Surname Petz - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'P'
Petz: What does the surname Petz mean?
The surname Petz is of German origin and is believed to be a diminutive or nickname for the given name Peter. In ancient times, Peter was a popular name, derived from Greek "Petros" meaning rock or stone, symbolizing strength and stability. The suffix 'z' in Petz can be considered as a short form of "little", hence it can be interpreted as "little Peter". Like many surnames that originated as nicknames, it possibly began as a term of affection or familiarity. Over time, this form was adopted as a hereditary surname. It is important to note that the interpretation of surnames is often speculative since their exact origins are usually lost in history. Notably, the surname Petz can be found in several European countries including Germany, Austria, and parts of Eastern Europe, influenced by historical migration and regional languages.
Order DNA origin analysisPetz: Where does the name Petz come from?
The surname Petz is of German origin, derived from the personal name Peter, which in itself is derived from the Greek name "Petros" meaning "rock". The name was popularized in the Christian world due to St. Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Christ. Petz is a patronymic name, meaning it was originally derived from the father's given name, so originally it would represent "son of Peter".
Different variations of the name can be found across the globe due to migration and natural variations in spelling over centuries. Although it's not common worldwide, Petz is more frequently found in Germany, Austria, and parts of the United States, particularly in areas where German immigrants settled in the 19th and 20th centuries. These areas include states like Pennsylvania, New York, and Illinois. As with many surnames, the distribution of people with the Petz surname can change over time due to migration and other factors.
Variations of the surname Petz
The surname Petz may have several variants and different spellings. Variations could include Peetz, Petze, Petzke, Pätz, Petzsch and Petzold. These differ due to regional pronunciations and spellings within different cultures and regions.
In addition, the name Petz could also be the shortened form or a variation of other German surnames, such as Petzinger or Petzing. These names are often associated with specific regions or occupations. More distant variants can include Petzenka, Petzenka, Petzenbauer, or Petzoldt.
The surname Petz is likely to be of Germanic origin, thus similar surnames of that origin could also be closely related. These can include Petsch, Petsche, Pez, and Pezz.
In some cases, Petz may also have been Americanized from similar sounding surnames from other cultures during immigration. Therefore, names like Pec, Pets, and Peets could also be considered as variants.
It's important to note that variations in surnames are common and the exact origins of the surname ‘Petz’ can be difficult to trace due to migration, translation, and changes over time.
Famous people with the name Petz
- Monica Petz: A famous Chilean television presenter, radio announcer, and journalist.
- Iván Petz: An eminent Hungarian actor who has starred in notable films such as "Mostoha" and "A Mi Időnk".
- Genevieve Petz: An American film producer recognized for her work for the reality competition show, 'The Amazing Race'. These individuals, while not broadly famous, continue to impact their respective fields with their contributions.