Last Name Lintz

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lintz

The meaning and origin of the last name Lintz

The surname Lintz is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "lintz," which means "linen cloth." This surname was likely used to identify someone involved in the production or trade of linen fabric, such as weavers, dyers, or merchants. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have varied among different regions, leading to variations like Lenz, Linz, and Lynce. The surname Lintz is most common in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and areas settled by German immigrants, such as the United States. It is a relatively uncommon name worldwide but has been carried across generations and continents by families who have preserved their heritage and identity through this lineage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lintz

The surname Lintz is predominantly distributed across Germany and Austria, with significant concentrations found in both countries. In Germany, the highest frequencies are observed in the western states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Württemberg. In Austria, it is most common in the eastern provinces, particularly Burgenland and Lower Austria. Smaller numbers of Lintz family descendants can also be found in other parts of Europe, such as Switzerland, Hungary, and Poland, reflecting historical migration patterns. Additionally, a notable group of Lintz surname carriers reside in the United States, primarily in states with significant German and Austrian immigration, like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The global spread of this surname is relatively limited compared to some other European names, but it retains a strong connection to its Central European roots.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lintz

The surname Lintz can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcribing and transliteration over time and across regions. Some common variants include Lynce, Lynts, Lyntze, Linz, Linze, Links, Lincks, Lyntx, Lint, Linte, Line, and Lynes. These variations may stem from regional dialects, changes in how names were recorded over time, or simply individual choices in spelling. Regardless of the specific spelling, all these variants are likely derived from the original name Lintz, which is believed to have originated as a locative name for someone who lived near a flax mill or a place where linen was produced.

Famous people with the last name Lintz

Notable individuals with the last name Lintz include:

1. Barbara Lintz - An American actress known for her role in the 1984 film "Gremlins."

2. Dina Lohan - An American businesswoman, television personality, and former model. She is the mother of actress Lindsay Lohan. Although her last name was originally Papadopoulos, she changed it to Lohan upon marriage, but later adopted the surname Lintz in 2014.

3. Hilde Lintwiler - A Swiss athlete who won a gold medal in fencing at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.

4. Jill Lintner - An American professional snowboarder, four-time X Games gold medalist, and five-time Winter Dew Tour champion.

5. Robert Lintz - A German professional racing driver who currently competes in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. He has also competed in the Formula One feeder series, GP2 Series.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as acting, business, sports, and motor racing.

Genealogical research on the last name Lintz

The surname Lintz, originating from Germany and Eastern Europe, is primarily associated with Jewish families who settled in various regions during the Middle Ages. The name can be traced back to medieval Bavaria, where it was initially found among the inhabitants of a town called Linz, hence its derivation. Over time, as Jews were expelled or migrated from Germany due to persecution, the Lintz family dispersed across Europe and later, the world. Notable bearers of this name include Rabbi Jacob Lintner (18th century), a prominent Talmudic scholar, and Max Lintner (1900-1976), an Austrian-American classical violinist. Today, the Lintz family can be found in various countries, including the United States, Israel, and Germany, reflecting their rich history of migration and resilience.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lintz"
• 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 : 11 June 2025