Surname Stelz - Meaning and Origin
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Stelz: What does the surname Stelz mean?
The last name Stelz is of German origin. It is thought to have originated from a Middle High German personal name “Stelze”, which was derived from the word “stelzen” meaning “to strut or to pace”. As a nod to this meaning, the Stelz family crest features a rooster standing on hind legs, signifying pride and determination.
The surname could also have originated from a trade or occupation, as the German word “Stelzer” referred to a craftsman who made wooden posts and steles. As such, the surname could be an occupational name associated with the craft or trade of making these.
The Stelz surname can be found in Germany as well as throughout Europe and North and South America. For example, in 1880, the name Stelz was spread throughout Germany with an estimated 1,896 people bearing the surname as well as in France, where an estimated 979 people had the name.
Thus, the origin and meaning of the Stelz surname appears to refer to a post-maker or strutting rooster, and the surname has likely been passed down for generations, with the family name now spread throughout Europe, North and South America, and beyond.
Order DNA origin analysisStelz: Where does the name Stelz come from?
The last name Stelz is primarily found in Germany and Austria. It is also seen in some smaller numbers in the United States, Canada, and other countries around the world due to immigration over the last centuries.
Within Germany, Stelz is most common in the Bavarian district of Upper Franconia, particularly its largest cities of Bamberg and Bayreuth. It is also seen in smaller numbers in other areas of Bavaria and other parts of southern Germany. Stelz can also be found in the southern part of Austria, particularly in the Tyrol region and the provinces of Vienna and Upper Austria.
In North America, the last name Stelz is seen in the United States, primarily in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and California. There are also a few pockets in Canada, mostly in Alberta and British Columbia.
In other parts of the world, the name Stelz is seen in Australia, England, and other countries due to recent immigration from Austria and Germany.
Overall, the last name Stelz is primarily associated with German-speaking regions, such as Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland, although it is also seen in smaller numbers in other countries as a result of immigration and population movement.
Variations of the surname Stelz
The surname Stelz is derived from the German word “stelze”, meaning “stilt” or “prance”, and was likely used to refer to someone who was nimble or fleet of foot. There are a variety of variants, spellings, and surnames that are all derived from this root.
One of the most popular variants is Steltz, which is also the most commonly used spelling variant. This spelling variant has become especially popular in the United States. It can also be found in the form of Stelzer, Steltzer, and Stolzer.
Other variants of this surname include Stelke, Stelcke, and Steilke. All of these are derived from the same German origin.
The surname can also occasionally be found spelled as Steetz, Stetz, Steitz, or Steits.
In addition, there are a number of surnames derived from various places in Germany associated with this surname, such as Stelzebach (Steltzbach), Stelzey, Sterley, Stelzhausen, Stelzmüller, and Steltzerhof. These latter surnames are all variations of Stelz and likely originated from specific locations throughout Germany.
All of these variants, spelling variations, and surnames are closely related and derived from the same German root.
Famous people with the name Stelz
- Gail Stelz-Churchill: American television personality, writer & speaker.
- Wally Stelz: Canadian professional hockey player.
- Ryan Stelzl: American professional baseball player.
- João Stelzl: Brazilian actor & film producer.
- Joseph Stelzl: German historical musicologist
- Sam Stelz: American radio personality & digital content creator.
- Maria Stelzmüller: Austrian Athenaeum theatre composer.
- William Stelz: Canadian Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Huron.
- Aaron Stelz: American professional snowboarder & skateboarder.
- Christian Stelz: German professional football player & coach.
- Matthaeus Stelzner: German composer & organ builder.
- David Stelz: American professional skateboarder & entrepreneur.
- Heather Stelz: Canadian professor of Political Science.
- Reuben Stelz: American professional basketball player.
- Rainer Stelz: German Olympic hurdler.
- Michael Stelz: Austrian professional ice hockey player & coach.
- Andy Stelz: Canadian professional ice hockey player.
- Joseph Stelzmueller: German Roman Catholic Bishop.
- Lauren Stelz: American professional soccer player.
- Karla Stelz: American stage actress.