Surname Pritzlaff - Meaning and Origin
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Pritzlaff: What does the surname Pritzlaff mean?
The last name Pritzlaff is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German term 'prezzelaff.' It was a term used to signify nobility and was likely given as an occupational name to those who were employed by those of noble birth.
The earliest forms of the surname Pritzlaff can be found in Medieval records, where it could be found in various spellings such as 'Prutzlaff,' 'Prezlaif,' 'Prezleif,' and 'Prezleff.'
The name is thought to have stemmed from the German word 'prezheim', an expression for a court or palace. Since the Middle Ages, the name Pritzlaff was used as a reference to those who worked or lived near a royal court, or inhabited lands held by a noble family.
The Pritzlaff surname is found throughout Germany and surrounding countries, as well as in countries around the world where German immigrants had settled. Today, the surname is most commonly seen in Germany, Poland, the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Order DNA origin analysisPritzlaff: Where does the name Pritzlaff come from?
The last name Pritzlaff is most commonly found in the United States, specifically in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan. The vast majority of living Pritzlaff's are of German descent, originating form the Schleswig-Holstein region of northern Germany. The story behind the surname dates back to the mid 18th century, when a number of families belonging to the extended Pritzlaff clan emigrated to the United States and Canadian Midwest.
The majority of the German families were farmers looking for better opportunities in the New World, and quickly established small settlements in rural parts of Wisconisin and Minnesota. The Pritzlaff families set up farms and businesses to make a living, and their presence remains strong in these states till this day. The last name is especially prominent in the area immediately north of Milwaukee, in Milwaukee counties including Washington, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, Calumet and Manitowoc.
In Milwaukee county, the majority of Pritzlaff descendants are found in small towns such as Grafton, Cedarburg, Mequon and Port Washington. It's estimated Pritzlaffs make up around 1 percent of Cedarburg's population, while Mequon and Port Washington can lay claim to a similar number.
The legacy of the Pritzlaff family continues to live on, with numerous Pritzlaffs playing important roles in civic and business leadership. It's clear that the descendants of the original immigrants still remain strongly tied to the rural Midwestern communities that they helped settle and develop over two centuries ago.
Variations of the surname Pritzlaff
The surname Pritzlaff is an occupational surname that can be traced back to Central and Eastern Europe. It is derived from the Germanic root word “pritz”, which means “master” and “laff” which means “law, judgment or decree.” This surname is most commonly found in the German-speaking regions but can also be found in other areas of Europe.
The most common variant of the surname Pritzlaff is Przytslaff. This spelling is commonly encountered in Eastern Europe, especially in countries like Poland and the Czech Republic. It is also common among German-speaking populations, although the spelling has been slightly modified to Pritzlaff.
Other variations of the surname Pritzlaff include the German Przytwlaff, Przytloit and Przytwills. The Danish and Norwegian variants of the surname are Pristoft and Prigslaft, respectively. In Dutch, the name is usually spelled as Prutzlaff or Pretzlaff.
There are also some surnames that are closely related to Pritzlaff, such as the German Przyter, Przytka and Przytwall, as well as the Polish Przytloczko and Przytlo. Finally, the surname may also appear in various other forms like Prentzlaff, Pretzlaff, Preczlaff and Briszlaff.
Overall, the surname Pritzlaff has many variants and spellings that can be found in various countries around the world. It is important to keep in mind that many of these variants and spellings are derived from the same root word, making them all variations of the same surname.
Famous people with the name Pritzlaff
- Lillian Pritzlaff, American director, photographer and producer
- Kathryn Pritzlaff, American Olympian, figure skater
- Martha Pritzlaff, Canadian actress
- Mike Pritzlaff, American NASCAR driver
- Steve Pritzlaff, American football player
- Curt Pritzlaff, American baseball player
- John Pritzlaff, American politician
- Paul Pritzlaff, American astronomer
- Richard Pritzlaff, American architectural illustrator
- Richard T. Pritzlaff, American composer