Surname Heitz - Meaning and Origin
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From Test tube to Genealogy: How an iGENEA DNA test redefined my understanding of the surname Heitz
The experience of taking an iGENEA DNA test has profoundly transformed my perception of personal identity and heritage. The breadth of information gleaned from the test has added more depth to my understanding of the surname Heitz, connecting me to a lineage that spans generations.
D. Heitz
read moreHeitz: What does the surname Heitz mean?
Heitz is a surname of primarily German origin, derived from the Middle High German name “Heiz” or “Heizlin” which translates roughly to mean “son of Heiz”. The personal name “Heiz” is derived from the Proto-Germanic “Heit”, which means “family” or “tribe”.
The Heitz surname is found to have originated in Southern Germany, mainly Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, and part of Switzerland. It is quite uncommon outside these areas. The earliest record of the surname comes from a 1210 document referencing a man by the name of Hezlin ins seenfeld, which means Hezlin of the See-Field.
Within Germany, the distribution of the Heitz name is uneven, with the most common concentrations located in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. Elsewhere, the name is quite rare as it has not been carried overseas for generations.
The most famous Heitz to date is the controversial Austrian artist, architect, and designer Thomas F. Heitz. Heitz is best known for his iconic modern designs, most notably his penguin table lamp and Venetian glass vases.
The Heitz surname is generally believed to symbolize a sense of family pride and accomplishment. It can also represent loyalty and stability, and their commitment to preserving their German heritage and identity.
Order DNA origin analysisHeitz: Where does the name Heitz come from?
The last name Heitz is concentrated today in several areas throughout the world. The largest cluster is located in Germany, especially in the mountainous area of Southern Germany. Primarily found in Bavaria, the last name is prevalent in the bordering states of Austria and Switzerland. It can also be found in the United States, particularly in Pennsylvania, where it is the 16th most common surname. Heitz can also be found in other parts of Europe, such as France and the United Kingdom.
The surname Heitz is derived from an old German word, “huse” or “haus”, meaning house, and the suffix “-itz”, meaning home. Thus, the Heitz surname is likely to have referred to someone who was from a particular house or location. It is also possible that the name may have been derived from the German word “Heitz”, meaning fear or terror, but it is more likely to be related to the house origin.
The last name Heitz is relatively uncommon in Germany today, with only around 1,800 people known to be living with it. It is, however, far more common in the United States, where the 2000 census identified nearly 16,000 individuals with the surname. Despite its relative rarity, Heitz is still a recognizable surname in both Germany and the United States, and it is likely to remain so for some time.
Variations of the surname Heitz
Heitz is a German surname that originated from the Middle High German word "heitzer," meaning "reaper." The variants of Heitz include Heitze, Heitzey, and Heitzmann.
The spelling variants include Heytz, Heytze, Hytz, Hietz, Hietze, and Hietzmann. Additionally, the plural variant Heitzens may also be seen, typically originating from a geographical location or presence of people named Heitz.
The surnames with same origin as Heitz include Heitzer, Heite, Heiter, Heitzmann, Heit, Heytz, Heytze, Hytz, Hietz, Hietze, and Hietzmann.
The most common spelling variants of Heitz are the traditional spelling of Heitz and Heytz. The spelling of Heytz is predominately used in the United States, while Heitz is more widespread throughout Europe.
In some cases, surnames with similar origins such as Heider, Heiler, and Heiser should not be confused with Heitz, as they are of a different etymological source.
Famous people with the name Heitz
- John Heitz, recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for breaking news photography
- Michael Heitz, two-time Olympic gold medalist in rowing
- Shawn Heitz, professional mixed martial artist
- Steven Heitz, World Champion Bridge player
- Arnold Heitz, World War I veteran, recipient of the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross
- Gordon Heitz, NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver
- Matt Heitz, Major League Baseball pitcher
- Maurice Heitz, French politician
- Emil Heitz, German airship engineer
- John C. Heitz, American economist, professor and philanthropist
- Lilies Heitz, French dancer and choreographer
- Jacques Heitz, French sculptor
- Jean Heitz, French physicist
- Tony Heitz, professional golfer
- Chris Heitz, German artist and athlete
- Oliver Heitz, German banker and lawyer
- Andras Heitz, Chilean entrepreneur and investor
- Barbara Heitz, German psychologist
- Chris Heitz, American football player
- Marie-Claire Heitz, Belgian epidemiologist and professor