Surname Butze - Meaning and Origin
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Butze: What does the surname Butze mean?
The surname Butze is a German surname, originally spelled Butzé. It is derived from the Middle High German word butze, which means "bit, piece, or morsel," suggesting a connection to food or those who served as providers of food.
The surname can be found in records dating back to the 16th century in Thuringia, Germany, the most likely origin of the surname. During this period, the name was kept within certain families, likely indicating the presence of an established noble family during that time.
Today, variants of the Butze surname can be found throughout Germany and in other parts of Europe. It is also common in North America due to the large German diaspora in the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries.
For many of those with the Butze surname, researching its origin and history is a delightful and interesting way to learn about their family’s past. It can be a reminder of their ancestors’ resilience and the ways in which they contributed to the places where their descendants now live. Knowing a family’s history can provide a sense of belonging, strengthening ties within a family and giving a feeling of rootedness.
Order DNA origin analysisButze: Where does the name Butze come from?
The last name Butze is most commonly found in the United States, primarily in Pennsylvania and Ohio. It’s believed to have arrived in the U.S. during the 19th century, when Germanic immigrants brought their surnames with them as they moved from Europe. Those with the surname Butze mostly hail from Germany, although there is a small presence of the name in the Netherlands, France, and the United Kingdom.
The first known instance of the surname was recorded in 1710 in the town of Laakes, Germany. The earliest known bearer of the name was Michael Butze, who was recorded in a church in Laakes. The spelling of the name has changed over the years, from Butz to Butze. Since then, the surname has spread somewhat throughout Germany, but most those with the Butze name continue to live in and around Laakes today.
In the U.S., more people with the Butze surname can be found in large cities such as Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Allentown, New York City, and St. Louis. Butze is not a very common surname in the United States, but can still be found in cities with established German communities.
In other countries, the Butze name is rare even in Germany. The highest concentration of people with the surname Butze is in Pennsylvania, and Pennsylvania has the highest concentration of Americans with German ancestry. Despite its rarity, the Butze name is far from extinct, and continues to remain in use today.
Variations of the surname Butze
The surname Butze is most commonly associated with a German/Prussian origin. It is predominantly found amongst German immigrants, and is sometimes spelled Butz, Butzke, Butse, Budz, Büdse or Buddze. In some instances, the surname may have French roots and be spelled Butzé, Buzé, Busez or Busser.
The name is thought to have derived from Medieval personal names, such as ‘Butzo’ or ‘Buzo’, which were ultimately derived from Germanic elements such as ‘bodo’ (meaning ‘commander’) and ‘buts’ (meaning ‘wood"). This is likely to be connected to the regional origin of the Butze surname, suggesting that it likely dates back to the Middle Ages.
In terms of variants, ‘Buts’, ‘Butz’ and ‘Butzke’ are three of the most common. These alternative spellings will most likely have been changed over time in order to adapt to changing dialects and language standards.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw vast numbers of German immigrants leave for overseas countries, most notably the USA. As a result, the Butze surname has spread throughout the world and can now be found in many different countries including Finland, Sweden, Norway, Canada, Russia, England, France and South Africa.
Overall, the surname Butze has a long and established history. Its various spellings and variants are testament to its longevity and diverse regional roots.
Famous people with the name Butze
- Andrew Butze: American baseball player who competed in the 1869 National Association of Professional Base Ball Players.
- Robert Butze: German actor, best known for playing various villains and tough guys in films and TV.
- Jean Butze: Swiss politician and member of the Swiss National Council.
- Hildegard Butze: German operatic soprano.
- Tony Butze: Australian sailor who competed in five Olympic Campeonatos.
- Florence Butze: American pilot who was the first woman to fly solo over the Andes.
- Claire Butze: German figure skater who won a Gold Medal in the 1948 Winter Olympics.
- Darius Butze: German composer and conductor of the Romantic period.
- Harold Butze: Canadian-American ice hockey player.
- Janice Butze: American classical pianist and harpsichordist.