Surname Zentgraf - Meaning and Origin
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Zentgraf: What does the surname Zentgraf mean?
The last name Zentgraf is German in origin. It is a locational surname derived from a place name, which refers to someone from a place called Zentgraf (or a similar variation) or to someone who was connected with the location in some way. This type of surname was often adopted by a person who moved to another area and adopted the name of their birthplace as a sort of identifier.
In German, the word "Zentgraf" literally means "Centaur Graf". The centaur is a mythological creature usually depicted as half human and half horse, so the name could indicate an ancestor who was a leader in the community or a powerful figure who held an authoritative position. It could also symbolize strength and agility, and this could be the source of the name
The Zentgraf surname is found mainly in the German-speaking countries of Germany, Switzerland and Austria, but is also found in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. The spelling of the name varies, so it could also be listed as Centgraf, Zentgraff, Zentgraeve, and Zentgräfe, among others. It is a relatively uncommon surname in the U.S., with only a few hundred individuals bearing the name.
Order DNA origin analysisZentgraf: Where does the name Zentgraf come from?
The surname Zentgraf is prevalent in Germany, specifically Bavaria, as well as in the nearby countries of Austria and Switzerland. It is thought to be derived from the German word "sent kraft" meaning power or strength, likely referring to a person in power or strength. The name originally appeared in Bavarian records in the 13th century, and some variants such as Zentgraft, Zengraf, and Zentgräf can be found in various smaller regions of western Germany.
Aside from its geographic presence in Germanic countries, Zentgraf is also found in various other parts of the world, as many Germans have emigrated to other countries throughout history. This includes the United States, where the last name can be found in states with larger German-American populations such as Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Illinois, and Wisconsin. The surname is also found in Canada, especially in Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario, as well as in Australia and New Zealand.
Throughout the centuries, the name has been passed down generation after generation, resulting in the surname being quite prominent today. Notable individuals with the last name Zentgraf include professional footballer Ingo Zentgraf, former United States Attorney Sharon K. Gillett, and Napoleon III's wife Empress Eugenie Zentgraf.
Variations of the surname Zentgraf
The surname Zentgraf is an occupational surname derived from the German language, which literally means ‘Centaur’ or ‘Bodyguard’ in English. The surname is found among German-speaking populations in various countries, and has numerous spellings and variants.
One of the most common spelling variations of Zentgraf is Sentgraf. Other variations include Zentgraff, Sentgraff, Zentgrae, Sentgraf, Zeintgrae, and Zentgräf. There are also versions of the surname with a double ‘f’, such as Zentgraff and Sentgraff, and with a double ‘e’ such as Zeintgrae and Sentgrae. In some cases, the surname is hyphenated, i.e., Zent-Graff and Sent-Graff.
Other variants of the name include Centgraf, Zentgraaf, Zentgrofe, Sintgraaf, and Zentgraffen. The surname is also found in various cultures with different spellings, including Centuri in Italian, Vladgräf in Swedish, Zengraf in Hungarian, and Centure in Spanish.
The surnames Zentgraf and its variants are also found in other languages, such as Dutch, where it is spelled as Zentgraef, Zentgrafe, or Zentgraaf; and French, where it is spelled as Centgraf, Centgraffe, or Centregraff. In Polish, the surname is spelled as Ządkowiak or Zagrodnik, while in American, it is found as Zentgraff or Zentgraf.
In some cases, the surname has changed to Sintgraf or Zintgraf, due to phonetic changes or regional variations of pronunciation. There are also numerous other variants of the surname, including Zentgrav, Zintgraf, Zentgreif, Zentgrae, Zentgraab, Zintgrafe, and Zentgraber.
Famous people with the name Zentgraf
- Mark Zentgraf: an actor known for his appearances in the television series Roseanne (1992–1997) and the film The Five Heartbeats (1991).
- Ryan Zentgraf: a former professional ice hockey player who played for the Florida Panthers and San Jose Sharks.
- Jeff Zentgraf: an American composer and filmmaker whose credits include the films Furious 7 (2015) and Star Trek: Beyond (2016).
- Sarah Zentgraf: an American fashion designer whose collections have been featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Elle.
- Fritz Zentgraf: an Austrian architect and sculptor who designed the renowned Josefplatz in Vienna.
- Ilene Zentgraf: an American sculptor and painter whose work has been exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the United States.
- Lori Ann Zentgraf: an American author and illustrator of over 20 picture books, including Dog Days and Disco Day.
- Kurt Zentgraf: an American diver and Olympic gold medalist, having won the men's 3m springboard event in the 1968 Summer Olympics.
- Luc Zentgraf: a French footballer who played for Union St. Gilloise and PSV Eindhoven in the 1990s.
- Yolanda Zentgraf: a Dutch singer who rose to fame in the 1980s with her hit single, “Sing With Me”.