Surname Schertz - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'S'
Schertz: What does the surname Schertz mean?
Schertz is a German surname, which is derived from the Middle High German word "Schertz" meaning "jest" or "joke". The word was typically used as a nickname for a jester or someone known for their humor and wit. The name might also have a geographical origin, as there is a town named Schertz in Texas, United States. Like many surnames, it may have been adopted by people who originally lived in or near that area. However, it is significant to note that surnames' meanings could have evolved over time and might not hold the same connotations they once did. Historic records and genealogy studies may help reveal more information about the evolution and lineage of the surname Schertz.
Order DNA origin analysisSchertz: Where does the name Schertz come from?
The last name Schertz is most commonly found in Germany today. It is a surname of German origin, suggesting it was rooted in Germany and has been carried down through generations of German citizens. The exact origin of the name is unknown, but one theory is that it traces back to the Middle Ages, and was derived from “Schurze”, an occupation of the time that involved producing shields. Other theories suggest that it may have been derived from the region “Schaerz”, an old county located in the state of Bavaria.
The name is fairly common across Germany as well as in German-speaking parts of Austria and Switzerland, with current populations of individuals with the last name Schertz ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands, depending on the location. For example, it is relatively common in popular Upper Bavarian cities such as Munich, Augsburg and Passau. Although less prevalent, Schertz is also found in Denmark, the United States, and other countries across the globe. Today, individuals with the last name Schertz have spread worldwide, with some individuals being of diverse cultural backgrounds.
Variations of the surname Schertz
The surname Schertz is derived from the German word "scherz," which means "joke" or "trick." Alternately spelled Schertze, Schurtz, Shurtz, Scherts, and other variations of the same root word, the surname is associated with families from the Germanic regions of Europe.
The earliest traces of the Schertz surname are found in the late 17th century, originating in the regions of Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Thuringia in Germany. By the mid-1800s, the surname had expanded to neighboring areas, including Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, France, and Poland.
Today, the Schertz surname retains much of its Germanic roots. Variants are regularly encountered throughout the German-speaking countries of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Additionally, the name is commonly found in the United States, where it is mostly concentrated in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Ohio.
The various spellings and variants of the Schertz surname are often interchangeable and used interchangeably. For example, the spelling "Schurtz" is widely used in German- and English-speaking countries. In contrast, to designate a particular regional origin, "Schertze" is more commonly associated with families from Thuringia and Bavaria.
The direct spelling of Schertz is also used by families from Austria. Notably, the spelling "Shurtz" is less common but still encountered in the United States. In total, there are countless regional and international variants for Schertz, but all are associated with the original Germanic origin.
Famous people with the name Schertz
- John Cameron Schertz: American politician
- Andrew R. Schertz: American General, Vice Commander of Air Education and Training Command
- Kiddie Schertz: Lead singer and songwriter of the punk-rock band Rancid
- Wayne J. Schertz: Notable American Surgeon
- Jeffrey Alan Schertz: US Army Major General
- I. Vincent Schertz: German Renaissance painter
- Wilma L. Schertz: notable American educator
- Tony Schertz: notable American basketball coach
- Braden Schertz: Canadian National Youth Track Champion
- Jon Schertz: retired Senior Pastor at the United Methodist Church