Surname Grätz - Meaning and Origin
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I embarked on a journey of self-discovery by undertaking a DNA analysis with iGENEA. This process allowed me to trace my familial roots, unravel the fascinating history behind my surname, Grätz, and even identify potential relatives. The experience has drastically expanded my understanding of my lineage and imbued a renewed sense of continuity.
Z. Grätz
read moreGrätz: What does the surname Grätz mean?
The last name Grätz is a locative surname, meaning that it was originally derived from the name of a place of origin. In this case, the place is Grätz, a town in the region of Pomerania, which is now in modern day Germany.
The origin of Grätz is attributed to the word 'grana' (meaning 'grain') and 'ac' (meaning 'oak'). Thus Grätz is thought to have come from the phrase "by the large oak tree in the grain field". This would have been a notable feature in the area and given the locality its name.
Grätz is also a common surname in the Czech Republic, where it is known as Grätzová. It is thought to have been adopted through migration, as it is not native to the area.
The name Grätz is an indication of strong ties to the Pomeranian region, and its people are proud of its continued association with this place of origin. Grätz is a reminder of a long-standing history of settlement in the Pomeranian region and a reminder of the families that came to inhabit it. It also provides an insight into the areas local geography, and serves as a reminder of the kind of features that were once common in the area.
Order DNA origin analysisGrätz: Where does the name Grätz come from?
The last name Grätz is most commonly found in the area known today as Germany, with nearly 500,000 people carrying this surname. It is especially prevalent in the northern and central regions of the country. Additionally, Grätz is now also found in several other European countries such as Austria, the Netherlands, and Denmark. It is even present in areas around the globe outside of Europe, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Argentina.
In Germany, some of the areas with the highest population of Grätz are Berlin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Brandenburg, and Saxony. The largest concentration of Grätz is generally thought to be in the northern city of Stade, located in Lower Saxony. It’s likely that the majority of the surname’s bearers today are of German descent, however, it’s now also found in many other places.
The origins of Grätz remain relatively unknown, though it is believed to have been derived from the Middle High German word gretzen, which means "to make angry." Despite its roots, the family name is still widely used today and can be found all over the world, including both Europe and the Americas.
Variations of the surname Grätz
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Grätz include Gratz, Graatz, Gratzer, Graetzer, and Graetz.
Gratz is a variation of Grätz, and is primarily found in North America, whereas the other variations are mostly found in Europe. Gratzer is the most popular spelling variation of the surnames in Europe, while Graatz is also commonly used in Germany.
Graetz is another common spelling variation and is mostly found in countries such as Germany and Austria. It is believed to have originated in Prussia, which is now part of Germany, and is derived from the German language term ‘graf’ meaning ‘count’, possibly indicating that persons of this surname belonged to the nobility.
Both Grätz and Gratz are also related to the Jewish surname Grater. This name derives from the Yiddish word grater, which is connected to a family's trade or profession. This surname is often found in the United States and in Israel, and may be used interchangeably with the German surnames.
Overall these surnames are various variants of the same origin, the Grätz surname. It is believed that all the versions are derived from either the German language term ‘graf’ meaning ‘count’, or the Yiddish word grater, connected to a family's trade or profession.
Famous people with the name Grätz
- Ferdi Grätz: German illusionist and entertainer
- Yildirim Grätz: German 20th-century photographer
- Ericka Grätz: German-born contemporary artist and painter
- Sidney Grätz: German physicist and television presenter
- Christoph Grätz: German classical archaeologist
- Brigitte Grätz: German actress
- Martin Grätz: German computer scientist and programme director
- Walter Grätz: German rower and national coach
- Caspar Grätz: German philosopher and television editor
- Fritz Grätz: German musicologist and author