Surname Zech - Meaning and Origin
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Zech: What does the surname Zech mean?
The last name Zech is of German origin and is derived from the Hebrew word "zakhar," meaning “to remember” or “to think.” During medieval times, when names were formed and given to people, Zech was most likely given to individuals who were known for their ability to remember or think deeply and thoroughly.
Over time, the use of the surname Zech spread from Northern Germany and Austria into the U.S. and other countries. Today, individuals can be found all over the world holding the last name “Zech.”
In terms of what the name represents today, the name has come to represent a zeal for knowledge and an ability to think deeply and think outside the box. Those with the surname Zech are often seen as individuals who are quick to pick up knowledge, have strong problem solving skills, and think critically. For these reasons, individuals with the last name Zech are often highly sought after by employers and often excel in STEM fields.
On a more personal level, those with the last name Zech tend to be strong family orientated individuals who try to look after their own and teach them important life skills. They put family and those close to them before themselves, and are loyal, dependable, and strong-willed partners and friends.
Order DNA origin analysisZech: Where does the name Zech come from?
The last name Zech is currently most common in Germany, with over 31,000 people bearing the surname. It is also quite common in Austria, Switzerland, and the US. In the US, the form "Zech" is particularly strong in Pennsylvania, Texas, Ohio, and California, taking up positions in the list of the 100 most common surnames in these states.
The largest concentration of the last name Zech in Germany is in Bavaria (Bayern), with a significant presence also in North Rhine-Westphalia (Nordrhein-Westfalen). Research indicates that the name originated from southwestern Germany and northern Switzerland.
The majority of Zechs today are likely of Germanic origin, descended from the Alemannic tribes who settled in southern Germany, northern Switzerland, and western Austria. The earliest records of the surname date back to the 1700s, when variations like Zeche, Zeck, Zedch, and Zegge are found in various cities.
Other countries with significant populations of Zechs today include Poland, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Hungary. It is likely that the surname arrived in these countries with the migration of Alemannic people, or those related to them, throughout history. Wherever the surname is found, Zechs are believed to signify a certain level of prosperity and success.
Variations of the surname Zech
The surname Zech has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Zeis, Zeiss, Zeisse, Zeisz, Zeize, Zeiz, Zeizz, Zeys, Zeyse, Zeizz, Zes, Zesch, Zeske, Zeuch, Zeuke, Zeug, and Zieg are some of the common variants.
The Germanic origin of the surname is derived from the root word “ziach” which is associated with early references to a head covering, such as a hat. The surname is therefore believed to have been originally a descriptive name for a hat-maker or a hatter. This is supported by the fact that the ziach was also used to refer to a scarf.
Zeiss is the most commonly used spelling of the surname, and is derived from the German root word “sitz”, which means “sitting”. This could refer to someone with strong ties to the area, indicating that someone may have settled in an area for a long period of time.
Variations of the surname Zech in other countries such as Denmark, France, Switzerland, and the Netherlands include Zeeg, Zega, Zegg, Zeggen, Zegghe, Segh, Segs, and Segge, respectively.
In addition to the various spellings and surnames of the same origin, the surname Zech has been found in records dating back to the 11th century, in documents such as the Falaise Roll. This is a record of people who were Dawn and conquered, evidencing the surname’s long-standing presence in Europe.
Famous people with the name Zech
- Aaron Zech: an American former professional baseball player.
- Patrick Zech: a former German football player who played in the German Bundesliga.
- Frank Zech: a German film director whose movies are known for their edgy story lines and social themes.
- Victoria Zecher: an American author who writes novels for young adults.
- Stephen Zech: a German pilot who holds several records in glider flight.
- Bernd Zech: a German musician who was the keyboardist for the punk rock band Die Toten Hosen.
- Ina Zech: a German actress who has starred in several films and TV shows.
- Günther Zech: a German businessman who's the Prior of the Order of Saint John in Germany.
- Joachim Zech: a German politician who served as a Member of Parliament from 2005 to 2013.
- Matthias Zech: a German football player who plays for Sint-Truidense in the Belgian Second Division.