Surname Kinzer - Meaning and Origin
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Kinzer: What does the surname Kinzer mean?
The last name Kinzer is believed to be of German origin, a variation on the German name Kinzler. Traditionally, Kinzer was a surname of nobility, meaning ‘ruler’ or ‘king’. The earliest record of the name is traced back to 1208, in the town of Konigszell in the Church of St. Ulrich. This area of Germany is known for its historic saltworks and is today part of Bavaria.
The Kinzers of today lead a wide variety of lives, from all over the world. They are an eclectic mix of artists, businesspeople, doctors, politicians, and educators. Their common denominator being the strong sense of family that continues to be shared across generations.
The power of Kinzer’s is in the impact they have on the communities of which they are a part. As leading figures they take on the responsibility of progressive efforts and nation building initiatives with their visionary perspective. This commitment to influencing those around them and to propel society forward is evident in the history and legacy of the Kinzer name.
Order DNA origin analysisKinzer: Where does the name Kinzer come from?
The last name Kinzer is commonly seen today in many areas throughout the United States, especially in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Specifically, it is common in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Iowa. Kinzers are also present in large numbers in the states of Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina. This likely has its origins in German immigrants who settled in these states during the 1800s and 1900s.
The last name is sometimes spelled "Kintzer," and the spelling variant "Kinser" is also sometimes encountered. Kinzer is usually of German origin, with sometimes connections to Austria, Switzerland, and England. It is also an Americanized form of the Swiss/German surname "Köniz."
Kinzers can be found living in larger cities and suburbs, as well as in small towns. Many of them are involved in industries such as manufacturing, engineering, and technology. Additionally, many family members have served in branches of the United States military throughout the generations.
Despite the name being present in many places across the United States, Kinzer is a relatively uncommon surname compared to other surnames in the most recent United States Census. Therefore, it can be difficult to run into a Kinzer at random. However, it is a proud and tight-knit community that spans generations.
Variations of the surname Kinzer
The surname Kinzer has numerous variant spellings and surnames of the same origin. These include Kinser, Kinseer, Kintzer, Kintzler, Kintzeler, Kincer, Kinsar, Kincaid and Kinzy. In some cases, the spelling of the surname has also changed due to different dialects.
The surname Kinzer can also be found in various parts of the world, having been anglicized over time. This has resulted in some slight changes in spelling. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the surname Kinzer is often spelled Kinser or Kinsar. In Germany, Kintzeler and Kintzler are the preferred spellings. Meanwhile, in Scotland, the surname is Kincaid.
In America, particularly among the German immigrants, the surnames Kinzer, Kinser, Kintzer and Kinzy are the most widely found. Furthermore, it is believed that the surnames Kincer and Kincaid originate in Scotland and Ireland, respectively.
Overall, the surname Kinzer is an ancient one and, due to its popularity and geographical breadth, has produced numerous variant spellings and surnames of the same origin.
Famous people with the name Kinzer
- Steven Kinzer: A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of numerous books, including Overthrow: America’s Century of Regime Change from Hawaii to Iraq.
- David Kinzer: an American entrepreneur and technology executive who has founded and managed numerous successful companies.
- John Kinzer: A musician and songwriter who has recorded over 70 albums of original music.
- Dave Kinzer: A professional wakeboarder, coach, and designer of the popular Kinetech wakesurf boards.
- Laura Kinzer: An athlete with multiple national and international awards in race walking.
- May Kinzer: A painter and graphic designer who was instrumental in helping to bring abstract art to the mainstream.
- Jonathan Kinzer: An award-winning documentary filmmaker whose works have been shown at festivals throughout the world.
- Lucien Kinzer: A renowned biochemist who has made significant advancements to the field of genetics and nutrition.
- Rolf Kinzer: A prominent composer and conductor of classical music.
- Jacob Kinzer: An actor with numerous television and film credits including the title role in the horror movie “Jacob Kidder.”