Surname Metzner - Meaning and Origin
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Meticulous Metzner: Unveiling Ancestral Connections with iGENEA DNA Test
Embarking on an ancestral exploration through the iGENEA DNA test, delving into the rich history of the Metzner surname, the story unfolds with fascinating revelations and unexpected connections. It's not just a DNA sequence; it's an enthralling tale of shared history and lineage.
O. Metzner
read moreMetzner: What does the surname Metzner mean?
Metzner is a German surname derived from the Middle High German 'mezner', which referred to small-scale farmers or artisans who ran a workshop. Metzner typically refers to a person from the Middle Rhine region of Germany or Austria. The name is generally believed to have first established itself in the late 12th century in the areas around Koblenz. It is also found in other parts of the German-speaking world such as Switzerland and the Czech Republic, where it is spelled Metsner.
The root name 'Mezner' referred to an occupation of skilled craftsman, usually passed down from father to son. This term was used to describe individuals of carpenters, blacksmiths, and masons who were particularly skilled in their respective trades. In many ways, Metzner distinguished itself among the craftspeople of the medieval times.
Throughout the course of German history, the name Metzner has remained fairly distinctive. Indeed, Metzner is still a fairly common name in modern Germany, implying this craftsperson family's ability to integrate itself into the changing German world. Despite the fact that the name itself is quite ancient, modern Metzners may still find themselves surprised when they come across their name in medieval documents.
Order DNA origin analysisMetzner: Where does the name Metzner come from?
The last name Metzner is a German surname that is primarily found in Germany and Switzerland today. It is also commonly found in the United States, Canada, Argentina, and Australia.
Metzner is believed to have originated in the medieval Holy Roman Empire, which was a collection of German territories. It may be derived from the Middle High German terms "metzener," meaning "merchant," or "metzen," meaning "to sell." The name is related to the occupation of the original bearer, which was likely trading in goods and services.
In the U.S., the highest concentration of Metzners is located in the states of New York, California, Pennsylvania, Texas, Illinois, and Ohio. A large number of Metzners have also settled in Canada, particularly in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta.
In Germany and Switzerland, the concentration of Metzner families is much stronger. Swabia, a region in southwest Germany, is a particularly strong area for the Metzner surname.
Outside of Europe and North America, the largest concentration of Metzners is found in Argentina and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Australia is also home to significant number of Metzners, primarily in Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory.
Variations of the surname Metzner
The surname Metzner has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.
The most common spelling of the name is Metzner, though it has been seen at times with an 'e' at the end—making it Metzner. Other spelling variants include Metznerr, Metznerer, Matzner and Metznere.
In Germany, the surname Metzner can also be found with several dialectical spellings, such as Mezner, Mezzner, Medzner and Metsner.
Metzner is also a Jewish surname. In Jewish contexts, the name is spelled Metzner and is found in Europe, as well as the United States, Canada, and Israel.
In the United States, however, many Jewish people bearing the surname Metzner Americanized their names, giving rise to several variants. Some of these variants include: Metsner, Metzman, Metzmaner, Metsner, Mensaner, Mitzner, Mattzner, Meziner and Maznier.
In England, Metzner is found spelled as Metzener and Metznor. In Austria, the name is found as Mitzner. In France, it is found as Metznere, Metznerre, Metzner, and Mitzenere, among others.
The variations indicate a widespread use of the surname and communicate the family’s multiple cultural influences.
Famous people with the name Metzner
- Paul Metzner: German-born biology and geology professor at the University of Colorado who specialized in estuarine and coastal ecology.
- Harlan Metzner: award-winning American trial lawyer who has won substantial verdicts in asbestos cancer cases.
- Peter Metzner: German WW2 fighter pilot who flew the Messerschmitt BF 109.
- John Metzner: Australian Paralympic swimmer who competed in the 2000 Summer Paralympic Games in Sydney.
- David Metzner: United States Air Force major general who served in the Vietnam War and was a member of the Strategic Target Planning Staff.
- Kenneth Metzner: United States federal judge who served on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois from 1941 to 1960.
- Axel Metzner: German aeronautical engineer who invented a carburetor for improved delivery of gasoline to engines.
- Reinhard Metzner: German opera singer whose career spanned from 1939 to 1983.
- Renate Metzner-Straten: Austrian soprano and singing teacher whose students included the renowned artist Kurt Moll.
- Willy Metzner: German journalist and World War II correspondent who later became a reporter on cultural topics and for TV-magazines.