Surname Kurzhalz - Meaning and Origin

Kurzhalz: What does the surname Kurzhalz mean?

The last name Kurzhalz is a German name derived from the words Kurz and Halz, which means "short neck" in English. The name likely originated from a physical characteristic of an ancestor, describing their stature as short-necked or having a short figure. This surname is quite rare, with documented use since the 1500s in the German region of Bavaria. It is estimated to have grown most in the 1700s in the east of Bavaria, in the city of Regensburg.

The Kurzhalz family name is associated with craftsmanship, particularly metalworking and tool making. Records from the 1800s show that men with the last name Kurzhalz had worked as locksmiths, bell-makers, farriers, and tin-smiths. Men with this name were also farmers or worked in the forestry business.

The name Kurzhalz has likely changed over the centuries due to migration, marriage and religious influences. Records today indicate there are family members with the name Kurzhalz living in the United States, Canada, Austria, Germany, and elsewhere. In general, it is a fairly uncommon name in modern times, but it has been around for centuries.

Kurzhalz: Where does the name Kurzhalz come from?

The surname Kurzhalz is most commonly found in Germany and the German speaking parts of Switzerland. It is derived from the German word "kurz" meaning short, and "halz" meaning neck or throat. This suggests that the surname Kurzhalz originally identified a person with a short neck.

The surname Kurzhalz is found as far back as the 16th century in Germany, and appears sporadically in Germany today. The most Kurzhalz families tend to be located in or around Baden-Württemberg, which is an area in southwest Germany. Kurzhalz has also been known to show up in the areas around Berlin, the capital city of Germany.

Outside of Germany, there are smaller populations of people with the surname Kurzhalz living in other parts of Europe, as well as in the United States.

Kurzhalz is a rare surname and not particularly well known beyond the areas mentioned above. It is not a common name found in records or in other parts of the world outside of Germany and Switzerland.

Variations of the surname Kurzhalz

The surname Kurzhalz is a German surname that can have several variant spellings and other related surnames. Some of the more common alternatives are:

Kurzhals

Kursholtz

Kurzhaltz

Kurzhalts

Kurzholz

Kurzholtz

Kurshalz

Kurshaltz

Kurzhalz is often associated with the following related surnames: Kurze, Kurzhalski, Kurzhalse, Kurzhalskiy, Kurzyk, Kurzykiewicz, Kurzyński, Kurycki, Kuryki, Kurecki, Kurek, Kuryn, Kurekowicz, Kurekiewicz and Kurylowicz.

All of these variants are derived from the high German word 'Kurzhalz', which originally referred to a holder of short hatchet or a maker of short hatchets. It is thought that this surname was first taken on by people whose profession involved the use of hatchets, like lumberjacks or carpenters.

Early records of Kurzhalz families date back to at least the beginning of the 16th century. Over the centuries, people bearing this surname have spread across Europe and beyond, giving rise to the many different variants. Nowadays, Kurzhalz is not an uncommon surname, particularly in Germany.

Famous people with the name Kurzhalz

• Claus Kurzhalz: A German journalist and former chief editor of the magazine “Der Spiegel”.
• Helmut Kurzhalz: A former German football player who played in many Bundesliga clubs.
• Julian Kurzhalz: A German actor, who starred in several feature films.
• Ulrich Kurzhalz: A German photographer, whose works are widely exhibited in galleries.
• Robert Kurzhalz: A former German muscle car enthusiast and competitive drifter.
• Tobias Kurzhalz: A German artist, known for his minimalist paintings.
• Wolfgang Kurzhalz: A German jazz musician, who plays double bass, piano and drums.
• Georg Kurzhalz: A German businessman, founder of the Kurzhalz GmbH.
• Gisela Kurzhalz: A German artist, known for her marble sculptures.
• Erwin Kurzhalz: A German jazz saxophonist, known for his jazz-rock fusion.

Other surnames

Kurzhals