Surname Schwantzer - Meaning and Origin
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Schwantzer: What does the surname Schwantzer mean?
The last name Schwantzer is of German origin and is derived from the Germanic personal name "Schwancher", which translates to "swankeeper", "swan steward" or "keeper of the swans". The name likely originated as an occupational surname for an individual that was responsible for the upkeep and care of swans for a noble family or ruler.
In Germany, the surname is mainly represented in the northern area of the country as well as certain areas of Austria. In Germany, the name is mainly found in the regions of Bavaria and Schleswig-Holstein. It is believed that the earliest records of the name can be traced back to 1559 in Tritting, Bavaria.
The name Schwantzer is most common among families of German and Austrian descent. Those who bear the name are often proud of their heritage and trace their ancestral roots back to Germany. The name is not commonly found in English speaking countries, but is seen from time-to-time in the United States and Canada.
Overall, Schwantzer is an old German surname and has an important meaning for those that bear it. It is a reminder of one's German heritage, and is most likely to be seen in countries with a strong German or Austrian influence.
Order DNA origin analysisSchwantzer: Where does the name Schwantzer come from?
The last name Schwantzer is commonly found today in the United States, though it is more widespread in other parts of the world, such as Australia, Germany, and Canada.
In the U.S., Schwantzer surname is most prevalent in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Florida, with a concentration in the eastern half of the country. Illinois, Texas, and California are also home to noticeable numbers of individuals with the name.
Most of the Schwantzer's in the U.S. are of German ancestry, according to US Census records from the late 19th century. While some records indicate roots in England, the predominant hypothesis is that the name is of German origin.
The origin of the surname could be linked to the German word "schwanz," meaning tail. This might suggest that an ancestor of those with the name Schwantzer was a farmer who bred horses or some other four-legged animal.
Outside of the U.S., the surname is more widespread. In Australia, surnames with the same spelling are as common as in Germany and Austria. Records there pinpoint the practice of sticking to the spelling of Schwantzer to the mid-1800s.
In Canada, there is also a concentration of people of Germanic descent which could point the origin of the Schwantzer surname.
Regardless of its geographic scope, the name Schwantzer is still commonly found today.
Variations of the surname Schwantzer
The surname Schwantzer is of German origin and it can be spelled in several ways. The most common spelling of this surname is Schwarzer. This is also the original spelling as it comes from the German language. Other variants of this surname include: Schwartzer, Schwarz, Schwarze, Schwarzwälder, Schwantz, Schwender, Schwarzinger, SchwÄntz, Schwantes, and Schwarte.
Surnames of the same origin also include: Geisel, Swantze, Schwans, Schwendt, Seibold, and Schwanda. These names all have their roots in the same German language and culture, though there are slight variations in their spellings.
As with other German surnames, many of those with the Schwantzer surname also have nicknames – notably “Schwanda” – that can help distinguish them from one another within a certain area or region. In addition, some families have also adopted a variation of Schwantzer to utilize both the German and the American version of the name, such as Schwantzer-Schwarzer or Schwarzer-Schwantes.
Overall, surnames derived from Schwantzer can appear in many different forms, as the language, culture, regions, and spelling conventions in which they are used can vary significantly. Ultimately, the underlying origin of the surname remains the same and it is just the spelling that varies.
Famous people with the name Schwantzer
- Jodia Schwantzer: A prolific author and editor, she has edited golden-age fantasy novels and created her own works of speculative fiction.
- Neal Schwantzer: A noted cinematographer and director, Schwantzer worked on iconic films such as The Goonies, Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, and Daddy Day Care.
- Brad Schwantzer: A professional football player in the German Football League, Schwantzer has also coaching experience in the United States.
- Joe Schwantzer: The lead singer of the alternative rock band Brand New Lousy, Schwantzer is also known for his work as an audio engineer and tour manager.
- Larry Schwantzer: A former American speed skater, Schwantzer was a three-time world champion and petitent of the 1984 Olympic Games.
- James Schwantzer: A United States Navy veteran and educator, Schwantzer has served as an assistant principal and vice-principal for a number of public middle and high schools.
- Jake Schwantzer: A professional racer, Schwantzer competes on the NASCAR circuit and has earned a number of wins and podiums in a highly competitive field.
- Courtney Schwantzer: A medical doctor and co-founder of the Schwantzer Surgery Group, she specializes in plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
- Rebecca Schwantzer: An actor known for her work in the theater, films, and television, Schwantzer has been seen in roles ranging from small independent productions to hit television shows.
- Cole Schwantzer: A professional gamer and live streamer, Schwantzer rose to notoriety playing games such as Minecraft, League of Legends, and Overwatch.