Last Name Glanz

The surname "Glanz" is of German origin. It comes from the Middle High German word "glanzen," which means "to shine." This name was given to someone who had a bright or shining appearance, possibly due to fair hair or a clear complexion. The name is also found in Jewish families with Ashkenazi origins.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Glanz

The meaning and origin of the last name Glanz

The surname Glanz is of German and Jewish origin. It translates to "glimmer" or "shimmer" in German, reflecting its etymological roots in the Old High German word "glanzon," which means "to shine." The name was often given to children born during bright or glorious events, such as the birth of a sibling, a significant religious event, or a time when there was hope and joy.

Historically, the Glanz family was primarily found in regions of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, with early records dating back to the Middle Ages. Some notable bearers of this surname include Maximilian Glanz, a Swiss musician, and Hermann Glanz, a German-born American architect. The name has also been documented among Jewish families, particularly in communities located in Germany, Poland, and Russia. Today, the Glanz family can be found across the globe, with significant populations in countries like the United States, Canada, Israel, and Australia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Glanz

The surname Glanz has a predominantly Germanic origin and is widely distributed throughout Germany, particularly in regions such as Bavaria, Hesse, and Rhineland-Palatinate. In Germany, it ranks among the top 100,000 most common surnames, with the highest concentrations found in the cities of Munich, Frankfurt, and Cologne. Glanz is also present in other German-speaking countries like Austria and Switzerland, albeit less frequently. In addition to Germany, significant numbers of individuals carrying the name Glanz can be found in the United States, primarily in areas with strong German immigrant communities such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Ohio, and North Dakota. The name is also represented in Canada, Australia, and South Africa, reflecting global dispersions from historical German migrations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Glanz

The surname Glanz has various spellings and pronunciations across different regions and time periods. Some common variants include Glance, Glancz, Glants, and Glans. In German-speaking countries, the name can be pronounced as [ɡlants] or [klant͡s]. In English, it is often pronounced with a long 'a' sound in the first syllable, as [glahnts].

In Jewish tradition, the name may also have Yiddish variants such as Glants, Glantsch, or Glantsh. Additionally, there are variations resulting from different transliterations of the name into other languages, such as Glanț in Romanian and Glañez in Basque. It is essential to note that these variations can result from factors like migration, cultural assimilation, and historical transcription errors.

Famous people with the last name Glanz

Notable individuals bearing the surname Glanz include:

1. **Johann Wilhelm Glanz** (1899-1963): A Swiss engineer and physicist, he is known for his work in the field of microwave technology. He played a significant role in the development of radar technology during World War II.

2. **Lawrence M. Glanz** (born 1945): An American journalist who served as a correspondent and bureau chief for The Philadelphia Inquirer. His work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize.

3. **Ronnie Glazer** (1928-2016): Born in London, UK, she was an actress and model who appeared in several British films during the 1950s. She is perhaps best known for her role as Lila La Salle in the film "Genevieve."

4. **Gerhard Glanz von Binningen** (1896-1987): A Swiss architect and designer, he was a prominent figure in the Swiss Modern movement. His most famous works include the Café Odeon in Bern and the Glattal Airport Terminal in Zurich.

5. **Johanna Glatz** (born 1960): An Austrian alpine skier who competed at the 1984 and 1988 Winter Olympics, winning a bronze medal in the giant slalom event at the latter games.

Genealogical research on the last name Glanz

The surname Glanz is of German origin, derived from the Old High German word "glanz," meaning "brightness" or "shining." It was commonly found among blacksmiths and armorers who were associated with the forge and its fiery glow. The name gained prominence in various regions of Germany, particularly in Bavaria and Prussia, during the Middle Ages.

Early records show that one of the earliest known bearers of the Glanz surname was Johann Glanz, who lived in the early 16th century in Bavaria. The family then migrated to Switzerland in the late 17th century and later spread to Austria, Czech Republic, and various parts of Europe due to religious and political reasons.

Notable individuals with the Glanz surname include Karl Glanz (1825-1896), a German geographer and cartographer; Heinrich Glanz (1847-1908), a German botanist who specialized in plant physiology; and Max Glanz (1908-1961), an Austrian painter known for his surrealist works.

The Glanz family has also had a significant presence in the United States since the 19th century, with many descendants contributing to various fields such as science, art, and politics.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Glanz"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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