Surname Woerz - Meaning and Origin
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Woerz: What does the surname Woerz mean?
Woerz is a German surname. It is derived from the Middle High German word “wurtze”, meaning “fence”, suggesting that the original bearer of the surname may have been an artisan, builder, or fence maker. Alternatively, the name may have also been derived from the Old High German word “wurz” (salt) or “wurzi” (vegetable garden) suggesting an initial bearer of the name may have been in the salt or farming industry.
The earliest recorded instance of the surname was in the mid-14th century when a Johannes Woerz was documented in Zurich, Switzerland. Since then, the surname has spread to other areas within Europe and in the United States.
The Woerz surname has been among the most common surnames in southeastern Germany in both 1990 and 2000, as documented by the Official Gazette of Baden-Württemberg, indicating the strong presence of this family in this region through the centuries.
Many Woerz family members have come of distinction in their fields over the years. For example, famed Swiss pedagogue and theologian Franz Xaver Woerz helped lay the foundation for modern humanistic education in the early 19th century.
The Woerz surname has retained much of its original meaning; reflecting a family’s significance, strength, and tradition. Its many forms have also served as testament to the impact this particular family has had in the many countries it has called home.
Order DNA origin analysisWoerz: Where does the name Woerz come from?
The last name Woerz is most common in Germany, where it is the 800th most popular name in the country. It has a history there stretching back hundreds of years, and the oldest records of its usage date back to the 13th century. In Germany, Woerz is generally found in the southern parts of the country, particularly Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.
The name is also found in Austria, since many German families moved across the border in the 17th and 18th centuries. Austria is home to the minority Rhinelandic population, who are descended from migrants from southwestern Germany. It is thought that families with the name Woerz stem from this population.
Outside of Europe, Woerz is fairly uncommon, although the name is starting to spread to other places via German immigrants. In the United States, Woerz is particularly common in Pennsylvania, where a significant number of Germans migrated during colonial times. The name is also quite popular in various countries in Latin America, as many Germans moved there in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Today, the majority of people bearing the Woerz surname live in Germany, with smaller numbers in Austria, the United States and other parts of the world. It is still a relatively rare and uncommon last name, although its presence is growing in various places.
Variations of the surname Woerz
The surname Woerz has several variants, spellings and surnames of a related origin. These include Weerz, Werz, Werzmueller, Woerzburger, Woerzinger, Werzberger, Weerzenegger, Werzberger, Werzweiler, Woerzner, Woerzinger, and Werzinger.
The origin of the surnames is thought to come from German and was derived from the name “werz,” which means “guardian; keeper.” This suggests that the surnames may have evolved from a personal name that originated from either a profession or a patronymic.
The various spellings of Woerz are most likely due to different dialects from various regions from where the surname was used. For example, the variant Weerz is thought to have been used much more in Austria, whereas the spelling Woerz was used more in Germany.
The surnames Woerzburger and Woerzinger are derived from the location of Woerzburg in Bavaria, Germany. It is thought that people who lived in or were from this region adopted the surnames Woerzburger and Woerzinger to identify their place of origin.
The surname Werzmueller is likely derived from the German word “werzmühle” which translates to “Mill.” This suggests that this surname may have originated from someone who worked or owned a mill.
The variants Weerzenegger, Werzberger, Werzweiler, Woerzner, and Werzinger are thought to have been derived from the word “werz” or “waerz,” which means “guardian.” These surnames are thought to have been used to reflect the profession of the bearer and/or their ancestral profession.
Famous people with the name Woerz
- Adina Woerz: German Youtube star
- Abbie Cornish (Abbie Cornish Woerz): an Australian actress
- Phil Woerz: German TV presenter
- Miriam Woerz: German television actress
- Anja Woerz: German actor and playwright
- Jochen Woerz: German psychologist
- Johannes Woerz: Olympic fencer
- Louise Woerz: American stand-up comedian
- Timo Woerz: German Film producer
- Sebastian Woerz: German musician