Surname Bentzer - Meaning and Origin
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Bentzer: What does the surname Bentzer mean?
The last name Bentzer is of German origin, and is derived from the German word 'Benzer', which means 'mason'. It is also an occupational surname, indicating a person who either held the occupation of a mason or was the son of a mason.
Originally, masonry was highly esteemed and was an important factor in the construction of the majority of Gothic churches, cathedrals, and monasteries from the Medieval period. It was the most skilled trade during that time, and those who held the occupation of a mason enjoyed high respect. Masons were also valuable members of society because of the fortifications and walls that they helped construct.
In modern society, the last name of Bentzer denotes a long and proud family history. It symbolizes a past of hard work and dedication to one's profession. Being of the proud mason heritage, Bentzer’s are often recognized for their craftsmanship and innovation.
The surname Bentzer is still frequently seen in areas of Germany where masonry work once flourished. It has been passed down through the generations and has been seen in many different parts of the world. It is a reminder of the great heritage associated with the occupation of a mason, and an inspiration to those that currently bear the name today.
Order DNA origin analysisBentzer: Where does the name Bentzer come from?
The last name Bentzer is commonly found in Germany, especially in the northern parts of the country. It is also found in many other parts of Europe, including Switzerland and Austria. It is also widespread in the United States, most notably in various parts of the Midwest and some parts of the Southern states. The surname Bentzer is believed to originate from the Middle High German terms 'bence', meaning 'bench' and 'zerr', which means 'cutter'. It is thought to have been a name given to a person who worked as a bench carpenter or woodcutter.
The Bentzer surname is today most commonly found in Germany, with the highest occurrence being in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. However, it can still be found in other regions, with percentages of 6.98%, 5.5%, 4.9% and 4.4% found in Bavaria, Saxony, Brandenburg and Hesse.
Outside of Germany, there are significant numbers of people named Bentzer in Austria, Switzerland and the United States. In the USA, there are around 1,400 people with the name, spread across many states. The highest concentration is found in Michigan, with percentages of 0.9%. It is also found in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Pennsylvania and Kansas, with lesser numbers found in other states.
In short, the last name Bentzer is associated with Northern Germany, but it can be found in many other places including the USA. The surname is today most commonly found in Germany and the Midwest of America.
Variations of the surname Bentzer
Bentzer is a Dutch topographic surname, which was originally derived from the word "benzin", meaning "beside the beach". The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for Bentzer include: Benziger, Benznar, Benzen, Benzenaar, Benzin, Bentz, Bentzai, Bentzin, Bentsen, Bentser, Bentson, Benttser, Benxai, Benziani, Benzon, Betzen, Betzener, Betzenen, Betzinsky, Betzner, Benzientz, Benzies, Benesek, Benessek, Benesch, Benzken, Benzsch, Bentscher, Benzschmar, Bentzschmar and Bentzigar.
Most of these surnames originated in the Netherlands and were used to denote a person who lived near the beach and coast, or near a body of water. It is also likely the name was derived from the German and Dutch word "benden", meaning "to pitch a tent" or a camp. In some cases, the name was used to denote someone who lived near a military camp or encampment, or someone who was a military officer.
The variations of the name are spread all across Europe, with some variations also being used in America. In some cases, the variations were taken on by the family upon immigration to the new world, in order to better fit into their native language. Other variations are due to dialectal/regional differences and also translation mistakes from other languages.
Famous people with the name Bentzer
- Christer Bentzer: Swedish actor and filmmaker, best known for his roles in the purchase and sale drama Anna and the 2000 TV series Kontoret.
- Isaac Bentzer: American professional basketball player who currently plays with Norrköping Dolphins of the Swedish Basketball League.
- Loni Bentzer: American four-time world pop surf kayak champion.
- Alfase Bentzer: Norwegian four-time over world champion in the Somaland games.
- Christina Bentzer: Swedish long-distance swimmer and four-time Scandinavian champion in cross-country swimming.
- John Bentzer: Canadian sprinter who was the 1987 Canadian outdoor (summer) champion at the 100 with a time of 10.56 seconds.
- Hannibal Bentzer: Swedish handball player and coach, currently the head coach for the Redbergslids IK in the highest division in Sweden.
- Jakob Bentzer: Danish Olympic swimmer and two-time medalist at the 1984 and 1988 Summer Games.
- Erika Bentzer: Swedish soccer player and coach, currently the head coach for the Västerås SK club in the top tier of Swedish football.
- Sofia Bentzer: Swedish alpine skier and five-time champion at the Swedish Alpine Cup.