NomOrigine Background

Last Name Horowitz

What is the origin of the last name Horowitz?

The last name Horowitz is of Ashkenazi Jewish origin. It is a patronymic surname derived from the Yiddish personal name Horovitz, which means "son of Horowitz" or "son of Horowic." Horowitz itself is a toponymic surname, indicating that it was originally taken from a place name. It is believed to have originated from the town of Horovice in present-day Czech Republic. Jewish families who lived in or around Horovice took on the Horowitz surname. Over time, individuals with this surname migrated to different regions, particularly Eastern Europe and later to other parts of the world, resulting in the spread of the Horowitz name.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Horowitz

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Horowitz

The meaning and origin of the last name Horowitz

The surname Horowitz is of Ashkenazi Jewish origin and has roots in Eastern Europe, specifically in the areas that were historically part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The name Horowitz is an anglicized version of the Yiddish surname, Horovitz. It is derived from the Germanic word "hor," meaning "mountain," and the Yiddish word "vitz" or "witz," meaning "son of." Thus, the meaning of Horowitz is "son of the mountain." The name could have been given to individuals who lived near or originated from a mountainous region. As Jewish populations migrated, especially during the 19th and 20th centuries, due to various socio-political reasons, the surname Horowitz spread to different parts of the world, particularly North America and Israel. Today, the name Horowitz is relatively common and is associated with individuals who have Jewish ancestry.

Geographical distribution of the last name Horowitz

The last name Horowitz has a diverse geographical distribution with notable concentrations in both Europe and the Americas. In Europe, a significant percentage of individuals with the last name Horowitz can be found in countries such as Poland, Russia, Ukraine, and Germany, where Jewish communities historically resided. These countries were home to many Horowitz families before and during World War II. As a result of migration and diaspora, Horowitz descendants can also be found in countries across the Americas, particularly in the United States, Canada, Argentina, and Brazil. The United States, in particular, has a large population of individuals with the last name Horowitz, owing to the various waves of Jewish immigration throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Overall, the geographic distribution of the last name Horowitz reflects the movement and settlement patterns of Jewish communities over the past few centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Horowitz

The last name Horowitz, with its origins in Eastern Europe, has a few variations and spellings that have evolved over time. One common variant is Horovitz, which originates from the same root but reflects a different spelling. Similarly, other variations include Horwitz, Hurwitz, Hurvitz, and Harowitz. These different spellings may have emerged due to historical factors such as migration, language differences, or individual preferences for phonetic representation. Additionally, cultural influences and regional dialects could have contributed to the variations in spelling. Although the core pronunciation and meaning of the name remain unchanged, these different spellings reflect the diverse paths and experiences of the individuals and families who bear the name. Whether it is spelled as Horowitz, Horovitz, or any of its other variations, this surname continues to carry the rich heritage and history of those who bear it.

Famous people with the last name Horowitz

There are numerous famous individuals with the last name Horowitz, making their mark in various fields. Vladimir Horowitz, a renowned Russian-American pianist, is often regarded as one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century. His exceptional talents and electrifying performances commanded worldwide recognition. David Horowitz, an American conservative writer and political commentator, has been an influential figure within conservative circles. Founder of the David Horowitz Freedom Center, he has authored several books, challenging left-wing ideology and advocating conservative beliefs. Anthony Horowitz, a celebrated English author, has achieved significant success through his works in the realm of mystery and suspense. Best known for his Alex Rider series and the TV series "Foyle's War," his novels have captivated readers around the globe. These Horowitzes have emerged as influential figures in their respective domains, leaving a lasting impact on the worlds of music, politics, and literature.

Genealogical research on the last name Horowitz

The Horowitz surname is of Jewish origin and can be traced back to Eastern Europe, particularly Russia and Poland. It is derived from a combination of the words "hor," meaning mountain, and "witz," meaning son of. This suggests that the name originally denoted someone living near a mountain. Over time, the Horowitz family spread out geographically, with branches settling in various regions across the globe. Many Horowitz families emigrated to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, seeking better opportunities and fleeing persecution. Notable individuals with the Horowitz surname include the renowned pianist Vladimir Horowitz and the writer Joseph Horowitz. Today, the Horowitz name continues to be carried by a diverse range of individuals, representing a rich and varied lineage with connections to both Jewish history and the wider world.

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 : 11 April 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

Hor (Last name)

surnames > hor

The last name "Hor" is of Chinese origin. It is a common surname in China and can be found among the Han Chinese population. The characters used to write the surname "Hor" in Chine...

Horaira (Last name)

surnames > horaira

The surname Horaira is of Maori origin, originating from New Zealand. It is derived from the Maori word "hōraira," meaning "friend" or "companion."

Horaist (Last name)

surnames > horaist

The last name Horaist is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "hoir" or "héritier," meaning "heir" or "inheritance." This suggests that the name may have origi...

Horathal pedige (Last name)

surnames > horathal-pedige

The last name "Horathal Pedige" does not have a widely known origin or meaning. It is likely a rare or unique surname that may be specific to a particular family or region.

Horbach (Last name)

surnames > horbach

The last name "Horbach" is of German origin. It is derived from the Old High German personal name "Hor", which means "High" or "Hill", combined with the suffix "-bach", which means...

Horbd (Last name)

surnames > horbd

The last name "Horbd" does not have a specific origin or meaning in English. It does not appear to be a common or well-documented surname. It could possibly be a variant spelling o...

Hordofa (Last name)

surnames > hordofa

The last name "Hordofa" is of Ethiopian origin. It is a surname commonly found in the Amhara region of Ethiopia.

Horei (Last name)

surnames > horei

The last name "Horei" is of Romanian origin. It is derived from the given name "Ilie", a shortened form of the Greek name "Elias", which means "Jehovah is God".

Horid adna (Last name)

surnames > horid-adna

The last name "Horid Adna" appears to have a unique origin and is not specifically linked to any known historical or cultural background. It is possible that the last name has been...

Horika (Last name)

surnames > horika

The last name "Horika" is of Japanese origin. It is derived from the Japanese word "hori" which means "moat" or "ditch" and likely refers to someone who lived near or worked on a m...

Horillo (Last name)

surnames > horillo

The last name "Horillo" is of Spanish origin. It is a surname derived from a place name, possibly referring to someone who hailed from a town or village called Horillo in Spain.

Horincar (Last name)

surnames > horincar

The last name "Horincar" is of Romanian origin. It is a common surname in Romania and is derived from the Romanian word "horincă," which refers to a type of strong alcoholic bever...

Horiny (Last name)

surnames > horiny

The last name "Horiny" has Hungarian origins. It is derived from the Hungarian word "horia," meaning peak or summit.

Horiondo (Last name)

surnames > horiondo

The last name "Horiondo" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the word "orondo," meaning proud or haughty, in reference to someone who is perceived as such.

Horipadads (Last name)

surnames > horipadads

The last name "Horipadads" does not have a known origin or meaning in English. It is possible that it is a unique or uncommon surname.