Last Name Amstutz

The last name Amstutz is of Swiss German origin. It is derived from the Swiss German word "Amstutz," which means "office holder" or "person in charge," indicating that the original bearer of the name may have held a position of authority in a town or village. The name Amstutz is relatively common in Switzerland, particularly in the German-speaking regions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Amstutz

The meaning and origin of the last name Amstutz

Amstutz is a Swiss-German surname that originated from the Canton of Berne in Switzerland. The name is derived from the Old High German word "am," meaning "river meadow," and the word "stutz," meaning "steep slope" or "sharp incline." Therefore, the surname likely referred to someone who lived or worked on a steep meadow near a river. Over time, individuals with the surname Amstutz may have migrated to different regions in Switzerland or neighboring countries, leading to variations in spelling and pronunciation. Today, the surname Amstutz is still predominantly found in Switzerland, as well as among Swiss descendants in countries such as the United States, Germany, and Canada. The rich history and origins of the Amstutz surname reflect the importance of geography and occupation in shaping surnames in Swiss-German culture.

Geographical distribution of the last name Amstutz

The surname Amstutz is of Swiss origin and is primarily found in the German-speaking regions of Switzerland. It is most common in the canton of Bern, particularly in the Emmental region. Due to the historically agricultural nature of the region, many Amstutz families were farmers or craftsmen. There are also smaller concentrations of individuals with the last name Amstutz in neighboring countries, such as Germany and Austria, where some Swiss families may have migrated over the centuries. In the United States, the surname Amstutz is relatively rare but can be found in communities with Swiss immigrant populations, particularly in the Midwest. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Amstutz is limited to primarily German-speaking regions, reflecting its Swiss origins.

Variants and spellings of the last name Amstutz

The last name Amstutz has several variations and spellings that have evolved over time. Some common variations include Amstuz, Amstude, Amstutzio, Amstuitz, and Amstoot. These variations may have originated from different regions or dialects where the name was originally used. In some cases, the spelling may have been anglicized or altered to fit the pronunciation of the name in a particular language or region. The variations in spelling can make it challenging to trace the exact origins of the name and its specific meaning. Despite the different spellings, the name Amstutz still maintains its unique identity and can be found in various countries and cultures around the world.

Famous people with the last name Amstutz

One famous person with the last name Amstutz is Harold Amstutz, a renowned American diplomat who served as the United States Ambassador to Afghanistan. He played a crucial role in negotiating with Afghan officials and fostering diplomatic relationships between the two countries. Another notable figure with the surname Amstutz is Allen Amstutz, a former member of the Ohio House of Representatives who advocated for various economic policies and initiatives during his tenure in office. Additionally, Karen Amstutz is a well-known public health expert and advocate who has worked tirelessly to improve healthcare access and quality in underserved communities. The Amstutz family name is associated with individuals who have made significant contributions in the fields of diplomacy, politics, and public health, leaving a lasting impact on society.

Genealogical research on the last name Amstutz

The surname Amstutz is of Swiss origin and is believed to have originated from the village of Amsteg in central Switzerland. The name is locational in nature, indicating that the original bearer hailed from or resided in Amsteg. The earliest recorded instances of the Amstutz surname date back to the 15th century in Switzerland, with individuals bearing the name found in historic records and genealogical documents throughout the region. Over the centuries, the Amstutz family spread to other parts of Europe and eventually to the United States, where descendants of the original Swiss settlers have established themselves in various states, particularly in the Midwest. Today, individuals with the surname Amstutz can be found globally, with a rich heritage tracing back to their Swiss roots in Amsteg.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Amstutz"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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