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Last Name Kitz

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What is the origin of the last name Kitz?

The surname "Kitz" is primarily of German and Swiss origins. It is an occupational name for a maker of kettles, derived from the Middle High German word "kizze," meaning kettle or cauldron. This name can also be found in Austria and parts of Eastern Europe. Variants of this surname include Kitzmann, Kitzmüller, and others.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Kitz

The surname Kitz is of German and Swiss-German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "kitze" which means "meadow goat." This name was given to individuals who lived near a meadow where goats were kept or perhaps to someone with an association with goats, such as a shepherd. The name may have also been a nickname for a person with a goat-like appearance or temperament.

In its various spellings, including Kitz, Kietz, Kitzmann, and Kitzmüller, the surname is most common in regions of Germany such as Bavaria and Swabia. Over time, many people bearing this name emigrated from Germany to other parts of Europe and eventually to North America due to religious and economic reasons, contributing to its widespread presence today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kitz

The last name Kitz is predominantly found in German-speaking regions, particularly in Austria and Germany. According to data from the Family Names Database, it ranks as one of the top 4,000 most common surnames in both countries. Smaller populations of people with the Kitz surname can also be found in neighboring areas such as Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Italy (South Tyrol). There are also scattered instances of this name in other European countries and North America, likely due to immigration from the aforementioned regions during historical periods of migration. The distribution of the Kitz surname thus reflects the historic cultural and linguistic ties between these areas.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kitz

The surname Kitz has several variations and spellings, which may include: Kits, Kitze, Kitzes, Kitts, Kitte, Kiz, Kitta, Kitzel, Kitzinger, Kitzman, Kitzmiller, Kitzmire, Kitzmueller, Kitzius, Kitzmayer, and possibly others. These variations can stem from regional dialects, transcription errors during immigration or census-taking, or simply personal preference when spelling the name. The original root of the name is Germanic, deriving from words meaning "kitchen" or "cook." It is also sometimes associated with a place name in Austria and Germany. Regardless of its exact spelling, the Kitz surname is found primarily among communities of Central European descent.

Famous people with the last name Kitz

Notable individuals with the surname Kitz include:

1. Richard P. Kitz (1942-), an American biologist and geneticist who has made significant contributions to the fields of genetics, cancer research, and developmental biology. He is currently a professor at Harvard Medical School.

2. Robert W. Kitz (1953-), a respected American historian known for his work on medieval European history, particularly the history of the Crusades. He has authored several books and served as the editor of the journal "Viator."

3. Katharina Kitz (1980-), an Austrian actress who gained recognition for her role in the television series "Landkrimi" and the film "Victoria." She also works in theater and has been nominated for several Austrian Film Awards.

4. Franz Xaver von Kittl (1757-1808), an Austrian composer who was a contemporary of Mozart and Haydn. He is known for his operas, symphonies, and sacred music.

5. Karl Ernst Kitz (1823-1906), a German botanist who made significant contributions to the study of algae and liverworts. He was a professor at the University of Marburg and authored several scientific publications.

Genealogical research on the last name Kitz

The surname Kitz originates from Germany and is believed to have derived from various locales with the same name, primarily found in Bavaria. One of the earliest records of the name dates back to the late medieval period, in the town of Kitzingen, which was first mentioned in 812 A.D. The name's bearers were predominantly farmers and artisans, with notable branches migrating to neighboring countries such as Switzerland and Austria over the centuries. Notable individuals bearing the surname Kitz include Johann Georg Kitz (1640-1719), a German astronomer and mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of geometry; and Franz Xaver Kitz (1823-1892), an Austrian painter known for his landscapes and still life paintings. The surname has also dispersed globally, with notable communities found in North America, Australia, and New Zealand.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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