Surname Hentzner - Meaning and Origin
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Hentzner: What does the surname Hentzner mean?
The last name Hentzner is a German surname which originated in the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Middle High German word “hentz,” which means “handed.” This was likely a reference to the person’s ability to handle weapons or some other tool. It became popular in the regions of Brandenburg and Prussia because the name sounded similar to old-fashioned words for “hammer” or “axe.”
The earliest record of the surname is from 14th-century documents in Thuringia, Germany. The name is believed to have been brought to the United States by German immigrants in the 1800s.
During the early days of the United States, those with the Hentzner name often had professions related to metalworking such as blacksmiths, tinsmiths, or locksmiths. They were also common in industries that required great hand-eye coordination such as tailoring or furniture making.
Today, the last name Hentzner is still found in both the United States and Germany. Hentzners come from all walks of life, but the name’s origin remains an interesting reminder of the Hentzner family’s history.
Order DNA origin analysisHentzner: Where does the name Hentzner come from?
The last name Hentzner is of German origin and is found most often in Germany, where it is the 227th most common surname. In 2017, records indicated that it was found in some 1,921 locations throughout the country.
It is lesser known outside of Germany, though it can be found in some other European countries like Austria, Poland, and the Czech Republic. Outside of Europe, the Hentzner name is found mainly in the United States, Canada, and Australia. In the United States, the last name Hentzner is most commonly found in the midwestern and eastern states, followed by the western states.
Immigration from eastern European countries to North American began in the 18th century and increased significantly in the 19th and 20th centuries so there have been multiple generations of Hentzners both here and abroad. Today, the Hentzner name still appears in records all around the world, with a strong presence in both North America and Europe.
Variations of the surname Hentzner
The surname Hentzner has a few variations, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. For example, some might spell it as Hentzer or Hentzné, while other, more common variations include Huntzinger, Hüntzinger, and Hunczinger.
The surname Hentzner has several origins, one of which may be derived from several different names found in German. The first possibility is a nickname derived from the middle-high German word “hunz” which means “loved one” or “beloved”. The second possibility is that the name is derived from the personal name Claus which is a diminutive of Niklaus, meaning 'people of victory.’
The surname is also derived from the old German personal name Hunzo, from the Germanic elements “hun,” meaning “bear,” and “zo,” meaning “gift”. The modern variants of the surname Hentsner can also be found as Huntsinger and Hintzinger, as well as Huntzen, Hintzen, Hüntzen, Hüntze, and Hüntzal.
The Hentzner surname can also be found outside of Germany, including in England and Switzerland. In England, the name Hentsner is listed as Hunsinger or Hungerer, which is derived from the Old English word “hun” meaning “huntsman”. In Switzerland, the surnames Hertz, Hertzler, Hertzle, Hunsch, Hüntsch, Huntsch, Hüntsch, and Hüntacher are all derived from the name Hentzner.
It is clear that the surname Hentzner has a long and varied history, with many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. By researching the many spellings and variations of this surname, it is possible to trace the origins of the Hentzner family.
Famous people with the name Hentzner
- Robert Hentzner: German scholar and courtier who is renowned for his account of a visit to England (1598).
- Philip Hentzner– another German scholar and courtier who also wrote an account of a visit to England (1589).
- Eliza Hentzner– American author and journalist in the 19th century.
- Sarah Hentzner– American poet and writer best known for her poetry collection The Lone Star Red.
- Robin Hentzner– British health sciences professor who has written numerous books and articles about health promotion.
- Kevin Hentzner– Canadian television producer, director and writer who has worked on popular television series such as Lost Girl and Beauty & the Beast.
- Hugo Hentzner– German musician and composer known for his works influenced by classical and pop music.
- B.C. Hentzner– American author who wrote a popular book in the 19th century called Letters from the North.
- August Hentzner– German painter who is known for his seascapes and historical scenes in a neoclassical style.
- Christopher Hentzner– German painter and etcher who worked in a rococo style.