Surname Hänz - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'H'
Hänz: What does the surname Hänz mean?
The surname Hänz is a German surname thought to be derived from the Middle High German personal name Hanzo. Several spellings of the name were used over the centuries, including Hanns and Hahns, before the modern version developed. Historically, Hänz has been a popular surname among Germans from the Middle Ages to the present day.
The meaning and origin of the surname is largely unknown. Some sources suggest that the name could be derived from the given name Hans, a short form of Johannes, which means ‘God is Gracious’. The name may have also been derived from the Middle Low German word ‘hanz’, which means ‘brave’.
The surname has been found throughout Germany over the centuries, and today is most commonly found in southern Germany and in Alsace, a region on the border between France and Germany.
The Hänz family has a varied history. The first known record of the name comes from a family in the early 16th century. Over the centuries, members of the Hänz family have served in a variety of professions, including merchants, artisans, farmers, and military officers.
Today, the name Hänz is still held by many German families, with the majority of bearers living in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and other German-speaking countries worldwide. Despite its numerous spellings and variations, this is a surname that is sure to remain in the German language for generations to come.
Order DNA origin analysisHänz: Where does the name Hänz come from?
The last name Hänz is most commonly found in Germany and Austria today. It is mostly a family name on the German side, but it appears in some other countries as well. In the United States it is mostly found among German immigrants who settled in the Midwest and Appalachia in the late 19th century. It is still common in those areas today.
There are also some small pockets of Hänz families in Australia, Canada, and a few European countries outside of Germany and Austria. Since the name is somewhat uncommon it usually stands out and it is quite easy to locate areas where it is more common.
The meaning of the name has also been carried over. The meaning of Hänz is “swan” or “goose”, and in Germany and Austria the families bearing the name are renowned for having a grace and elegance that could be associated with these birds.
Overall, the last name Hänz is more commonly found in Germany and Austria today, but there are small pockets of families still found in other parts of the world, mostly traceable to 19th century German immigrants.
Variations of the surname Hänz
The surnames Hänz and Hane both have German origins and are believed to have a common origin. The spelling Hänz likely originated from the German word 'hände' which translates to 'hands' and as such, the surname may have originally referred to a person who worked with or was skillful with their hands. Variants of this name include Häns, Hänes, Hänzl, Hänse, Hänzle, and the Dutch variants Hanze and Hanse.
The Hane surname is believed to be a variant of the Hänz surname and may be derived from a medieval form of the name Hans, 'Johanness'. This variation of the name may have also been derived from a personal name or nickname meaning 'God's grace' or from a place name, such as Hanze, in Westphalia, Germany. Variants of the surname Hane include Hain, Hanne, Hainz, Haines, Hane, Hanze, Hanes, Hansel and Hänsel.
The surnames Hänz and Hane are also both found frequently in family crests, which can help trace their origins and history. Family crests typically include diagrams and symbols representing a given family's heraldry, heritage, or values. Because of the similarity between the surnames Hänz and Hane, many family crests may include symbols representing both surnames, creating connections between the two families.
In conclusion, the surnames Hänz and Hane are related and likely have a common origin. They both have German roots and have a variety of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Analysis of family crests can help further trace the history of these surnames.
Famous people with the name Hänz
- Peter Hänz: Swiss footballer and long-term midfielder for BSC Young Boys and Switzerland national team.
- Gregor Hänz: Swiss international footballer who has played for FC Basel, Grasshoppers, FC Schaffhausen, among others.
- Sandro Hänz: Swiss football coach who has worked in various top Swiss clubs like FC Biel, FC Basel, and FC Thun.
- Philipp Hänz: Swiss footballer who currently plays for FC Zurich.
- Pascal Hänz: Swiss ice hockey player who currently plays for Grasshoppers in the Swiss National League A.
- Jacqueline Hänz: Swiss writer and art curator who worked on projects focusing on dance, theater, music, multimedia, and visual arts.
- Patric Hänz: Swiss actor and director known for his work in various Swiss and international productions including The Shop, The Dowry, and Witnesses.
- André Hänz: Swiss chemist who was nominated several times for a Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
- Markus Hänz: Swiss musician and member of the popular band Guano Apes.
- Colette Hänz: Swiss fashion and accessories designer who has produced a line of various clothing items, jewelry, and accessories.