Surname Wentz - Meaning and Origin
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U. Wentz
read moreWentz: What does the surname Wentz mean?
The surname Wentz is of German origin and is derived from the High German "Wendel," meaning a wanderer or a newcomer. It is therefore a last name commonly given to immigrants or strangers in medieval times. Another interpretation suggests that it could also be a patronymic name, deriving from the personal name "Wenzel". In general, it signifies an ancestral line of individuals who were likely skilled travelers, explorers, or settlers in new regions. Like many surnames, the spelling and exact meaning could vary depending on regional dialects and historic evolution, but the themes of travel, transition, and new beginnings remain consistent. This name is especially common among those with Ashkenazi Jewish or Germanic ancestry.
Order DNA origin analysisWentz: Where does the name Wentz come from?
The last name Wentz is most commonly found today in the United States, particularly in the Midwest region. In the 2020 U.S. Census, it was recorded that there were over 18,000 individuals with the last name Wentz living in the States with the highest concentration in Pennsylvania. The next highest concentrations are found in Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.
The surname is likely of German origin and first appeared in the early 1600s in the Wuerttemberg region, which is now part of modern Germany. This region is on the border between France and Switzerland, meaning the name was likely brought over to the United States from German settlers arriving in the region from these areas.
In modern times, the surname Wentz is heavily associated with NFL quarterback Carson Wentz, who was born and raised in North Dakota. The Wentz surname is particularly ubiquitous in North Dakota, holding the 25th spot on the list of the most common surnames.
In conclusion, the Wentz surname can be found most prevalently in the United States, particularly in the Midwest region. It is of German origin first appearing in the Wuerttemberg region in the early 1600s and today is associated with the NFL player Carson Wentz, who hails from North Dakota.
Variations of the surname Wentz
The surname Wentz has many varied spellings and origins. Some common variants include Wenz, Vanz, Vants, Ventz, and Wents. The surname originated from the German pre-medieval name Wenza, which was derived from the given name Wenczo.
One of the earliest spellings of the surname dates to the 15th century, when a man named Waltherus Wentzs is referenced in a German tax roll. The name quickly spread from Germany to surrounding countries, such as Austria, Poland and the Czech Republic. Variations of the surname also appeared in other parts of Europe, including England and France, as people emigrated from Germany.
The spelling of Wentz can also be attributed to language evolution. For example, the English spelling could have been influenced by an Anglicization of Vanz, which was a Dutch version of the German surname. Other language changes could have been introduced by those who emigrated from Germany to Poland or the Czech Republic, where the 'v' in Vanz became a 'w' in Wenz.
Some of the more common variants of the Wentz surname in the United States include Vandz, Vantz, Venz, Voyntz, Wainz, Wainz, Wales, Wants, Wence, Wense, Went, Wenze, Wenzl, Whitz, Wince, Wintz, and Winz. In addition, many of the variations of Wentz have also been confused with other German surnames, such as Weber, Weippert, and Wenger.
Famous people with the name Wentz
- Pete Wentz, American singer and songwriter.
- Carson Wentz, American professional football player.
- Gloria Estefan, American singer and song writer born Gloria María Milagrosa Fajardo Garcia de Estefan Wentz.
- Biz Markie, American rapper and DJ born Marcel Theo Hall. His last name is an homage to his adoptive father, William Wentz.
- Alec Wentz, son of Pete Wentz and Ashlee Simpson.
- Brandon Wentz, professional mixed martial artist.
- Jerry Wentz, American musician, racer, and TV personality.
- Fangio Wentz, professional body piercer and CEO of Silverback Tattoo Supply.
- Mike Wentz, professional boxer.
- Blaine Wentz, professional snowboarder.
Other surnames
Comments or additions to the name "Wentz"
28.04.2024
Gloria Estefan de Wentz? What crazy person wrote this? Research her family lines which are all documented and all Spanish. NO Wentz in her family. It is amazing what people will make up.