the Old High German word „peltz“ meaning one who dwells in an enclosed settlement, such as a borough.
The variant spellings and surnames for Pelzing include Pellsing, Pezling, Pelzinger, Pelzingen, Pellsingen, and Pellzen. The variants are mainly found in Germany, as well as Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France.
Variations of the name are often founded on regional dialect and pronunciation. For example people in German-speaking countries may say Pölzing to refer to the same surname. It is also known as Peeling in some families from south Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
The surname is common across many of Germany’s regions and over time has spread to be found in households further east and across to the United States. Some American families have Huber, Eberle and Gehrig as their original surnames, having adapted them from Pelzing/Pellzing when they emigrated.
In some families, variations of the surname have been Anglicized to Pelzinger, Palzinger, Pelzin, Pellzin, Pellsen, Pelts, Pellheim or Pelting. The surname is also spelled differently depending on the region in which it is found, so sub-variations such as Pelzingen, Pellsingen, and Pellzen exist.
The meaning and origin of the name has often been confused with another similarly-spelled surname, that of Pelzinger, derived from the Old High German „pezel“ meaning to run or jump. However, these are two distinct names and should not be conflated.
Famous people with the name Pelzing
- Jeff Pelzing: Jeff Pelzing is a American-born British novelist and poet who has published several books. He is best known for his trilogy of novels—The Risen, The Fallen, and The Forsaken.
- Conrad Pelzing: Conrad Pelzing is a German actor. He is known for his work on television shows such as Medium and Homeland.
- Tim Pelzing: Tim Pelzing is a German professional ice hockey goaltender who currently plays for the Iserlohn Roosters in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga.
- Kurt A. Pelzing: Kurt A. Pelzing is a German biophysical chemist who is an investigator at the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry in Göttingen.
- Helmut Pelzing: Helmut Pelzing is an Austrian politician. He is a member of the National Council of Austria.
- Michael Pelzing: Michael Pelzing is an American lieutenant colonel in the United States Army. He is currently the Deputy Commanding Officer of the Joint Task Force at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.
- Robert J. Pelzing: Robert J. Pelzing is a Dutch professor of animal breeding and genetics at Wageningen University. He is best known for his research on pig breeding and genetics.
- Alfred Pelzing: Alfred Pelzing was an Austrian-born American artist best known for his portrait paintings. He is well-known for his portraits of prominent figures such as the American film producer Carl Laemmle and Nobel Laureate scientist Jean-Paul Bichat.
- Duncan Pelzing: Duncan Pelzing is an American computer programmer and entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of the software company Intridea.
- Henry Pelzing: Henry Pelzing is an American drummer who has performed with artists such as Nas and R. Kelly.