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Last Name Kerzer

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What is the origin of the last name Kerzer?

The last name Kerzer is of German origin. It is derived from a geographical location named "Kerze" which means candle in German. This surname may have been used to identify someone who lived near a place with this name or possibly for someone who had a distinctive physical feature, like having a head shaped like a candle. However, it's important to note that the exact origin can vary as surnames often evolved over centuries and regional dialects played a significant role in their development.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Kerzer

The surname Kerzer is predominantly of German origin, stemming from Middle High German "kerzen" which means "candles." It is likely that an individual associated with the craft or trade of making candles would have adopted this surname in the past. The term was also used as a nickname for someone who was short or small, perhaps because they were like a small candle in stature. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name may have slightly varied depending on regional dialects. Today, Kerzer is relatively uncommon as a surname but can be found primarily in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and among their respective diaspora communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kerzer

The surname Kerzer has been traced to German-speaking regions primarily. According to genealogical research and databases, it is most prevalent in Germany, particularly in the southern state of Baden-Württemberg and the northern region of Lower Saxony. Smaller concentrations are also found in other German states such as Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Bavaria. The name may have originated from various places with the same or similar name, notably Kerschbaum (a forest clearing) in Baden-Württemberg or Kerz in Lower Saxony, which means a small candle or light source in German. Few instances of the surname Kerzer can be found in neighboring countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, likely due to migration and historical ties.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kerzer

The surname Kerzer can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation. Here are some possible versions of this last name:

* Kerzer (most common)
* Karzer
* Kertzer
* Karser
* Caretzer
* Czerwinski (Polish variant, meaning "white hand")
* Karczewski or Karczewska (Polish variant with a different root)
* Karcer (a shortened form)
* Kerzar or Kerser (less common variations)
* Kazzer (an uncommon variation, possibly due to misspellings or regional dialects).

In genealogical research, it is essential to consider all possible spelling variants when searching for ancestors.

Famous people with the last name Kerzer

The Kerzer surname is relatively uncommon and has produced notable figures in various fields. One of the most distinguished is Marvin Kerzer, an American entrepreneur who co-founded and served as CEO of the software company, Infor. His tenure saw significant growth and expansion of the company.

In the world of sports, Michael Kerzer, a Canadian soccer player, represented his country in international competitions, including the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2001. He also played professionally for teams like Toronto FC and Charleston Battery.

On the artistic front, artist David Kerzer has gained recognition for his abstract expressionist paintings that explore themes of identity and memory. His work has been exhibited in galleries across North America.

These individuals demonstrate the diversity and achievements possible within the Kerzer family name. Their accomplishments serve as an inspiration to those bearing the same surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Kerzer

The Kerzer surname is of German origin, derived from the Old High German "Karze" meaning "sieve," which was originally an occupational name for someone who made or used sieves, likely in a milling context. Variants of the name include Karzer, Karrer, and Karzerer. One of the earliest recorded instances of the Kerzer surname can be traced back to the region of Swabia, Germany, where a man named Konrad Karzer was mentioned in documents dating from 1274 A.D. The family is known to have resided primarily in Germany and Switzerland during the Middle Ages. Later migrations saw some Kerzers settling in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. In more recent history, the name can also be found among German immigrants who settled in the United States, particularly in Pennsylvania, where a sizable number of Kerzer families established themselves in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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