NomOrigine Background

Last Name Gantz

What is the origin of the last name Gantz?

The surname "Gantz" is of German and Jewish origin. It derives from the Old High German word "ganta," meaning "shepherd," and was originally an occupational name for a shepherd or herdsman. Over time, it has also been used as a Jewish surname in Central Europe, particularly in areas that were part of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. In Judaism, it may have been a metonymic occupational name for someone who worked in the service of a shepherd or landowner. The name is also found among Ashkenazi Jews as a variant of Ganz (from Hebrew גַּנְזֶ"ganzeh," meaning "whole, entire").

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gantz

The meaning and origin of the last name Gantz

The surname Gantz is of Germanic origin, stemming from the Middle High German word "ganzen," which means "goose." This surname was most likely used as an occupational name for someone who raised geese or a nickname for someone with a goose-like appearance. Over time, various spellings and variations have emerged, such as Gantz, Gauntz, Gaunts, and others, due to changes in language and regional dialects. Today, the surname Gantz is primarily found among Germanic and Jewish communities, with notable individuals in various fields, including politics, science, and the arts.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gantz

The surname Gantz is primarily found in Germany, where it originated from the Middle High German word "ganz," meaning whole or entire. Its highest concentrations are in Bavaria and Hesse, with significant numbers also in North Rhine-Westphalia. In recent years, there has been a noticeable migration of people bearing the name Gantz to other parts of Europe, particularly Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, and the Netherlands. There is also a sizable Gantz population in the United States, predominantly in Pennsylvania and New York, due to immigration from Germany in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Smaller communities can be found in Canada, Australia, South Africa, and Israel as well, reflecting the global dispersion of individuals with the Gantz surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gantz

The surname Gantz possesses various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. These variations include, but are not limited to: Ganz, Gantz, Ganttz, and Gants. Each of these forms is derived from the original German root "Gant," which means "jacket" or "coat." This name may have been occupational for a maker of coats or jackets, or it could have been a nickname for someone with a sturdy build, suggesting the image of a coat or jacket. The name's spellings and pronunciation may vary across regions and countries, but all these variations can be traced back to its German origin.

Famous people with the last name Gantz

Notable individuals with the surname Gantz include:

1. **Edward M. Gantz** - An American statistician who has made significant contributions to the fields of mathematical statistics, econometrics, and demography. He is known for his work on model selection, model checking, and the analysis of longitudinal data.

2. **Karen J. Gantz** - An American artist whose work focuses primarily on printmaking and ceramics. She has exhibited her pieces in numerous galleries across the United States and is a professor at The University of Texas at San Antonio.

3. **Jeffrey A. Gantz** - An American scholar, educator, and author known for his work in the field of film studies. He has published extensively on topics related to cinema history, theory, and criticism. He served as the director of the University of California, Los Angeles' Film and Television Archive from 1984 to 2006.

4. **Katherine Gantz** - An American mathematician who specializes in combinatorics and algebraic geometry. She is a professor at Cornell University and has made significant contributions to the fields of combinatorial commutative algebra, algebraic statistics, and mathematical biology.

Genealogical research on the last name Gantz

The surname Gantz originated from Germany and Switzerland, where it is believed to have derived from the Old High German term "Gans," meaning 'goose.' This patronymic surname could have been given to someone who was the son of Ganz or Gaunt, two possible variations of the name. Early records show the family settling in various regions within Europe during the Middle Ages.

One notable bearer of the surname was Conrad Gantz (1480-1564), a German mathematician and astronomer who made significant contributions to trigonometry. The Gantz family also played an essential role in the early settlement of North America, with several members arriving in Pennsylvania during the 1700s.

Throughout history, the Gantz family has expanded across continents, with notable branches emerging in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia. Today, the surname remains common in these regions, as well as Germany and Switzerland. Genealogical research continues to uncover the rich history and achievements of the Gantz family.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 15 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Gan esan (Last name)

surnames > gan-esan

The surname "Gan Esan" is of Malaysian origin. It is a combination of two words, "Gan" and "Esan," which likely have specific meanings or origins in the Malay language.

Ganacias (Last name)

surnames > ganacias

The surname "Ganacias" is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the Spanish word "ganancia," which means profit or gain. This surname may have been adopted by individuals during t...

Ganacias-cornejo (Last name)

surnames > ganacias-cornejo

The last name "Ganacias Cornejo" is of Spanish origin. "Ganacias" is a surname derived from the word "ganacia" which means profit or gain in Spanish. "Cornejo" is a surname derived...

Ganacsatada (Last name)

surnames > ganacsatada

The last name Ganacsatada has its origin in Hungary. It is likely derived from a Hungarian word or place name.

Ganad (Last name)

surnames > ganad

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Ganaie (Last name)

surnames > ganaie

The surname Ganaie is of Kashmiri origin, specifically from the region of Jammu and Kashmir in northern India. It is believed to be derived from the word "ganai," which refers to s...

Ganamh (Last name)

surnames > ganamh

The last name "Ganamh" is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic word "ganeamha," which means "sand." This surname likely originated as a descriptive name for someone who l...

Ganamoo (Last name)

surnames > ganamoo

The last name Ganamoo is of African origin. It is commonly found among the Hausa people of Nigeria.

Ganancial (Last name)

surnames > ganancial

The surname "Ganancial" originates from the Spanish word "ganancia," which means profit or gain. It is likely that this surname was originally used to denote someone who obtained p...

Ganapin (Last name)

surnames > ganapin

The last name "Ganapin" is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the name of the Hindu god Ganesha, who is also known as Ganapati. It is possible that the surname was adopted by f...

Ganapooram (Last name)

surnames > ganapooram

The surname "Ganapooram" is of Indian origin, specifically from the state of Tamil Nadu. It is derived from the Tamil word "Gana" which means army or community, and "pooram" which ...

Ganasrinu (Last name)

surnames > ganasrinu

The last name "ganasrinu" appears to have Indian origins. It may be derived from the Telugu language, a Dravidian language spoken predominantly in the Indian state of Andhra Prades...

Ganat (Last name)

surnames > ganat

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Ganatra (Last name)

surnames > ganatra

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Ganau (Last name)

surnames > ganau

The surname Ganau has roots in several regions, including Germany and France. It is an occupational name derived from the Latin word "ganeus," meaning "a weaver." In some cases, it...