Surname Metzlaff - Meaning and Origin

Metzlaff: What does the surname Metzlaff mean?

The last name Metzlaff is a German surname derived from the Old German ‘Metz’ meaning 'fenced meadow'. The name evolved over time and is now found in various forms throughout Europe and the United States. Metzlaff is one of the most common surnames in Northern Germany and was originally a descriptor for someone living on a meadow enclosed by a fence.

A quick search of FamilySearch.org's surname database reveals Metzlaffs first appearing in various parts of Germany in the 17th and 18th centuries. In the United States, the Metzlaffs can be found living in Michigan, Texas, Wisconsin, and numerous other states.

In more recent decades, many Metzlaffs have become prominent in the fields of music, mechanics, engineering, and education. Notable Metzlaffs include Swiss-American Louise Metzlaff, world-renowned lute player Johannes Metzlaff, and German mathematician Reinhard Metzlaff.

In summary, the last name Metzlaff is a traditional German surname meaning 'fenced meadow'. It’s likely that the decedents of the original Metzlaffs living in Northern Germany have spread out over the course of centuries to various parts of Europe and the United States. Over the past several hundred years, Metzlaffs have gone on to become successful members of various professions, and have undoubtedly left a lasting legacy with their contributions to society.

Metzlaff: Where does the name Metzlaff come from?

The last name Metzlaff is most commonly found today in Germany and North America. In Germany, the Metzlaff surname is most concentrated in the northern region of the country, primarily the state of Schleswig-Holstein. In North America, the Metzlaff name is most often found in the United States, particularly in the midwestern states of Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan.

In Germany, there are records of the Metzlaff family originating in the towns of Lensahn, Wahlstedt, Dollard, and Sierhagen. Lensahn is a town in the district of Ostholstein in the northern part of Schleswig-Holstein. It borders the Baltic Sea and can be found 60 kilometers from the city of Kiel. In the 19th century, many of the Metzlaff family in Germany emigrated to the United States, primarily Wisconsin.

Over time, the Metzlaff family spread across the United States and is now found in several states. In Wisconsin, the Metzlaff family is most commonly found in Milwaukee and Ozaukee counties. In Illinois, the Metzlaff surname is found in Cook and Will counties, while in Michigan, the family is most commonly found in St. Clair and Oakland counties.

Because of its origin in Germany, the Metzlaff family has a rich history that continues to this day. Whether in Europe or the United States, the Metzlaff family continues to have a strong presence in the regions in which it is found.

Variations of the surname Metzlaff

The surname Metzlaff has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These include: Metzlaaf, Metzlef, Metzler, Metslaaff, Metsleff, Metsler, Metsloff, Metslove, Metslaff, Metslaver, Metslaw, Metselef, Metzleve, Metsleve, Metzloof, and Metslov.

Metzlaaf is believed to be the original form of the surname, originating from Germany in the Middle Ages. This name is thought to come from the word 'Metzler', which refers to a cutter of cloth. The word is derived from the German word 'Metz', meaning 'to cut'. Over time, the spelling has evolved into different variants due to regional dialects and phonetic translations.

Metzler is the most common variation of the Metzlaff surname, and is the second most popular surname in Germany. The spelling of Metzler can also be found in Austria, Switzerland, and parts of the United States. The Metslaaff variant is typically found in Dutch-speaking regions, such as The Netherlands and Belgium.

The spelling Metsleff is primarily found in the United Kingdom, while the spelling Metsler is more common in Austria and Switzerland. The Metselef variation is most often found in the United States.

In addition to these spellings, the surname Metzlaff is also sometimes used as a middle name or surname. This is often due to immigrants who came to the United States and were forced to change their name due to differences in pronunciation and regional dialects.

Overall, the Metzlaff surname has dozens of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. This is likely due to the popularity of the name and people migrating to different regions with different accents and dialects.

Famous people with the name Metzlaff

• Michael Metzlaff: German football manager and former player
• Jessica Metzlaff: American CrossFit athlete
• Yorck Metzlaff: German tennis player and coach
• Tim Metzlaff: German professional golfer
• Piet Metzlaff: South African field hockey player
• Daniel Metzlaff: Chilean football player
• Kaileah Metzlaff: American Olympic weightlifter
• Aaron Metzlaff: American pole vaulter
• Branden Metzlaff: German professional basketball player
• Jakob Metzlaff: German artist and sculptor

Other surnames

MetzlafMetzlaw