Surname Waltzer - Meaning and Origin

Waltzer: What does the surname Waltzer mean?

The last name Waltzer is of German origin and is thought to be derived from the German word “walz” which means “to move in a circular fashion”. This is likely because Waltzers were known to be skilled dancers, although some people believe that it comes from the name of a trade, where the Waltzers made rotating furniture and spinning tops.

This surname is thought to be fairly old, with its first record going back to 1612 in Germany. It’s also found in the United States most notably in Pennsylvania and New York where it is thought to have arrived with immigrants during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Today, there are almost 13,000 individuals with the last name Waltzer across the world, although the large majority of them live in Germany. This is not surprising as Germany is the ancestral homeland of this last name.

As far as what the name means, Waltzers were known for their skill as dancers, which gives the name a playful connotation, evoking images of spinning around the dance floor. Therefore, the Waltzer surname carries with it an air of fun, adventure and a skillful aptitude for moving gracefully and quickly among the crowd.

Waltzer: Where does the name Waltzer come from?

The last name Waltzer is most common in northeastern Germany today. It is an occupational surname derived from the word "Walzer" which translates to "dance master" or "dancing teacher." This name has been in Germany for centuries, with records indicating that it was in use as early as 1232.

Waltzer is the 128th most common surname in Germany and is among the top names in cities such as Berlin, Dresden, and Leipzig. Additionally, the Waltzer surname is extremely rare outside of Germany. Although a handful of Pre-World War II migrants brought the name to the Netherlands and the United States, the name appears to have died out in those countries.

The distribution of the Waltzer family also follows a geographic pattern within Germany. For example, the highest concentrations of Waltzer family are found in the southern portion of Berlin, as well as in the eastern states of Saxony and Brandenburg. Outside of Germany, the name Waltzer is extremely rare and isn't commonly found.

In conclusion, the Waltzer surname is most common in Germany, particularly in the northeastern part of the country. Additionally, the surname is encountered far less frequently outside of the German-speaking countries.

Variations of the surname Waltzer

The surname Waltzer has several variants, spellings, and other surnames of the same origin.

Walter: This is most likely the foremost variant of Waltzer. It is an occupational surname popular in German-speaking countries, derived from the Old French word “Wau” meaning rule. It was a name given to a governor or ruler. Walter is thought to have been introduced to England and Scotland by the Normans in the 11th century.

Waltermann: This variant is derived from the Bavarian form of the traditional family name Walter.

Valter: This is a variant found primarily in southern Germany, specifically Bavaria.

Wolter: This spelling is most popular in the Netherlands and typically carries French ancestry.

Walther: This is the original spelling of the surname, which is derived from the Old High German word “waltan” meaning to rule or to guide.

Waltzer: This is the traditional spelling of the surname and originates from the German word “waltzer”, meaning someone skilled in dance. It is primarily prevalent in Eastern Europe.

Valterman: This is an occupational variant of the surname Walter, derived from the Latin word “valet” meaning “servant” or “attendant.”

Valtteri: This is a Finnish variant of Walter, originating from the Scandinavian personal name Valter, derived from the Latin term “Valentinus” meaning “strong” or “valiant.”

Valtarin: This is a variant of Walther found most prominently in Finland.

Waltzman: This is another spelling of Waltzer that is found mainly in the United States and Canada.

Waltman: This variant is of Germanic origin. It is derived from the personal names Waltram, Walther, Walter, and Waldheri.

Thus, Waltzer is a surname with many variants, spellings, and other surnames of the same origin. It is an occupational name, derived from the Old High German “Waltan” and the Old French “Wau” meaning rule. Walter is the most popular variant found in English-speaking countries, while Wolter is typically found in the Netherlands and Valter in Bavaria. Waltzman, Waltman, Valterman, Valtarin, and Valtteri are also variants commonly found in different countries.

Famous people with the name Waltzer

• Mel Waltzer, composer, sound editor, and vocal engineer
• Stephanie Waltzer, Olympic long jump athlete from Canada.
• Maxwell Waltzer, lawyer in Florida.
• Kenneth Waltzer, historian and professor of education.
• Dean Waltzer, Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer.
• John Waltzer, former Chairman, President, and CEO of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.
• David Waltzer, fantasy and science fiction author and blogger.
• Tyler Waltzer, hip-hop artist.
• Emmett Waltzer, apprehended political fugitive on the US FBI most wanted list.
• viola Waltzer, actress and voice artist.
• Leonard Waltzer, musician.
• Matilda Waltzer, silk painter and designer.
• May Waltzer, anthropologist and geographic information systems expert.
• Sharon Waltzer, comic book artist, writer, and entrepreneur.
• Bartley Waltzer, businessman and financial advisor.
• Jessica Waltzer, model and actress.
• Jonas Waltzer, author of the award-winning novel Big Steps, Little Man.
• Lindsey Waltzer, actress and humorist.
• Sammy Waltzer, actor and comedian.
• Ian Waltzer, Emmy-nominated television producer.

Other surnames

WaltzWältz