Surname Schultz - Meaning and Origin

“Discovering the Schultz Legacy: An Emotional Journey Through iGENEA DNA Test”

Embarking on a journey into my past using the iGENEA DNA test unveiled a profound connection to my surname Schultz. From feelings of excitement to an understanding of the resilience of my ancestors, this emotional quest has reshaped my perception of identity and family history.

O. Schultz

Schultz: What does the surname Schultz mean?

Schultz is a German surname actually spelled in modern German as "Schulz" or "Schultze". It comes from the Middle Low German "Sculte", which means "head of the municipality" or "village headman". Additionally, "Schultz" can also originate from the title "Schultheiß", which was a local official in parts of the Holy Roman Empire, responsible for administrative tasks and for liaising with the overall monarchy – roughly equivalent to a modern mayor or magistrate. Therefore, the name Schultz is usually associated with roles of leadership or authority, and can indicate that the family with this name may have been mayors or other important officials in their communities in the past. The common "z" at the end of the name means "son of" hence "Schulz" would mean "son of the village headman”.

Schultz: Where does the name Schultz come from?

The surname Schultz is of German origin and it is believed to be derived from the medieval term "Schultheiss", which translates to "village headman" or "mayor". The term was used for a person responsible for collecting dues and enforcing laws. Over time, Schultheiss morphed into "Schultz" and other similar variants.

Today, the surname Schultz is commonly found not just in Germany, but also in countries with heavy German immigration such as the United States, South Africa, Brazil, and Canada. Specifically in the United States, Schultz is most common in the states with significant German-American populations like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. However, it’s worth mentioning that due to the varying adaptations and phonetic spellings over time and across different regions, the surname might exist in numerous variants such as Schulz, Schultheiss, Shultz, and more.

Variations of the surname Schultz

The surname Schultz has its origins in Germany and is a status name for a village headman or a man of importance in a community, deriving from the Middle High German "schultheize". This surname has many variants and alternate spellings including Schultze, Schulte, Shultz, Schulz, Shulz, Scholz, and Schultheis.

There are also many surnames of the same origin or with similar meanings from other countries. For example, in the Netherlands and Scandanavia we have "Scholten" or "Schouten", in England there's "Reeve", "Sheriff" or "Bailiff", and in France, "Maire" or "Prevost". Meanwhile, similar surnames from Poland can be "Sołtys".

In fact, many surnames in different countries that refer to administrative titles could be considered variants, just in different languages. All of these variations reflect the regional differences in dialect and spelling that were common in early European history, before spelling and grammar were standardized. Thus, it is always fascinating for genealogical research to map the spread and transformation of a surname like Schultz.

Famous people with the name Schultz

• Kurt Schultz: saxophonist, composer, and music educator
• Sigmund Schultz: German zoologist and professor
• Ed Schultz: journalist, radio/TV political commentator
• Carol Schultz: former Canadian Senator
• Hans Schultz: former Nazi SS officer
• Gary Schultz: former Acting Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police
• George Schultz: Former United States Secretary of State
• Howard Schultz: founder and former CEO of Starbucks
• Clifford Schultz: former United States Federal Court of Appeals judge
• Robert Schultz: composer and classical pianist
• Stan Schultz: former Canadian football player
• W. Schultz: former Governor of the Bank of Canada
• Wilbur Schultz: former Member of Parliament for Newfoundland and Labrador
• Anita Schultz: politician in the Canadian province of Manitoba
• Neil Schultz: former professional baseball player
• Louis Schultz: former Canadian Representative in Parliament
• Scott Schultz: American actor, director and producer
• Emma Schultz: former singer-songwriter and actress
• Bob Schultz: former football coach
• Gretchen Schultz: Professor of Spanish Literature

Other surnames

SchulSchuldSchuldaisSchuldeSchuldeisSchuldenSchuldesSchuldhaisSchuldheisSchuldheißSchuldheissSchuldisSchuldtSchuleSchüleinSchulekSchulerSchülerSchuletskySchullSchullerSchüllerSchulmeisterSchulmeistersSchultSchulteSchulteheinrichSchultehinrichsSchulteisSchultejohann