Surname Pertz - Meaning and Origin
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Pertz: What does the surname Pertz mean?
The last name Pertz is a Germanic occupational surname, derived from the Middle High German “pz” meaning “professional attacker”. As such, Pertz is a name that reflects an individual's historic occupation as a warrior or, in more recent times, a soldier. This last name first originated in the medieval kingdom of Germany and was later established in other parts of Europe as well.
The origin of the Pertz surname is linked to the Germanic legend of a heroic figure, aptly nicknamed “The Slayer of Giants”. It is said that this figure was a brave and powerful warrior who defeated the giant enemy forces in battle. Over time, the name Pertz was adopted as a symbolic representation of this warrior’s legacy.
Another theory holds that the name is derived from the Middle High German “pz”, which translates to “ant” in English and alludes to the skill that a Pertz might have had as an attacking soldier.
Regardless of the origin of the name, it is a name that brings to mind ideas of strength, courage, and bravery. It is a name that is steeped in history and traditions, and one that has been proudly passed down over the generations.
Order DNA origin analysisPertz: Where does the name Pertz come from?
The last name Pertz is most common in Germany today, particularly among the states of Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia. The name is also found in other countries in Europe, as well as in the United States and Canada.
The origin of the name Pertz can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is believed to be derived from the given name Piers or Petrus, which is a Latin form of the Greek name Petros (meaning 'rock'). It is believed that this was an occupational surname given to someone in the stonecutting industry.
In the 19th century, Heinrich Pertz - a German historian - popularised the name by making it a part of his surname when he took his mother's maiden name (Pertz) after his father's death. This helped to make it more widespread in Germany.
Today, the name Pertz is still relatively common in Germany, with approximately nearly 5,500 people bearing the name. Outside of Germany, Pertz is also found across Europe, the United States, and Canada, with many descendants of German immigrants.
In the United States, it is estimated that there are over 2,500 people bearing the name Pertz - making it one of the most common surnames of German origin in the U.S. The same is true in Canada, where it can be found mainly in the provinces of Ontario and Alberta.
Overall, the last name Pertz is still quite common today, both in Germany and abroad.
Variations of the surname Pertz
The surname Pertz is a German name with several possible variants, spellings and even alternate surnames that derive the same origin.
The most common variant of the name is “Pertz”, while “Perts” can be found in other countries. The name is also spelled “Perz” or “Perze” in certain regions, and has been seen written as “Pertz Optz” when references to the Old German spelling is present.
The alternate surnames “Pertzel”, “Pertzelin”, “Pertel”, “Pertlein”, “Pertmann” and “Perzmann” have also been spotted and all trace back to Pertz. The variants and spellings of these related surnames may differ, such as “Bertz” for “Pertz” or “Berz” for “Perz”.
The Pertz name was derived from the northern Germanic elements “berg” and “wald” which mean “mountain and forest”, relating to a geographic feature. It is believed that those with the surname were most likely stationed in or around these areas.
The name Pertz is primarily found throughout Germany, Netherlands, the North American continent, France, and Switzerland, though variations of the surname can be seen all around the world.
Famous people with the name Pertz
- Ruth Pertz: an American actress and model best known for her roles in the series Grey’s Anatomy and the short film BFFs.
- Max Pertz: a French journalist, political analyst, and literary figure.
- Gustav Pertz: a German lawyer and historian; he held numerous positions, including head librarian of Berlin's Royal Library.
- Gus Pertz: an American film producer who worked on films such as Young Guns, Detroit Rock City, and Boat Trip.
- Robert Pertz: an Italian composer and musician, widely known for his influence in the world of classical music, having written for over 150 voices, 40 operas, 15 symphonies, and 10 string quartets.
- Roger Pertz: a Swiss music composer and conductor who was a professor of music at the Academy of Music in Zurich.
- Georg Heinrich Pertz: a German historian and diplomat who served as the Prussian ambassador to the United Kingdom and the French ambassador to the United Kingdom.
- Robert E. Pertz: an American politician who served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
- Augustinus Aemilius Pertz: a German historian and writer, and one of the most noted scholars of the 19th century.
- Maurice Pertz: a French poet, journalist, and scholar.