Surname Zenz - Meaning and Origin
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Zenz: What does the surname Zenz mean?
The last name Zenz is an occupational surname derived from the German word “zunne,” which roughly translates as "final" or "last." This likely refers to someone who finished something or completed something in some form.
Zenz is found primarily in Germany, the Netherlands, and parts of central and eastern Europe. Some have roots in Austria and the Alps region of northern Italy. It was likely more prevalent in the Middle Ages, when many people worked as tailors, goldsmiths, or cobblers, and would have been the last person to stitch or solder something closed.
People with the last name of Zenz are usually outgoing and hardworking, and take their responsibilities seriously. They tend to be practical and appreciate order and organization. They can be counted on to deliver on their promises and be reliable in times of trouble.
Those with the last name of Zenz are likely to be strong-willed, assertive, and tend to prefer independent activities. They like to take charge and can be successful in managing and leading people. They often enjoy music, literature, and the arts, as well as other forms of creativity.
Due to its continental origin, the last name of Zenz continues to reflect a diverse variety of roots and values found in different parts of Europe. Whether you were born with the last name or have adopted it, you likely embody the qualities that have been connected with it for centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisZenz: Where does the name Zenz come from?
The Zenz surname is most prevalent in Germany and Austria. In particular, it is more common in the southern and central parts of both countries, such as Bavaria and the state of Salzburg in Austria. It is estimated that more than 5,000 people bear the Zenz surname in Germany alone.
The surname is also quite common in other countries in the European Union, such as Switzerland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Belgium. It can also be found in some countries outside of Europe, including the United States and Canada, as well as countries like South Africa and Australia.
The origin of the surname Zenz is uncertain, though some believe it derived from the northern Germanic name Senzo, or the Lombardic words sentius and senticius, both meaning "strong" or "brave". Others argue that the root of the surname is the Latin word sensus, which means "feeling or sensation".
Regardless of its origin, the Zenz surname is still quite common today. Most people who bear the label are proud to do so. According to some, the Zenz family lives out the motto of "simplifying and enriching the lives of others".
Variations of the surname Zenz
The surname Zenz has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The first and foremost is the German spelling of the surname, "Zenz", which is found fairly commonly in Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. The second spelling is the more common English version, “Zence”. This version originated after the English borrowing of German names, and is the usual spelling for those of the Zenz surname in English-speaking countries.
Other variants of the surname Zenz include a Scottish form: “Zains”, “Zane”, “Zenx”, and “Zenith”. Additionally, there is the French spelling, “Zence”, and the Dutch form, “Zentse”. It is also worth noting that there are Dutch and German versions of this name that are pronounced differently, though they are concerned with the same origin.
In terms of surnames of the same origin, there is a larger list in which the “Zenz” name is always preceded, such as: ‘Zenzic’, ‘Zenzisch’, ‘Zenzinger’, as well as others. In addition, there are distinctive surnames derived from the Zenz surname such as, ‘Zens’, ‘Zenner’, and ‘Zennie’, as well as ‘Zentner’, ‘Zentz’, ‘Zentgraf’, and ‘Zentsen’.
In conclusion, the surname Zenz has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin, from which it has derived over the centuries. The variants of this name are fairly widespread, with examples from German, English, Scottish, Dutch, and French, in addition to its multiple different spellings. The range of derivations is almost as wide as the spread of the surname and is a testament to its long-standing history.
Famous people with the name Zenz
- André Zenz, German entrepreneur and founder of the clothing company GANT
- Harold Zenz, American alpine ski racer
- Neil Zenz, Australian Rules footballer
- Joaquín Zenz, Uruguayan football goalkeeper
- Santo Zenz, American football player and coach
- David Zenz, Major League Baseball pitcher
- Dante Zenz, Brazilian musician
- Brett Zenz, Canadian music artist
- Kürbi Zenz, Swiss handball goalkeeper
- Cheryl Zenz, American television and film actress best known for her role in the show The Brady Bunch