Surname Schwez - Meaning and Origin
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Schwez: What does the surname Schwez mean?
The last name Schwez is a Jewish surname that is common among Ashkenazi Jewish people. It is derived from the German word for "swan," which is "Schwanz." It is thought to have originated in southern Germany and Austria in the early 1700s. The name was most likely taken on as either a reference to the graceful beauty of a swan or as a nickname for someone who moved with unusual agility.
The surname Schwez is found all over the world, though the epicenter of the name is in Austria and Germany. In the United States, the name can be found in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, California, and Florida. In Europe, Germany is home to the highest concentration of the Schwez surname.
The name is not terribly common today, but there have been some notable figures with the surname, including the German Olympian Matthias Schwez and the diplomat and author Ernst Ulrich Schwez.
The exact meaning of the last name Schwez may be in dispute, but one thing is for sure: it's a beautiful name that carries a lot of history behind it. Whether derived from the graceful beauty of a swan or someone with unusual agility, the last name Schwez is one that stands apart and carries with it a distinct air of distinction.
Order DNA origin analysisSchwez: Where does the name Schwez come from?
The last name Schwez is most commonly found in Switzerland, and is of German origin. It can be found in parts of Germany, as well as other countries such as Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Northern Italy. Certain parts of the United States also have a significant population of those with this surname, with states like Pennsylvania and New Jersey having the highest concentration of Schwezs. In recent years, there has been a steady increase in the number of people carrying the name in Canada, and it is likely that these numbers will continue to grow.
This name is believed to have originated from a personal name Hagin Schwez, or Schweizer, which is derived from the Proto-Germanic term ‘swīþaz’ which means “strong” or “swift”. Those with this name have gone on to excel in a variety of fields, including politics, medicine, and law. The most famous of these is likely Yitzhak Shamir, the seventh Prime Minister of Israel, who was born with the surname Schwez.
In addition to the United States and Canada, the name Schwez can also be found in other parts of the world, including South Africa, Australia, and parts of Europe. It is generally more common in areas with German-speaking populations, and can also be found in the Netherlands, Denmark, and Finland.
Overall, the surname Schwez is most heavily concentrated in Switzerland and parts of Germany, and is quickly gaining popularity in the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world. Its strong, enduring legacy is sure to continue for decades to come.
Variations of the surname Schwez
Schwez is a German, Jewish Ashkenazi surname. It is derived from the Hebrew term, Shôvâz, meaning “rest” or “discard.” The variants of this surname include: Schwez, Schwaiz, Schwaz, Shewaz, Shewa, Shwaz, Schweitz, Schweitzer, Schweiz, and Schwaitz.
The earliest recorded uses of this surname come from Germany where records of a Johannes Schwes from Liechtenstein in 1540 emerged. It is believed to have been used by Jewish families living in the region across Eastern Europe from the mid-14th century onward.
The surnames Schwaz, Schwazenberger and Schwazenbuhl are two variants that are thought to be linked to the original Schwez family. Other common variants include: Shewitz, Schwitz, Schwitzer, Schwitz, Shwitz, and Schwitzen.
In addition, the Jewish variation of Shwaz is spelled Shvaz, which is based on the name Schwaiz. Another Jewish variation is Schwaitsman, which is derived from the Yiddish word Shwotsman.
Another common spelling for Schwez is Szwez, which is more prevalent in Hungary and Austria than elsewhere. It is used by many Jewish families in those countries as a sign of respect for their ancestry.
In America, the variants of Shwartz, Schwartz, Schwarz, Schwartze, and Schwartzman are more commonly used by descendants of the original German immigrants who used the surname Schwez. Furthermore, there is also an Americanized version of the surname, Switz, which is sometimes seen in US records.
Famous people with the name Schwez
- Taylor Schwentz: American actress and singer best known for playing Maddie Fitzpatrick in the Disney Channel Original Series The Suite Life of Zack & Cody.
- Christian Schwentz- German pop singer from Berlin.
- José Schwentz: Argentinian professional football player currently playing for Independiente.
- Milfred Schwentz: Swiss actor and television personality best known for his roles in several Swiss television shows.
- Johannes Schwentz: Austrian journalist and author.
- Günter Schwentz: German pastor and theologian.
- Lori Schwentz: American singer and songwriter.
- Aksel Schwentz: Finnish television and radio host.
- Klaus Schwentz: German politician and member of the Social Democratic Party of Germany.
- Lene Schwentz: Danish singer-songwriter.