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Last Name Lotz

What is the origin of the last name Lotz?

The surname "Lotz" is of German origin. It is an occupational name for a maker of wooden articles, derived from Middle High German "lotze," meaning a stake, log, or beam, used to mark boundaries, or a rudimentary measuring rod. Over time, it may have been used as a metonymy for someone who worked with such objects. In some cases, it could also be a pet form of the given name Lotar, derived from Latin "Lotarius," meaning "famous warrior." However, family names may have different origins in different regions and families, so it's always best to consult genealogical or historical records for precise information.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Lotz

The meaning and origin of the last name Lotz

The surname Lotz is of Germanic origin, stemming primarily from Central Europe, particularly Germany. It is an occupational name, derived from the Middle High German word "lot(e)" meaning lot or share, and was likely used to identify someone who was a dealer in lots, or someone who distributed allotments of land or other goods. Alternatively, it may have been used as a metonymy for a scribe or notary, as lots were often used in legal documents during the Middle Ages. The surname Lotz has several variations across different regions and languages, such as Lotsch, Loetz, and Louw in various German dialects, and Lotzov in Slavic languages. Over time, the name has spread globally due to historical events like migration and colonization.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lotz

The surname Lotz is most prevalent in Germany, where it originates from, with significant concentrations found in regions such as Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Hesse. It also has a notable presence in the neighboring countries of Austria, Switzerland, and France, particularly in the Alsace region, which was historically part of the German Empire. The name has also spread to other parts of Europe and the world through immigration, with a significant number of individuals carrying this surname found in the United States, South Africa, Australia, and Canada. In North America, many descendants of German immigrants bear the surname Lotz. The distribution of the name Lotz reflects historical migration patterns, particularly from Central Europe to North America during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lotz

The surname Lotz, or Lotze, has several variants and spellings due to differences in transcription and regional pronunciation over time. Some of these variations include Lots, Lötz, Lötsch, Lotsche, Lotzey, Lötzsch, Lotzi, and Latz. These alterations may have arisen from the use of different languages or dialects, as well as changes in orthography. It is essential to note that each variant may have a unique origin and history. For genealogical research, it is helpful to explore all possible variations when tracing one's family tree.

Famous people with the last name Lotz

Notable individuals with the surname Lotz include:

1. Hans Conon Lotz (1929-2017), a German-American mathematician and computer scientist, best known for his contributions to the fields of numerical analysis and scientific computing. He worked on the development of numerical methods for solving differential equations and linear systems.

2. James T. Lotz (born 1956), an American historian and professor at the University of Maryland, College Park. His research focuses on modern American cultural history, particularly on American popular culture, sports, and media. He is the author of several books, including "The First Popular Culture: America and the Idea of Innovation" (2014).

3. Joseph Lotz (1897-1967), a German-American composer and conductor. He was the founder and first president of the International Society for Contemporary Music (ISCM) in 1922, and served as its secretary general until 1952. His compositions include symphonies, operas, and chamber music.

4. Richard Lotz (born 1960), a German film director, screenwriter, and producer. He is best known for directing the films "Wer früher stirbt ist länger tot" (2007) and "Der bewegte Mann" (2004). His work has been nominated for multiple German Film Awards.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, leaving a lasting impact on mathematics, history, music, and film.

Genealogical research on the last name Lotz

The surname Lotz originates from Germany and is derived from the Old High German word "lot," meaning "fate" or "destiny." The earliest recorded occurrence of the surname can be traced back to the Holy Roman Empire during the Middle Ages, with Johannes Loth being documented in 1238 in the region of Swabia. The Lotz family has a rich and diverse history, with notable branches spread across Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, and the United States. In Germany, significant Lotz lineages can be found in Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, and Bavaria. The family tree includes various prominent figures such as Johann Caspar Lotz, a 17th-century Swiss theologian, and Franz Karl Lotz, an influential German painter from the Romantic period. Today, the Lotz name is widespread globally, with significant populations in North America due to immigration during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

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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 June 2025

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