Surname Tanz - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'T'
Tanz: What does the surname Tanz mean?
The last name Tanz is of German origin and has multiple meanings. It is derived from the Middle High German word “tanzen” or “dance” and can refer to one who is a dancer or one who is passionate about dance. The word could also be linked to the Middle High German word “Tanzelovan”, which means “dancing around”. In some parts of Germany, the name Tanz can refer to a particular type of dance, usually of a religious or folkloric nature, like a “Devils Dance”.
In addition to its origin as a surname, Tanz is also used as a given name in some parts of Germany and can refer to joyous occasions, such as festivals or weddings. On a symbolic level, the name could be seen as implying a connection between the spiritual and the physical, as dancing is often seen as a way to express emotion and commune with the divine.
The Tanz surname can also be associated with an area of Eastern Europe, as some records show that the name originated in the town of Tarno in Hungary. It could also have come from the Polabian word “tozhan”, which is the name of a wild plant found in the eastern regions of Germany, which is a member of the rose family and has clusters of small flowers.
In modern times, the last name Tanz is fairly widespread and is commonly found in most regions of Germany. It is also fairly common in the United States, having been brought over by German immigrants in the 19th century. As such, it is a reminder of the cultural heritage of those who migrated to the New World in search of a better life.
Order DNA origin analysisTanz: Where does the name Tanz come from?
The surname Tanz is a common European surname. It is particularly common in Germany, Austria, and other areas with German-speaking populations. It is also relatively common in parts of the United States, particularly in areas with large German communities such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Missouri. Tanz is also relatively common in areas with large Jewish populations, particularly in Hungary and Romania.
In Germany, Tanz is generally considered a topographic or habitational surname, derived from the word tanzen, meaning "to dance". This suggests that the surname generally began with people living in and around specific areas with names incorporating Tanz—notably the city of Tanzenbach in Baden-Wurttemberg.
In most of Europe, Tanz is considered an occupational surname derived from Tantz, an old German word for tailor. This explanation is supported by the fact that, in Jewish populations, the surname may also be spelled as Tants, and there may be related names such as Tencies and Tensing.
The frequency of Tanz as a surname varies from country to country. In Germany, Tanz is currently the 876th most common surname. In the United States, Tanz is the 5,157th most common surname, with 0.004% of the population bearing the surname. As of 2019, Tanz was the 4,647th most popular surname in Hungary and the 44,573rd most popular surname in Romania.
Variations of the surname Tanz
The surname Tanz is derived from the Middle High German verb 'tanzen', which means 'to dance'. The name is most likely a nickname given to a person who enjoyed dancing or was an especially good dancer. Variants, spellings, and surnames of Tanz include Tanzmann, Tanzzeller, Tanzberger, Tanzmeier and Tanzer. Tanzer is the most commonly used spelling and is found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Ukraine, and other countries in Europe. The surname has also been Anglicized to Duencer, Dancea, Dancer, Dance, Danczak, and Danza.
The surname Tanzmann is an occupational surname meaning 'dance master'. Those with this surname originally may have been professional dancers or dance instructors. Tanzberger is a toponymic surname derived from the place in Austria called Tanzberg, which may indicate that an ancestor of yours lived in that area. Tanzmeier is also an occupational surname for someone who worked as a dance leader or was a master of dance.
The surname Tanzer is found in Jewish families of Eastern European. It is thought to have been derived from the Hebrew word 'tantser', meaning 'dancer'.
Duencer is an Anglicized variation of Tanz meaning 'a person who dances'. Dancea is a variant also formed from the English word 'dance'. Dancer, Dance, and Danza also indicate someone who was particularly skilled in dancing.
If you trace your ancestor back far enough, the Tanz surname may indicate that someone in your family was a master dancer. The surname has spread across the world, and variants and spellings vary greatly. With so many variants and spellings, tracing your ancestry with the Tanz surname may prove to be a unique challenge.
Famous people with the name Tanz
- Daniel Tanz, American businessman and philanthropist.
- Meir Tanz, Israeli scholar and professor of philosophy.
- Pasha Zorin Tanz, Russian filmmaker and entrepreneur.
- Leatrice Tanz, American artist and author.
- Moritz Tanz, German composer and musician.
- Jerry Dance Tanz, British actor and producer.
- Peter Tanz, German politician and former Prime Minister of Bavaria.
- Rebecca Tanz, American interior designer and television personality.
- Riki Tanz, Israeli television presenter and news anchor.
- Sophie Tanz, German model and singer.
- Thelma Tanz, American dancer and choreographer.
- Kostya Tanz, Russian television host and producer.
- Joya Tanz, American actress and theatre artist.
- Lila Tanz, French film director and producer.
- Natalie Tanz, US Olympic figure skater.
- Adeline Tanz, Canadian figure skater.
- Alexandra Tanz, German philanthropist and socialite.
- Booker Tanz, South African author and lecturer.
- Emma Tanz, Australian international traveler and freelance writer.
- Felix Tanz, Austrian sculptor and abstract artist.