Surname Glätzer - Meaning and Origin
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Glätzer: What does the surname Glätzer mean?
The last name Glätzer is of German origin, and is derived from a name meaning “glassin” or “glazier.” A glazier is someone who works with glass, often repairing it and providing new installations in houses and other buildings. This kind of work has been a common trade throughout the centuries, particularly in Europe, and comes from the Latin word “glare” which means “to sparkle.” It’s likely that the Glätzer family name derived from someone who practiced this craft a long time ago, and the name has come down through the generations to the present day.
The exact origins of the Glätzer surname can’t be pinpointed due to a lack of records, but the name may have come from East Prussia, an area which was part of Germany before World War II and is now located in Lithuania and Poland. It’s also possible that the surname could have originated in another area of Germany, or even elsewhere in Europe.
Given the family’s history in glazing, it’s possible that there could still be Glätzers today working as glass experts. Whatever their current pursuits, many people of German heritage, including those with the Glätzer surname, will continue to proudly hold on to their family’s heritage and its legacy.
Order DNA origin analysisGlätzer: Where does the name Glätzer come from?
The last name Glätzer is most common in Germany and Austria today, with the majority of people bearing the name located in the eastern part of both countries.
Historically, Glätzer was a popular name among the aristocracy of Germany, which likely explains its continued presence in both nations. The name is derived from the German word "Glätze," which typically refers to either a shaved or bald spot on the head. The first known person bearing the name was one Herrad von Glaetze who was knighted in 1357.
In Germany, the name Glätzer is most common in the east, particularly in lands formerly ruled by Prussia. The city of Schmiedeberg in the Oberspreewald-Lausitz district tops the list of towns with the most Glätzer residents, with over 6.5 people per thousand bearing the name. Berlin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony-Anhalt, and Brandenburg are other popular regional hotspots for the surname.
In Austria, Glätzer is seen most in the states of Vienna, Lower Austria, Salzburg, and Styria. Vienna boasts a population of close to 3 people per thousand with the name Glätzer while Lower Austria has 2.2.
Glätzer is common in many other parts of the world due to emigration, particularly the United States, UK, Canada, and Australia. In the US, the name is most commonly found in California, Texas, and New York.
Variations of the surname Glätzer
The Glätzer surname is an old and renowned surname that is found in many countries around the world.
Glätzer is a variation in spelling of the German name Glaetzer, which originated from the Middle High German term 'gleitz' which meant 'graceful.' The surname Glätzer also has several spellings, including: Glätzner, Glatzer, Glatzner, Glaetzner, Glatnitzky, Glatnizky, Glatnisky, and Glatnytsky.
In some parts of Europe, this surname has been anglicized to resemble more English-speaking names, such as Clayton, Gloster or Glitson.
The Glätzer surname may have many different origins, ranging from immigrants from Germany, Poland, Austria, Slovakia, Russia, Hungary and other countries.
Some of the variants of this surname include Glaetz, Glatser, Glatz, Glatzl, Glaetzer, Glatzer, Glatnitzky, Glatnizky, Glatnisky, Glatnytsky, and Glister.
In addition, there are some non-German variations such as Glasz, Glasner, Glesz and Glenser. There is also a Polish variant, Glatny, and a Jewish variant, Glazers.
The Glätzer surname has many spellings and surnames of the same origin, but all of them have the same meaning of graceful and graceful-like. It is likely that all of these variations share the same roots and origin, regardless of their spelling.
Famous people with the name Glätzer
- Marie Glätzer: a German athlete who won numerous medals in track and field, long jump, running, mountain running and skiing between 1909 and 1932.
- Nico Glätzer: a German basketball player, who currently plays for the Artland Dragons in the Basketball Bundesliga.
- David Glätzer: a German figure skater, who won the German title in 1965 and who also competed in the European, World and Olympic Championships.
- Joachim Glätzer: a German visual artist, best known for his large format works which explore the abstract beauty of nature.
- Stephan Glätzer: a German former pair skater who competed internationally for East Germany and West Germany.
- Otto Glätzer: a German lawyer and politician who served as Minister of Justice in the Federal Republic of Germany from 1969-1972.
- Paul Glätzer: a German theologian, government advisor, and Catholic priest who is known for his outspoken opposition to the Nazi regime.
- Ursula Glätzer: a German mathematician, who achieved at an early age high rankings in international speed cars. She received the award of the Honorary Doctorate of the University of Rostock in 2009.
- Heike Glätzer: a German journalist and author, known for her book series Wunderbare Märchen (Wonderful Tales).
- Lutz Glätzer: a German businessman and entrepreneur, best known as one of the founding members of the Alliance of German Clubs in 1976.