Surname Gratz - Meaning and Origin

Gratz: What does the surname Gratz mean?

The last name Gratz is believed to have originated in Germany and is derived from the word “gratz”, which means “dear” or “beloved”. It is likely that this surname was adopted as a way for Germans to distinguish themselves from other citizens with similar names.

The Gratz surname can be found in various variations throughout Europe and the United States, including Gratzer, Gratzy and Grats. The most common variation is “Gratz”, and the surname can also be found in other variations or versions in countries like Germany, Austria, Hungary and Poland.

Gratz families spread throughout Europe and eventually to the United States during the 1700s and 1800s, many seeking better opportunities and settling in the Midwest. The surname can be found in many US states, but is most commonly found in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Illinois.

The Gratz name has also made its mark in various fields, including business, athletics, and the entertainment industry. One of the most famous people with the Gratz name is Professor Joseph Gratz, who served as the first president of The University of Pittsburgh from 1888 to 1895.

In sum, the name Gratz is one with a long and interesting history. Likely stemming from the German word “gratz”, meaning “dear” or “beloved”, the Gratz surname traveled across Europe and to the United States where it has remained a part of history for centuries. Several famous individuals have carried the Gratz name, making a significant impact in various areas and ensuring that the Gratz legacy continues on.

Gratz: Where does the name Gratz come from?

The surname Gratz is most commonly found in Germany, particularly in the states of Bavaria, Hesse, Thuringia and Baden-Württemberg. It is believed to have originated as a toponymic name for someone from a village called Gratz in Swabia and has been found in the area since the 15th century.

The Gratz surname is also found in the United States. Early migration of the Gratz family to the U.S. occurred in the 19th century, coming to areas such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Missouri. Many of these immigrants were German Jews. In the 1990 census, Gratz was the 635th most common surname in the U.S.

The name Gratz is found in countries around the world, such as France, Israel, and Switzerland. It is even found in countries as far away as New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa.

Today, many people bearing the Gratz surname are descended from emigrants who left Germany during the 19th century and is still present in many countries. The Gratz surname is particularly associated with the United States, where it remains common.

Variations of the surname Gratz

The surname Gratz has many variants and spellings as well as surnames of the same origin. Some of the most common variants are Graetz, Greitz, Greiz, Greits, Grätz, Gräts, Gräiz, Gretsch, Grasz, Grajs and Gratsoff.

The grätz spelling is one of the most common variations of Gratz, and can be found predominantly in modern German-speaking countries. It is derived from the german term Grätz, which was originally used to refer to a small body of people or estate.

The Greitz and Greiz variations are mostly found in German-speaking countries, and may be derived from either the town of Greiz in Thuringia, Germany, or from another settlement of the same name located in Silesia in the Middle Ages.

The Graetz variation can often be found amongst Ashkenazi Jewish communities, and is derived from the Yiddish word grets or graets, meaning ketubbah, which is a Jewish marriage contract.

The Grasz spelling is derived from the Polish-Yiddish term gras, meaning grass, and was originally used to refer to someone from a poor or rural background.

Meanwhile, Greits and Gratsoff are two Russian variations of the surname Gratz, derived from the Ukrainian word hryc or hrets, meaning wild boar.

Finally, Gräts and Gräiz are variations found mostly in Austria, Switzerland, and parts of France and Germany. In the Slavonic languages, Grätz is derived from the term hrets, meaning fox.

Overall, the surname Gratz has numerous variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin which can be found in many different countries and cultures.

Famous people with the name Gratz

• John Gratz: John Gratz is a former professional American football player. He played offensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL) during the 2001 season.
• Franz Gratz: Franz Gratz was an Austrian writer, poet and journalist who wrote works in both German and Czech languages.
• Daniel Gratz: Daniel Gratz is the Director of Michigan’s Department of Environmental Quality, overseeing a wide range of program that help ensure Michigan residents have access to clean air and clean water.
• Evelyn Gratz: Evelyn Gratz is a German singer and actress. She rose to fame due to the success of her single "Love Is All Around".
• Otto Gratz: Otto Gratz was a German painter and printmaker of the early 20th century. He was known for creating works in a combination of styles, from expressionist to cubism.
• Earl Gratz: Earl Gratz is a professor at the University of Colorado Denver, where he specializes in American and Indian law.
• Justin Gratz: Justin Gratz is the Executive Director for the Lexington Housing Authority, an organization that provides housing and opportunities to central Kentucky’s low-income populations.
• Matthew Gratz: Matthew Gratz is a senior digital leader and digital media professional with experience in content creation, project coordination, digital strategy, and social media.
• Albert Gratz: Albert Gratz was an Austrian-German television actor who appeared in over 100 films, television series, and theatre productions throughout his career.
• Bill Gratz: Bill Gratz is an American entrepreneur and investor who is notable for his roles in founding and operating several successful technology startups.

Other surnames

GratehausGratehouseGrathGrathewohlGrathwohlGrathwolGratigneyGratignyGratneyGratnyGratopGratoppGrattonGratwohlGratwol