Surname Tetzlaw - Meaning and Origin
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Tetzlaw: What does the surname Tetzlaw mean?
The last name Tetzlaw is of German origin, derived from the town of Tetzelburg, located in Eastern Germany near the city of Leipzig. The name likely comes from the German word tetzel, meaning “small tapered brick”. It is speculated that the town was once composed of small structures made of tapered bricks.
The first documentation of the Tetzlaw surname appears in Prussia in the year 1480. From there the Tetzlaw family can be traced to what is now southern Poland in 1815 and later to a small farming community in the northeast of Germany by 1855.
The word tetzel suggests a humble and hard-working origin for the Tetzlaw family. The tapered brick was popular among the lower classes, who were unable to afford the more substantial structures like those of the nobility. This suggests a history of humble beginnings and hard work for the Tetzlaw family.
The growth of the Tetzlaw name coincides with the industrial revolution in Europe. During this time, many members of the Tetzlaw family likely moved to established cities in search of opportunities that the industrial revolution provided.
Today, the surname Tetzlaw is still found primarily in Germany, though there are also members of the family who have scattered around the world. Tetzlaw is a ubiquitous surname, and its importance is felt by many descended from the original settlers of Tetzelburg.
Order DNA origin analysisTetzlaw: Where does the name Tetzlaw come from?
The last name Tetzlaw is of German origin and is most commonly found in Germany today, as well as in certain parts of the United States and Canada.
In Germany, the last name is most popularly found in the Rhineland, the region along the middle and lower Rhine river valleys. It is sometimes also found near the area of Kempten and East Friesland as well as other parts of northern Germany. In the United States and Canada, the surname is still very prevalent but the majority of bearers are from German heritage that settled in the midwestern parts of both countries. Specifically, Tetzheuser families have been living in the Detroit area since 1835.
In the United States, the surname can also be found in Pennsylvania, throughout the Midwest, in the South, and in the New England states. Canadian families with the Tetzlaw surname can be found primarily in Saskatchewan and Alberta.
Although it is most popular in Germany, Canada, and the United States, the last name Tetzlaw is also found in South Africa, India, and Australia.
Given the vast spread of Tetzlaw families all over the world today, it can be seen that this last name is far from a rare name. It is, generally, an old surname, with recent generations of bearers all showing German heritage.
Variations of the surname Tetzlaw
The surname Tetzlaw is a German surname originating from the occupational name Tetzelwirt (meaning an innkeeper who collected church taxes) and is found mostly in Bavaria. Variations of the name include Tetzlaff, Tetzel, Tetzele, Tetzeler, Tetzelwirt, Tetzlaff, Tetzlaffs, Tetloff, and Tetlow. Other spellings include Tetsel, Tetzelwerth, Teetzel, Teetzlaff, Teetzlow, and Teetlow.
The family was first mentioned in Bavaria in 1273 when a Henricus Tetzelwirt was a witness in Tyrol. By the 14th century there were Tetzlaws mentioned in several villages in Czechoslovakia. The Tetzlaw family tree has numerous branches and includes many settlements in eastern Germany.
Historically, the surname has evolved from a long line of family names that began with 'Tetzlaff'. Through subtle alterations in spelling and pronunciation, these names have since been transformed into variations such as 'Tetzlow', 'Tetzel', and so on.
Most of the members of this family were farmers, however, later the Tetzlaws became merchants, teachers, and proprietors. In some cases, members of the family changed their surname to Teutschel (Tetzel's son) or to Teutschelwerth (valuable son of Tetzel).
Today, the Tetzlaw family is still a prominent name in some parts of the world. In Germany and the Czech Republic, it is one of the most common surnames. In the United States, there are many members of the family on the East Coast, especially in Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana. The Tetzlaw family is also prominent in Canada and New Zealand.
Famous people with the name Tetzlaw
- Michael Tetzlaw, German retired professional ice hockey player
- Philip Tetzlaw, a German professional football coach
- Paul Tetzlaw, a German classical philologist
- Horst Tetzlaw, a German former swimmer
- Erwin Tetzlaw, a German architect
- Karl Tetzlaw, a German footballer
- Werner Tetzlaw, a German XII Flying Training Wing commander
- Eva Tetzlaw, a German modern pentathlete
- Véronique Tetzlaw, French theatre, television and opera director
- August Tetzlaw, a German chess master and writer