Surname Machtanz - Meaning and Origin

Machtanz: What does the surname Machtanz mean?

The surname Machtanz is derived from a German occupational name for someone who was a shoemaker or cordwainer, which eventually became a hereditary surname. It is believed to be derived from the compound of the words 'macher' and 'schuh' meaning 'working shoe'.

The Machtanz surname is found in areas of Central Europe that were previously populated by German-speaking people such as Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. The original spelling of the name was Mazentantz or Machtanz. Over time it has evolved, and in the United States is often seen spelled Matanzas or Mattanzas.

The early presence of the Machtanz surname in Germany is believed to date back to the 12th century. It was a popular Jewish surname, often used to denote someone who followed the trade of a cobbler. Records of the name have also been found in documents dating back to the 14th century, where some members of the Machtanz family were appointed to various positions of importance.

The Machtanz surname is probably best known worldwide because of Felix Machtanz, a German antisemitic agitator who was active in the 1920s. He was responsible for inciting racially-motivated riots, and was eventually arrested for his activities.

Today, the Machtanz surname is still very much alive in Germany and other parts of Central Europe, although some variants of the name are more common than others. It is likely that the legacy of the Machtanz family will continue on for many generations to come.

Machtanz: Where does the name Machtanz come from?

The last name Machtanz is most commonly found in Germany today. An analysis of the current phonebooks in Germany shows that the Machtanz name is most concentrated in North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony with small numbers in other parts of the country. The origin of the name Machtanz is uncertain, but it is believed to stem from the German words "macht" meaning "power" and "anz" meaning "host" or "entourage".

The Machtanz family first appeared in Germany during the 1700s, and their eponymous name continued to grow in popularity among the German general population until its peak in the mid-1900s. Today, it still remains relatively common, although many of its descendants might choose to use a naturalized version of the name such as Machtanzoff or Machtanskie for example.

Most Machtanz descendants still live in Germany, although some members have emigrated abroad in order to pursue a better life, mainly to the United States, Canada, and Australia. The Machtanz family has also passed its name from father to son for several generations now and in this way continues to contribute to the presence of the Machtanz name across nations and cultures today.

Variations of the surname Machtanz

The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Machtanz include;

Machtant, Machtantes, Machtan, Machtahn, Machtahns, Machten, Machtens, Machtanzer, Machtanzor, Machtean, Machteans, and Machtau.

The surname Machtanz is one that has changed slightly in spelling over time. The origination of the name is believed to be a derivative of the German phrase “Macht Antz” which translates to “power in the blood”. It is thought to stem from the notion that powerful blood, or a strong or noble hereditary background were the essential defining traits of ancient and medieval families.

Some of the variations of the surname Machtanz also come from the supposed old German spelling of the phrase, with alternate spellings such as Machtanzer, Machtens, and Machtensor. Some may have been variants of the spelling of the same name, with spellings such as Machten going back further.

Other variations may come from Anglicizing the name in different ways. For instance, the spelling of Machtean could have been used to name someone of England of German origin. As well, the spelling Machtau could be due to a combination of the German spellings “Macht” and “Antz” and is especially common among certain sections of the German population.

In the end, each of the variations and spellings of the Machtanz surname attest to its strong German roots and to the significance of the phrase “Macht Antz”. The different spellings are evidence that the power and strength carried on through ancestral heritage and generations.

Famous people with the name Machtanz

• Oliver Machtanz: He is a German actor, director, playwright and stage designer.
• Michael Machtanz: He is a professional racing driver, noted for competing in numerous European touring car races.
• Therese Machtanz: She was a German figure skater who competed in several singles and pair skating competitions.
• George Machtanz: He was a German American composer, violinist, and conductor.
• Anton Machtanz: He was a Protestant minister who served as Superintendent of the Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Saxony from the late 18th century.
• Karl Machtanz: He was a German painter who participated in the international art movement of the late 19th century Romanticism.
• Klaus Machtanz: He was a German sculptor, known for designing prestigious medals for various sports competitions.
• Gerhard Machtanz: He was a German composer, music teacher, and organist in the late 15th century.
• Werner Machtanz: He was a German Expressionist painter from the early 20th century.
• Lothar Machtanz: He was a German artist who created landscapes, portraits, and interiors in a post-impressionist style.

Other surnames

Machtans