Surname Zentz - Meaning and Origin
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Zentz: What does the surname Zentz mean?
The last name Zentz is of German origin and is a variant spelling of the more common last name Zent. It likely derives from the German word ‘Zent’, meaning ‘center’ or ‘point’. This suggests that the German Zentz/Zent family were centered around a particular area or location in Germany, possibly a small village. The name may even have originated from a well-known local building or monument that had a strong connection to the family.
The Zentz family is believed to have a long history in Germany with individuals bearing different spellings and variations of the same surname. Being of German origin, the Zentz family are believed to have left Germany and emigrated to other countries, likely in Europe, during the 19th and 20th centuries. This could explain why the Zentz surname is found in a variety of countries outside of Germany today, including Canada, the United States, and Australia.
The Zentz name is also associated with a particular coat of arms, which uses a black and gold color pattern and features an image of a ‘pointed up’ hand grasping a lily. This design is thought to symbolize virtue and fertility, suggesting that the family values these qualities and honors them as an important part of their identity.
In summary, the last name Zentz is of German origin, and is likely derived from the German word ‘Zent’, meaning ‘center’ or ‘point’. It is also associated with a particular coat of arms, which uses a black and gold color pattern and features an image of a ‘pointed up’ hand grasping a lily. The Zentz family has a long history in Germany and individuals bearing different spellings and variations of the same surname have since left Germany and spread around the world.
Order DNA origin analysisZentz: Where does the name Zentz come from?
The last name Zentz is most commonly found in the United States today. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2019, there were nearly three thousand individuals with this surname living in the United States. It is particularly common in the state of Pennsylvania, where over half of the Zentz population resides. Other areas with noteworthy amounts of Zentz include California, Texas, Michigan, and New York.
Originating in Germany, Zentz was likely derived from the German word “zent”, meaning “a hundred”, or from the medieval term “zuntz”, meaning “a corner”. It is believed the original bearer of the surname held a place of importance, with connections to a border or border town.
Other countries in which Zentz is found today include Canada, Germany, and France. It is also present in Australia, New Zealand, and several South American countries in relatively small numbers.
Overall, the Zentz surname is most common in the United States, while it is relatively uncommon in other parts of the world.
Variations of the surname Zentz
The surname Zentz is a Germanic name of uncertain origin. It is possible that it derives from the German word ‘zent’, which means ‘edge’ or ‘center’, as well as other German words with similar meanings. Variants of the surname Zentz include Cintz, Centz, Centzsch, Centze, Sentz, and Zents. It is also occasionally spelled as Zandz.
The surname Zentz is spread across several countries, such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, United States, Canada, and other countries in Europe. In the United States primarily, the surname is sometimes written as Xanntz, Zants, Xantz, Zentes, and Zent.
In Germany and Austria, the surname has several alternate spellings and variants, among which are Zentzmann, Zens, Zenthe, Centse, Cents, Sents, and Zentzsch. Similarly, in Switzerland, the surname is often spelled as Centz, Centse, Zenthe, Zandz, Zents, Cintz, Cents, Sents, Sintz, and Zentzsch. In France, the surname Zentz is also commonly spelled as Cintz, Centzsch, and Centze.
Despite the many variant spellings of the surname, the origin is believed to be the same. For the most part, these spelling variations can be attributed to the various languages and dialects of German, Austria, Switzerland, and France that the family has encountered during its migrations over the centuries.
Famous people with the name Zentz
- Colt Zentz: An actor and stuntman known for Ride Along 2 (2016) and The Good Lord Bird (2020).
- Keith Zentz: an American music producer. He has worked with key figures in the industry, including comedians such as Larry the Cable Guy, The cajun Comedy Tour and Steve Martin.
- Tamarah Zentz: an internationally acclaimed costumer designer and creative director known for her work on London Fashion Week.
- Theron Zentz: a two time Emmy nominated actor with credits on well-known television shows such as Two and a Half Men and The Big Bang Theory.
- Jessica Zentz: an award-winning professional figure skater and actress.
- Mitch Zentz: An American soccer player, collector, and sports analyst.
- Kaitlyn Zentz: a model for major beauty brands such as Maybelline and L’Oréal.
- Robert Zentz: a former professional baseball player in the minor leagues and homemaker.
- Mark Zentz: a multi-instrumental musician who plays bass, guitar, drums, and violin.
- Rhett Zentz: a singer/songwriter known for his unique and dreamy folk-pop sound.