Surname Bertz - Meaning and Origin
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Bertz: What does the surname Bertz mean?
The last name Bertz is of German origin. It is derived from the Germanic given name 'Berthold', which derives from two Old High German elements meaning 'bright' and 'power'. It is found most frequently in areas which were historically part of the Holy Roman Empire, such as Germany, Austria, Poland and Czech Republic.
During the Middle Ages, when people often adopted a second name to distinguish themselves from others who had the same given name, the Bertz surname incorporates this concept, as it was used to distinguish one Berthold from another. Over time, the surname became an inherited family name, passed down from generation to generation.
Today, the surname Bertz is still used to identify a family line. It can be used to provide an instant family connection when two individuals with the same last name meet for the first time. Though it may not provide detailed information about a family's genealogy and history, it can serve as an indicator of ethnic background and shared ancestry. It is likely that many people with this surname are related in some way – either directly or through marriage – due to its focus on a singular given name.
Overall, the surname Bertz connects individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds and geographical locations, providing a sense of belonging and identity for those who bear it.
Order DNA origin analysisBertz: Where does the name Bertz come from?
The last name Bertz is most commonly found in the countries of Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Bertz is a German surname derived from the name Bärtz, which was a nickname meaning “brave” or “brave one”. The surname is also found in Italy and Poland where it has been slightly altered to "Bertzi" or "Bertzin".
In Germany, a noble family called "von Bertz" existed in the Middle Ages in the area of Dresden and Saxony. Records also show that a family called "Bertz" was present in the city of Frankfurt from as early as the 14th century.
Today, Bertz is still a popular last name in Germany, particularly in the southern and western states. It is also common in the Netherlands, where it is one of the top 30 surnames, as well as in Belgium, Austria and Luxembourg. In addition, many Americans of German, Luxembourgish, Belgian and Dutch descent bear the surname. According to a 2017 population survey in the United States, Bertz was ranked as the 5th most common last name among German Americans.
Some notable people with the surname Bertz include William J. Bertz, an American air force general; Charles J. Bertz, also an American air force general; and Fritz W. von der Lieth-Thomsen, a German World War II ace fighter pilot.
Variations of the surname Bertz
The surname Bertz is a German surname derived from forms of Bartholomew. This name can have several variations, depending on the region of origin.
Common variants of the surname Bertz include: Berz, Berzt, Brez, Brezt, Birts, Burtz, Burts, Birtz, Burst, Bürts, Berzg, Buerst, and Burzg.
The spelling of the name may also be different, depending on how it is written in Germanic or Slavic languages. Common spellings of Bertz include: Berce, Bercy, Bercey, Berci, Berthy, Burtse, Birtsi, and Burz.
There are also several surnames of similar origin to Bertz. These include: Bartz, Berck, Berch, Barc, Brech, Bertzky, Bertsche, Bartsche, Burger, Berhtold, Berhtolt, Berhtoldt, Berckel, Burgard, Burgert, and Bergholtz.
Overall, the surname Bertz is a variant of a Germanic and Slavic name. It has various spellings and derives from forms of Bartholomew. Other surnames with the same origin or similar spelling include Bartz, Berck, Berch, Barc, Brech, Bertzky, and many others.
Famous people with the name Bertz
- Dave Bertz: Former Major League Baseball player who played for five teams from 1987 to 1994.
- Aaron Bertz: Professional Soccer player in the United Soccer League.
- Julius Bertz: Professional basketball player in the German Bundesliga.
- Günther Bertz: German paralympic athlete and paralympic champion in the 1980s.
- Angelika Bertz: German photojournalist whodocumented the fall of the Berlin Wall.
- Donna Bertz: American professional bowler who competed on the Professional Women's Bowling Association tour.
- Kurt Bertz: German composer and musical director.
- Aaron Bertz: Actor featured in the film Hidden Figures.
- Tom Bertz: American novelist who wrote War Stories and Bruce Weber: Blessings in Disguise.
- Arthur Bertz: Musician, composer and producer who won Grammy Awards in the 1980s.