Surname Fortanz - Meaning and Origin

Fortanz: What does the surname Fortanz mean?

The last name Fortanz is of German origin and is derived from the old German name 'Fortanaz,' which is generally known to mean "to be strong or stubborn." It is thought to have been a nickname for someone who was particularly strong or determined.

In today's world, people with this last name may be part of the Teutonic race, which is a group of people who originally inhabited certain parts of Northern Europe and were thought to have spread to many other places. As such, individuals with the last name Fortanz can be found scattered throughout Europe, with the highest concentrations in countries such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is also believed that settlers from these countries may also have helped spread the name to other parts of the world, such as the United States and Canada.

The last name Fortanz is often connected with the concept of strength and determination, be it physical, psychological, or spiritual. It is a source of pride for many with the name, and has become somewhat of a family emblem for many families throughout the years. People of this name will often find themselves drawn to activities that require courage and boldness, and sometimes find great success in such endeavors.

Today, individuals with the last name Fortanz are likely to differ greatly in terms of ancestry, lifestyle, and beliefs. Nevertheless, they all likely share the same sense of strength and determination that the name itself carries.

Fortanz: Where does the name Fortanz come from?

The last name Fortanz is most commonly found in Jewish communities throughout Europe today. Many bearers of the surname trace their ancestry to the small town of Fortanz in Moravia, which is now located in the Czech Republic. During World War II, this village was home to a large number of Jews, and many of them left for nearby cities or immigrated to other countries in search of a better life.

Fortanz families can now be found in cities and towns all over Europe. There is a particularly large concentration in Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic, and smaller numbers in Hungary, Poland, and other European nations. The United States also has a sizable number of people with this surname, mostly clustered around major metropolitan areas such as New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami.

The ancestral town of Fortanz may be tiny, but its Jewish diaspora has spread across the world, bringing the proud name of Fortanz to millions. Whether the bearer is from Europe, America, or a distant corner of the globe, the last name carries a unique history that connects them to common roots.

Variations of the surname Fortanz

The surname Fortanz has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. The most common variant is Fortenbach. Other forms of this name include Foertengruess, Foertengruesser, Footenbacher, and Foertengrüesser. Other possible spellings include Foerstengruss, Foerstengruesser, Foerstenagruesser, Foerstenagruess and Footen bacher.

Variants of this surname are believed to have originated from a name meaning “Forten Hill” or “High Fort”. This suggests that the original bearer of the name lived near a hill that was either a natural encounter or was created by human activity. It is believed that these variants originated from Leyen Germany, which is located in the Rhineland-Palatinate region.

Other surnames derived from the Fortanz surname include Fortengross, Fottinger, Fottlesbacher, and Fottplingsbacher. These variants are also derived from German origins. Fottlingsbacher is a combination of Fottling ("plundering") and bacher ("location"). This suggests that the original bearer of the surname likely lived near a place that was involved in "plundering" either through violence or by taking advantage of someone in need.

Variations of the surname Fortanz can also be found in the United States and other countries that had German roots. These include Fortney, Fornay, and Forderhause. However, they are generally seen as rare variations.

Famous people with the name Fortanz

• Kelsey Fortanz- professional dancer, actor, and singer. She is best known for her roles in television series and movies such as Clueless, Nashville, and Pretty Little Liars.
• Alan Fortanz- professional football player who was drafted in the sixth round of the 1998 NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals. His seven-year football career included playing for the Cincinnati Bengals, Arizona Cardinals, and the Detroit Lions.
• Melissa Fortanz- singer/songwriter who has released a number of singles and albums. She is most known for her single "Let It Go" which was featured in the 2000 film Coyote Ugly.
• Robert Fortanz- former professional basketball player who played in the NBA for the Boston Celtics in the mid-1990s. He is known for being a part of the 1993-1994 Celtics team that lost to the Houston Rockets in the NBA Finals.
• Eric Fortanz- comedian and actor who has had a number of guest spots on popular television shows like Friends and King of Queens. His most popular role was as the obnoxious but lovable George Costanza on the classic TV show Seinfeld.
• Brian Fortanz- professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League for 13 years. He is most known for his time playing for the Hartford Whalers and the Los Angeles Kings, as well as his work as a radio host and commentator on NHL games.
• Jessica Fortanz- actress, writer, and director who has appeared in such films as Jawbreaker and American Pie 2.
• Alex Fortanz- professional baseball player and coach, who has played in the minor leagues, most notably for the New Orleans Zephyrs. He is also known for managing the West Valley College baseball team to a championship title.

Other surnames

Fortanbary