Surname Schurz - Meaning and Origin
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Schurz: What does the surname Schurz mean?
The last name Schurz is of German origin. However, the exact meaning of the surname is not clearly documented. It's believed to possibly be derived from the Middle High German word "schurke" which means 'villain' or 'scoundrel'. It may also stem from the word "schürzen", meaning 'to gird or brace'. However, surnames often had different origins, for example they could be derived from a profession, a personal characteristic, a geographical location, or even a nickname. Therefore, the exact meaning of the surname Schurz might differ based on its original context. It's also associated with notable people such as Carl Schurz, a German revolutionary, American statesman and reformer, and Union Army General in the American Civil War.
Order DNA origin analysisSchurz: Where does the name Schurz come from?
The last name Schurz is commonly found in Germany, the United States, and parts of Canada today. In Germany, areas such as Baden-Baden, Rhineland-Palatinate, and North Rhine-Westphalia are known to have higher concentrations of people with the Schurz surname.
In the United States, the last name Schurz is most commonly found in the states of Wisconsin, Illinois, South Dakota, Pennsylvania, and North Dakota. It is estimated that around 65,000 people in the United States claim the name Schurz as their last name.
In Canada, the last name Schurz is found most commonly in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario, with a slightly smaller concentration in Manitoba. It is estimated that less than 10,000 people in Canada carry this last name.
Overall, the last name Schurz is most commonly associated with individuals of German or German-American backgrounds. However, it is still relatively uncommon compared to other popular surnames in the United States and Canada.
Variations of the surname Schurz
The surname Schurz has multiple variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Variants of the surname include Schuurz, Schurts, Schurtz, Schur, Schuetz, Schutze, Schutz, and Schurtze, among others.
Spellings of the surname include Schuerz, Schuraz, Schurze, Schurrz, Schuerzes, and Schurrzes.
Surnames of the same origin include Schertz, Schurtz, Schurte, Schurr, Schurrte, Schurrmann, Schernz, Scherzer, Schernis, Schuricht, Schurig, Schuring, Schuringer, Schurrmann, Schwerz, and Shiraz.
The surname Schurz originated from the German word ‘schurz’, meaning ‘shield’. It is likely that an ancestor of the family had served in the army as a shield bearer. The surname may also be an occupational name for a maker of shields.
The surname is found mainly in Germany and other parts of Europe, largely among Ashkenazi Jewish communities. However, in recent times, it has spread to countries such as the United States, Canada, and New Zealand.
Famous people with the name Schurz
- Carl Schurz (1829–1906): German revolutionary, American statesman and reformer.
- Chad Schurz (born 1969): Actor who appeared in the television series Reba, Freaks and Geeks, and Grandfathered.
- Victoria Schurz (born 1978): German long-distance runner.
- Manfred Schurz (born 1941): German radio and television presenter, journalist, and writer.
- Margarethe Schurz (1873–1972): German art teacher and sculptress.
- Bernard H. Schurz (1927–2009): American author and teacher.
- Phillip Schurz (born 1990): German football player.
- Leonard Schurz (1888–1968): Austrian abstract expressionist painter.
- Adam Schurz (born 1989): German actor, comedian, and filmmaker.
- Gerard Schurz (born 1937): American professor of philosophy.