Surname Jantschar - Meaning and Origin
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Jantschar: What does the surname Jantschar mean?
The last name Jantschar is thought to be of German origin. It is believed to be derived from the German word "Jantscher," which itself may have come from the German word “Jänschen,” meaning “little Jan.” The name may have originally indicated that an ancestor bearing the surname was a pet name for John or a dimunitive of the name. However, it is difficult to say with certainty, as few records exist on the subject.
The name Jantschar has been found primarily in Germany and Austria, and is relatively uncommon in the United States. Those with the name may be descended from families that migrated to the U.S. in the mid- to late-19th century. Alternatively, the name may have been adopted as an Americanization of an immigrant surname with a different spelling.
The surname Jantschar is most prevalent in Austria – particularly Upper Austria and Lower Austria – as well as the Czech Republic. It is commonly located in South Bohemia, an area which was part of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. It is also common in Hungary and Slovakia, suggesting that it may be of Slavic origin. What is certain is that the etymology of the name remains shrouded in mystery, making it impossible to definitively trace its origin.
Order DNA origin analysisJantschar: Where does the name Jantschar come from?
The last name Jantschar is most commonly found in and around the area of Eastern Europe, particularly in former countries of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It is also found with lesser frequency in Ukraine and in other neighboring countries.
The name Jantschar is most likely of either German or Czech origin, and is derived from the given name Jantsch or its diminutive form Jante. It originally seemed to be a nickname given to those who had known cheerful personalities, with Jante meaning "happiness" or "cheer" in many dialects of both languages.
Today, the Jantschar family is still living in both East and Central Europe, most notably in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Croatia, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia. It is believed that a few may have emigrated further away to the United States and Canada, although this cannot be verified without further research.
Although it is not common, the name Jantschar still exists and lives on in countries of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire as a reminder of the family’s history and heritage.
Variations of the surname Jantschar
The surname Jantschar is of McLeod origin, which is a Scottish clan. It is believed that the name was first introduced to the region by a Midlands settler who took it from a place in the United Kingdom. Variants of the surname Jantschar include Janschar, Jantscher, Janscher, Jantshcher, and Janshcher. Potential spellings of the surname include Janscharr, Jantscharr, Janscharre, Janshaar, and Janshaer.
Surnames of the same origin as Jantschar include Janshaar, Stones, Stoneschneider, Janzow, Janisch, Janschitz, Janicke, Janecke, Janize, and Jansen. Jantschar is a variant of the Germanic name Jenske, which itself is derived from the personal name Johannes. Other surnames of similar origin include Johns, Johnson, Johnsen, Johansson, and Johannesen.
As with many Scottish surnames, Jantschar may also have variant spellings due to regional euphemisms and dialects. In some areas, the surname may be spelled Kantschar, Kentscher, Kantscher, Jants, or Jents. It is possible that some variations on Jantschar include Jainchar, Jancar, and Jence.
Surnames of the same origin as Jantschar may be found beyond the borders of Scotland, as the name is popular among German and French immigrants. Variants of the surname in German include Yancher, Jancher, and Jancar. French variants include Jantshère and Janchere.
Famous people with the name Jantschar
- Anton Jantschar: Austrian-German actor and opera singer.
- Athanasia Jantschar: Austrian actress in the 19th century.
- John Jantsch: American marketer, entrepreneur, and author.
- Egon Jantsch: German architect and professor.
- Heinz Jantsch: Austrian-American professor of physics.
- Leonhard Jantsch: Bohemian cellist and composer.
- Max Jantsch: Austrian author and journalist.
- Norbert Jantsch: Austrian fencer.
- Evelyn Jantsch: Austrian filmmaker and writer.
- Marianne Jantsch: Austrian photographer.