Surname Häntze - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'H'
Häntze: What does the surname Häntze mean?
The last name Häntze is of German origin and has multiple variations including: Hänze, Hentz, Hattz, and Hätz. Though the original meaning of the name is unknown, many experts believe it stems from the Middle High German word “Hantz” which means “woodcutter” or “woodsman”. This occupation may have been among the family's earliest occupations, indicating a generally rural background.
The surname may have originated from various parts of Germany, with the highest concentration of last names today being in the states of Saxony and Thuringia. Old records of emigration from these regions often included individuals with the last name Häntze. Early records show that it was common for Häntzes to move around, with many leaving their birthplace in search of work.
The name itself carries a strong German cultural connotation. People with the last name Häntze are often described as having a strong work ethic, being independent-minded, and having a deep respect for their homeland. Those with the name have a long history of work as laborers, woodcutters, and farmers, and have been associated with workmanship for generations.
The Häntzes have held onto their identity despite their movement through various parts of Europe and Germany, remaining a strong and influential family for centuries. It is a testament to the resilience, dedication, and strength that the last name has come to represent.
Order DNA origin analysisHäntze: Where does the name Häntze come from?
The last name Häntze is most common in Germany, specifically in the regions of East Frisia and Lower Saxony that lies in the northwestern part of the country. The name is of Germanic origin and is found sporadically in other countries, such as Belgium, The Netherlands, Denmark, and the United States.
Häntze is an uncommon last name, but there are still many living members of families born with this surname. Researchers estimate that there are more than 500 people currently living in Germany with the surname Häntze.
Since the 19th century, many members of this family have emigrated and now live abroad. In the US, for example, there are between 100 - 200 Häntze households, mostly concentrated in the states of California, Florida, and New York. They have also migrated to England, France, and Sweden, among other countries.
Häntze families living outside of Germany are well-known for maintaining their connection with their homeland in Germany. Some keep their name while others have chosen to use different spellings. Even today, new generations of these families all around the world stay connected to their German heritage, with many travelling back to their ancestral homeland to celebrate special occasions or to take part in family reunions.
Variations of the surname Häntze
The surname Häntze is a German locational surname derived from people who inhabited the area known as Hanze, formerly located in Northern Germany and now found in Lower Saxony. Variations of this surname have been found in various forms such as Häntz, Hantz, Häncke, and Hancke.
The variants of Häntze typically occur when the foreign alphabet is transliterated into English. Hanze or Hanz can be seen as the English equivalents of the original German surname. Variations of the spelling of this surname may arise when the letter z is substituted with an s and the spelling is changed to Hants. Similarly, another variant of the same surname may include the letter c or k instead of the letter z.
Other forms of the surname Häntze are found in other countries such as Denmark, where it has been transliterated to Hense, or Belgium, where it has been spelled as Hentze. Additionally, in Poland, the surname is spelled as Handz, Handzko, Handzey, or Handzerski whereas in the Netherlands, it is spelled as Hantsma.
In terms of surnames of the same origin as Häntze, names such as Hänsel, Hasse, or Hass can be seen as forenames, or given names, that evolved from the surname. These surnames are derived from the personal name Hansel, which is a diminutive form of the name Johannes. Additionally, the surnames Hanck, Hanse, Handel, and Hentz can also be seen as having evolved from the same origin as the surname Häntze.
Famous people with the name Häntze
- Heino Häntze: Heino Häntze is a German politician and former Prime Minister of Schleswig-Holstein. He was elected to the position in 2008 and served until 2016.
- Henry Häntze: Henry Häntze is an actor and screenwriter from Germany. He starred in films such as The White Ribbon (2009), Frau Ella (2013), and Tatort-Ein Traum von Nachtigall (2016).
- Otto Häntze: Otto Häntze was a German chemist best known for his work on electrochemistry and galvanic cells.
- Wilhelmine Häntze: Wilhelmine Häntze was a German actress. She performed in plays such as The History of the Robbers and Elective Affinities.
- Arthur Häntze: Arthur Häntze was a well-known German expressionist painter. He had exhibitions in German museums, such as the Lenbachhaus in Munich.
- Wilhelm Häntze: Wilhelm Häntze was a German painter, sculptor, and designer. He was known for his 20th century Expressionist and Naïve Art.
- Karl Häntze: Karl Häntze was a German artillery officer. He created programs for mobilization and territory defense.
- Stefan Häntze: Stefan Häntze is a German basketball player who plays in the German Basketball League for Quakenbrück.
- Ernst Häntze: Ernst Häntze was a naval officer in charge of the German naval tactics and building strategy during World War II.
- Fritz Häntze: Fritz Häntze was a German philosopher and sociologist best known for his work in exploring the relationships between mind, body, and culture.