Last Name Marantz

Learn more about the origin of the last name Marantz

The meaning and origin of the last name Marantz

The surname Marantz is of Ashkenazic Jewish origin, stemming from Eastern Europe, primarily Russia and Poland. It is a variant of the original German name "Maranz" or "Morantz," which are occupational names for a person who was a merchant or peddler. Over time, due to migration and assimilation, various spellings have arisen, with Marantz being one such variant. The surname's etymology is linked to the Middle High German "mor" meaning "sea" or "lake," and "antzen," meaning "to peddle." This suggests that the original bearer of the name may have been a merchant who traveled from waterways to sell goods, thus earning the name Marantz. The surname is now found among Jewish communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Marantz

The surname Marantz is predominantly found in regions with significant Jewish populations due to its Ashkenazi Jewish origins. The highest concentrations of this last name can be found in Israel, the United States, France, and Germany. In the U.S., the largest number of people with the surname Marantz reside in New York state, particularly in the New York City area. Smaller communities can be found across other states, especially those with a high Jewish population such as Florida and California. In Europe, significant numbers of Marantz family members are found in France, primarily in Paris and its surrounding areas. In Israel, the name is present in both urban and rural regions, reflecting the diverse migration patterns of Jews to the country over the past century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Marantz

The surname Marantz has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation from various languages and regions. Some common spelling variations include: Maranz, Marentz, Marentz, Marnetz, and Marants. These variations may arise due to factors such as different language alphabets, dialects, or changes over time. Additionally, the name could have different origins depending on where it was originally used. For instance, it may be of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "Marenz," meaning "little Mary." Alternatively, it could originate from the French surname "Marens" or possibly the Hebrew given name "Marantz," meaning "bitter." Despite these variations, the core spelling of Marantz remains consistent as a notable last name in various cultures and countries.

Famous people with the last name Marantz

Notable individuals with the surname Marantz include:

1. Harry Marantz (1924-2004), an American audio engineer and designer, best known for his work at Saul Marantz Electronics Company where he developed high-fidelity audio equipment, including the popular Model 7 vacuum tube amplifier.

2. Eliot Marantz (born 1958), an American sound engineer who has worked on numerous films, winning three Academy Awards for Best Sound Editing: "Dune" (1984), "Ghostbusters II" (1989), and "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" (1989).

3. Paul Marantz (born 1962), an American psychologist specializing in social psychology, best known for his research on group polarization and intergroup conflict resolution. He is a professor at Harvard University.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields: audio engineering, film sound, and social psychology.

Genealogical research on the last name Marantz

The surname Marantz has roots traced back to Germany and France, primarily in regions such as Alsace and Lorraine. The name is derived from two possible origins: one being a locality near Metz in France named Mareinsart or Marinsart, and the other being an occupational name for a merchant or manufacturer of marant, a type of cloth.

The first documented bearer of the surname, Johann Marantz, lived in the Duchy of Lorraine in the 14th century. From there, the family migrated to Germany and later spread across Europe due to various historical events such as the Thirty Years' War and the Napoleonic Wars.

The Marantz family gained notable figures in various fields over time. For instance, Richard Marantz (1825-1900) was a prominent banker and philanthropist in Germany, while Herbert A. Marantz (1913-1975) made significant contributions to the field of electrical engineering as an inventor and founder of Marantz Electronics Corporation. The name Marantz continues to be found across Europe, North America, and Israel today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Marantz"
• 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 : 12 June 2025