Surname Zeech - Meaning and Origin

Zeech: What does the surname Zeech mean?

The last name "Zeech" is of German origin. Zeech is derived from the German word "zic", meaning a "bordered or embroidered cloth". The name likely originated in the Middle Ages to refer to a person who worked with, made, or sold such fabrics. In some cases, it may have also been used to denote a person who decorated fabrics.

The name Zeech is not particularly common, but is still seen in pockets of Germany, Central Europe, and the United States. It is considered a concrete name, while more common names like Schmidt or Mueller are abstract. The name is believed to have been in use since at least the Middle Ages.

In the modern era, the surname still is associated with fabric and stitching. While there is no clear indication of a particular family bearing the name, there are some records from centuries past which indicate that the name was used in some capacity.

In recent times, the surname Zeech has become increasingly rare. However, those who carry the name can be confident that they hail from a long line of talented artisans and fabric enthusiasts.

Zeech: Where does the name Zeech come from?

The last name Zeech is most common today in the German-speaking countries of Europe, particularly German-speaking Switzerland. It is also found to a lesser extent in Austria and Germany. The surname is thought to have originated as a regional name from the Alpine region of Switzerland, but its precise origins are unknown. In the 19th century, it was quite common in German-speaking parts of the Austrian Empire, including today’s Austrian states of Tyrol and Vorarlberg, as well as parts of Bavaria. Today, people bearing this surname can also be found in the United States of America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and scattered throughout other European countries.

The Zeech surname is found most prominently in Germany today. It ranks 5,358 according to the Top 10,000 German Family Names database, which indicates it is relatively common. It is most commonly found in the German-speaking states of Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). Interestingly, Zeech ranks 72nd in NRW, making it one of the state’s most common names. Outside of Germany, Zeech is most commonly found in Switzerland and Austria. It is less common in other countries, though still present.

Variations of the surname Zeech

The surnames Zeech, Mayze, Meese, Mese and Meesen, all share a common origin, “the house of Meese”. This origin can be traced back to towns in the East European region, such as Meisers (modern day Prussia or northern Lithuania) and the Palatinate region, such as Miesenbach (modern day Bavaria).

The origin of the Mayze, Meese, Mese and Meesen surnames comes from the Low German words mai (from maien meaning to farm or cultivate the land) and zei (from zeihen meaning to plow, or till the land). The suffix “-en” was added to the original surname variations indicating relative or familial ties.

The historical records of the early days of the Zeech surname show it spelling variations of Seihez and Seeh, while the earliest known record of the Mayze spelling appears in the 14th century. The Meese surname was popularized by German immigrants to the United States, who often changed the spelling to Mese or Meesen. It is also believed that the Mese surname evolved from earlier spellings, like Breese and even Briese.

Regardless of the spelling or how it has evolved over time, the common origin of the Zeech, Mayze, Meese, Mese and Meesen surnames is clear: “the house of Meese.”

Famous people with the name Zeech

• Nonnie Zeech, a singer and actress best known for her roles on the Muppet Show and Sesame Street
• Paul Zeech, an American actor best known for his roles in TV shows such as The Price is Right and Highway to Heaven
• Lisa Zeech, an American television host and writer
• Alison Zeech, an American fashion designer
• Amanda Zeech, a former professional volleyball player
• Greg Zeech, an American cinematographer and director
• Jack Zeech, an American artist and sculptor
• Jack Zeech Jr., an American actor known for his roles in the TV shows CSI and NCIS
• Johann Zeech, an Austrian classical composer
• Cain Zeech, a professional boxer
• Stephen Zeech, an American politician and state senator
• Vincent Zeech, a Dutch film director
• Frank Zeech, an American politician and former mayor of Ruther Glen, Virginia
• Paul Zeech, an American weather researcher and a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences
• Verena Zeech, an Austrian historian and author
• Tyson Zeech, an accomplished American composer, arranger and orchestrator

Other surnames

Zeeck