Surname Pentz - Meaning and Origin
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Pentz: What does the surname Pentz mean?
The last name Pentz is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "pfenzen," meaning "fence." It was typically given as an occupational name to a person who built fences or an individual living near a notable fence or enclosure. The surname dates back to the 14th century in Germany, and distribution of people with this surname is particularly high in the United States, England, and Canada in the modern era. As with many surnames, variations exist such as Penc, Pents, Pentze, and Pentzke. Notable people with this surname include Thomas Wesley Pentz, an American record producer and DJ known by his stage name Diplo. The definition and significance of the surname can vary between families and regions, as with many last names.
Order DNA origin analysisPentz: Where does the name Pentz come from?
The last name Pentz is common primarily in Europe, with a significant concentration in Germany, Austria, Poland, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. The name is also found in other parts of the world, including in the United States, Canada, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
The surname Pentz likely comes from the Old High German given name "Banzio" or "Pentzio.” It is possible that the name originated independently, with those in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland taking it from the name of a location called "Pfenz" which can still be found today. Meanwhile, some with the name in the Netherlands and North America may have derived their name from the Dutch and German word “penz” meaning “tailor’s needle” or “pins” which would have been a fitting work for someone with this surname.
Today, the name Pentz is still popular in many locations. It is one of the top 1000 surnames in Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Switzerland, and South Africa. It's also found in the United States, UK, Canada, and Australia. In the United States, it’s the 6,773rd most common surname.
Variations of the surname Pentz
Pentz is a German surname that traces its origins to the Franks. It is a variation of the surname of the same origin Pense, Senz and Penz.
Originally, these last names would have been spelled differently due to changes in language and spelling over time. Some other variants of the surname Pentz include Penz, Pentzke, Penzkofer, and Pentzak.
The surnames Senz and Pentz both have roots in the Old German language and can be traced back to the word senzo, which means "sad," suggesting the original bearer of the name might have experienced some kind of loss or misfortune. The name Penz is believed to come from Middle High German pennet, meaning “little penny” or “small coin,” an indication that the first bearer was a merchant or money lender.
The modern spelling of Pentz can be found in numerous countries throughout Europe, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Belgium. As a result, other surnames associated with the Pentz name include Penz, Pentzke, Penzkofer, and Pantzak.
In North America, Pentz is often found with variant spellings including Pentez, Pennz, Pennze, Penzetz, Pintz, and Pince. The spelling Pentz is also found in some Latin American countries.
Due to the variations in spelling, many of the family members of the Pentz line may not be aware of their common ancestry or even of the fact they share the same surname.
Famous people with the name Pentz
- Diplo (Thomas Wesley Pentz): World-renowned DJ, record label owner, and producer.
- Chris Pentz: Former NFL player for the Denver Broncos and Dallas Cowboys.
- Jeff Pentz: Former Major League Baseball player.
- Peter Pentz: Danish politician and government minister in the early 20th century.
- Edward Pentz: American missionary, educator, and principal of the Danish-Norwegian Missionary Society in Chicago.
- Maud Pentz: English pianist, songwriter, and journalist during the early 20th century.
- Pete Pentz: Country music singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.
- Jane Pentz: Former art gallery owner and host of the popular television show, The Best in Art.
- Sidsel Pentz: Famous Danish painter and illustrator.
- Charles Luther Pentz: Canadian businessman and writer.