Surname Getze - Meaning and Origin
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Getze: What does the surname Getze mean?
The last name Getze (sometimes spelled Gettze) has German origins and is derived from the German word 'Getz', a regional term for a 'woodpile'. As such, it can be interpreted to mean 'woodcutter' or 'woodpile's owner'.
The name is believed to have originated in the Bavarian area of Germany and, like many German surnames, may have held occupational meaning. During the earliest uses of the name, those of the same surname were likely woodcutters, working with and providing a valuable commodity to a nearby city or town.
Throughout history, some members of the Getze family have emigrated to North America of various countries, though the majority of the population bearing this surname is located in Germany and the larger part of the German-speaking region.
The prime origin of the Getze name can be traced to the medieval German region, and as its namesake indicates, those of the Getze surname were likely employed as woodcutters or were involved in some other similar work. It is likely that many members of the Getze family over the years have followed in the footsteps of their ancestors—or that their name may still hold associations with this ancient occupation.
Order DNA origin analysisGetze: Where does the name Getze come from?
The surname Getze is commonly found in Germany and the United States. In Germany, the name is most frequent in the northern state of Lower Saxony. The city of Schortens, located in the district of Friesland in Lower Saxony, is where the highest number of Getzes are found. In the United States, the name is most common in the states of Minnesota and Missouri. Across the U.S., the largest population of Getzes in terms of population is located in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
The Getzes can trace their origin back to a surname that used to be most common in Westphalia, a region in Germany. In fact, the Getze surname is most likely derived from Westphalia. In old German records, names ending in "eke" or "ke" were common and Getze is one of them.
The presence of Getzes in Germany and the U.S. suggests a strong connection between the two countries. During the 19th century, large numbers of Germans immigrated to the U.S., and many of them were named Getze. From records, it is clear that Getzes have been in the U.S. for more than 150 years.
In today's world, the last name Getze is recognizable all around the world. It is common in many countries, especially in Germany and the United States. While the number of Getzes may not be as high as it once was, the name continues to be associated with a strong German heritage.
Variations of the surname Getze
The surname Getze has a number of variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. They include the following:
1. Getzel: This is likely the most common spelling variant of the name Getze in Europe, and usually appears among those of Jewish descent.
2. Gertz: This is a variation of the original Getze that occurs among individuals from Germany and Eastern Europe.
3. Gätze: This spelling of the surname Getze is usually found among those of German and Danish descent.
4. Gätzke: This German spelling variation of the name Getze is also common among those of German and Danish descent.
5. Grets: This is a spelling variant which most likely originated from the Scottish name Gred. It usually occurs among those of Scottish and Nordic descent.
6. Gättes: This form of the name Getze is mainly associated with those of Germanic descent, although it can also be found in some regions of French-speaking Switzerland.
7. Gitz: This is a spelling variant of Getze that is usually found among individuals of German-Jewish descent, and can also be found among those of Danish and Norwegian origin.
Aside from these primary spellings and variants, there are also many other less common versions of the surname Getze, such as Gaets, Gaeets, Geezes, Gettes, Gets, Gaus, Ghits, Gotts and Gettes. In some areas, it is also possible to find versions of the name that have been modified through spelling and pronunciation over time, such as Getsch, Gesch, Geatz, Getsh, and Geitsch.
Each spelling and variation of the surname Getze provides insight into its origins and roots, and allows us to trace its presence throughout Europe.
Famous people with the name Getze
- Bismarck Getze: Bismarck Getze is best known as an American actor who has appeared in films such as 3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain, Route 666 and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
- Gordon Getze: Gordon Getze is an American music executive and entrepreneur who is credited with developing the careers of a variety of acts, including Britney Spears, Christian rock band Stryper and country pop star Martina McBride.
- Mike Getze: Mike Getze is an American writer and producer, best known for his work on Fox's hit TV show The X-Files.
- Marcel Getze: Marcel Getze is an artist and illustrator best known for his work on comic books including Batman and Judge Dredd.
- Chris Getze: Chris Getze is a former American professional baseball player who played secondbase and shortstop for the St. Louis Cardinals in the early 2000s.
- Erwin Getze: Erwin Getze was a pioneer in the field of civil engineering who helped develop the standards for reinforced concrete structures.
- Carol Getze: Carol Getze is a retired American basketball player who became an assistant coach at several universities, including the University of Kentucky.
- Craig Getze: Craig Getze is an American film producer and director whose credits include the films Mad Money and Red Eye.
- Steve Getze: Steve Getze is a retired professional stock car racer who competed in numerous races during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
- Alexander Getze: Alexander Getze is a classical composer and multi-instrumentalist who has composed various film scores and works for solo instruments.