Surname Metz - Meaning and Origin

Delving into Ancestry: Unforeseen Revelations from My iGENEA DNA Test on the Surname Metz

Unraveling my family history through the iGENEA DNA test was a fascinating experience. The surprising revelations about my lineage, the surname Metz, and the unexpected links to different historical periods and regions made me see my ancestors and my own identity in a new light.

R. Metz

Metz: What does the surname Metz mean?

The surname Metz is of German origin, and it most probably denotes a geographical link to the city of Metz, which is now in modern-day France but has a rich history of alternating German and French control. As a locational surname, it was typically bestowed on individuals who had left Metz and moved to a different area, as a form of identification. Besides this, Metz may also be derived from the Hebrew name 'Metzger', commonly used among Ashkenazi Jews, which translates to butcher. Therefore, the name may have been used as an occupational name for a butcher. Like many surnames, the exact origins can be diverse and are not always traceable, but these are the most accepted theories. It's worth noting that the meaning of a surname can differ significantly depending on its cultural and geographical origins.

Metz: Where does the name Metz come from?

The Metz surname originates from Germany, specifically the Metz region in the province of Lorraine. The name is derived from a place-name, given to someone who lived in or came from this area. Alternatively, Metz is also a patronymic surname, stemming from the personal name "Metz," a diminutive of the German name "Mathias" or "Matthias."

Today, the last name Metz is still quite common throughout Germany. In addition to Germany, the Metz surname is also prevalent in the United States due to the extensive German immigration, especially in the states of Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and Illinois. It is also found to a lesser extent in France, mainly in the Metz region in northeastern France, and in other countries where there has been a considerable German diaspora, such as Australia and Canada. The name 'Metz' has different variants such as Metze, Metzen, Mets, etc., found in different regions across the world.

Variations of the surname Metz

The surname Metz has several variations, alternate spellings and surnames of the same origin due to geographical distribution and language differences.

Alternative spellings include: Mets, Metze, Mett, Metts, Metzger, Metzer and Metzman. Some of these might be a result of phonetic spelling by those who heard the name.

The surname Metz is of German origin, so many similar surnames can be found in areas of Germany, Austria, and other German-speaking regions. Metzger is notably a German surname meaning "butcher".

Similarly, variations like Metzer and Metzman could have possibly originated from occupations too, like metalworker or merchant in the same way Metzger did.

Also, surnames may have changed and evolved over time due to immigration. As German-speaking families moved to English-speaking countries, they may have changed the spelling of their names to fit language norms of their new homes, or immigration officials may have inadvertently changed them.

Furthermore, Metz is also a place name (a city in France), so the surname could also have been given to individuals who were from there or lived there.

Remember that even within the same country, spellings and pronunciations could vary, adding to the diversity of the surname Metz.

Famous people with the name Metz

• Melissa Marie Metz: American television personality best known as a cast member of ABC's The Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise.
• Paul Metz: Professional American poker player, most noted for winning the third annual World Series of Poker's no-limit Hold'em event in 2000.
• Dave Metz: Retired American football running back in the National Football League who is a member of the Washington Redskins Ring of Honor.
• Jonathan Metz: American actor known for his work on the television show, Rescue Me.
• Evan Metz: American television personality and former lead singer of the band, Animus.
• Alexandra Metz: American film actress and even producer whose works include House of Cards, Harlem Nights, and Dreams With Sharp Teeth.
• Mike Metz: Retired professional American basketball player who had stints in the NBA and in various professional basketball leagues around the world.
• Marc Metz: Retired American film and television actor who had roles in dramas such as The Shield, NYPD Blue, and Twice in a Lifetime.
• Paul Metzger: American Catholic author and philosopher whose works include God's Word and Being, Knowing, and Doing, and the pamphlet, Nature of Obligation.
• Amy Metz: American theater and film actress, director, and teacher best known for her work on UMBC Theater's production of Macbeth.

Other surnames

MetMetagMetakMetcalfMetcalfeMeteMeteauMeteeMetesMethenyMetherallMetherelMetherellMetherillMethleyMetisMetlanMetlandMetlenMetsMetskerMetslafMettMettagMetternichMettesMettlenMettsMetzeMetzeler