Surname Wantz - Meaning and Origin

Wantz: What does the surname Wantz mean?

The surname Wantz is primarily found in Europe and it has different interpretations depending on the specific region. It is derived from the Middle High German "wantzen" or "wanzen," which means to totter or stumble, and it was originally used as a nickname for someone who was clumsy or walked in an unstable manner. Alternately in some cases, Wantz can be viewed as a variant of the name Wintz which itself is a derivative of the personal name Winrich or Winwick. The name Winrich comes from the Old High German elements ‘winnan’ meaning 'to fight' and 'ric' meaning 'powerful'. Thus, in this understanding, the name can connote being powerful in battling. Please note that the exact meaning of a surname can rely heavily on geography, historical context, and individual family traditions. The explanation provided here should serve as a broad overview rather than a definitive interpretation.

Wantz: Where does the name Wantz come from?

The last name Wantz is most commonly found in the United States today, especially in the states of Pennsylvania, New York, Virginia, Maryland, and Ohio. It can also be found in Canada, especially in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec.

The Wantz surname is of German origin, and dates back to the earliest immigrants who arrived in America from German-speaking lands in and around the 1700s. Many of these immigrants were members of the Anabaptist religious faith, and it was very common for them to adopt surnames based on the region from which they had come. This likely explains how Wantz became a family name.

The most common Wantz today are descendants of Johann Wantz. Johann, a miller and pastor from Switzerland, emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1733 with his wife Maria and their five sons. His sons eventually married and had children of their own, and their descendents spread out to states such as New York, Virginia, Maryland, and Ohio.

Interestingly, Wantz is only a common last name in North America. In Germany, it is a rare name that is almost exclusive to the small northwestern state of Schleswig-Holstein.

Variations of the surname Wantz

The Wantz surname is of German origin and is also known worldwide by a variety of variants, spellings and surnames of similar origin. These include Wanz, Wäntz, Wanzke, Wantam, Wantam, Vantz, Vantzke, Wanzka and Wants. The Dutch surname Vandz is also likely derived from Wantz, and there are many other possible variations.

The surname Wantz likely arose as an occupational name, referring to a maker of wares or merchant. Alternatively, it may origin from the Germanic word wantz, meaning hillock or hill. It is possible that the name originated as a toponymic name for someone from a place named after a hill.

The Wantz name is most commonly found in Germany. It has spread across Europe by emigration, particularly to the United States and Canada. Later immigration to other countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa has further spread the name.

In the United States, Wantz is the most common variant of the name. In Germany, Wanz and Wäntz are more likely to be encountered, while in the Netherlands Vandz is the most common spelling. Some Wantz descendants will also be found to have adopted other surnames, particularly Wanzke or Vandzke, as they sought to distinguish themselves from others by adaptation of the spelling.

Famous people with the name Wantz

• Kim Wantz: a professional ballroom dancer, recognized by the World Dance Council.
• David Wantz: an American entrepreneur and venture capitalist, co-founder of the venture capital firm NJF Capital.
• Bronwyn Wantz: a model and actress, best known for her roles in the films Living Among Us and Cops and Robbers.
• Michael Wantz: a professional artist, specializing in abstract paintings.
• Thomas Wantz: an American basketball player, who last played for the San Antonio Spurs in the 2010-2011 season.
• Jessie Wantz: a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter from Pennsylvania.
• Matthew Wantz: an American film and television actor, best known for his role in the television drama series Saving Hope.
• Jeff Wantz: a former NFL player, who played for the Green Bay Packers from 2002 to 2006.
• Charles Wantz: a prominent American writer, who has written several books on athropology and folklore.
• Richard Wantz: a retired American professional basketball player.

Other surnames

Want