Last Name Maus

Learn more about the origin of the last name Maus

The meaning and origin of the last name Maus

The surname Maus is primarily of Germanic origin. It derives from the Middle High German word "maus," which means 'mouse.' This surname was often used to denote someone who lived near or had a particular association with a place where mice were prevalent, or alternatively, it could have been a nickname for someone perceived as being quick and nimble, similar to a mouse. Over time, the name has spread across Europe and beyond due to migration patterns, particularly during the Middle Ages when Germanic tribes were expanding their territories. It is important to note that surnames did not become common in Western Europe until the High Middle Ages, so the exact origins of many family names, like Maus, are often lost in history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Maus

The surname Maus is predominantly found in German-speaking regions, with a significant concentration in Germany itself. It ranks among the most common surnames in the country and also appears frequently in Austria and Switzerland, due to the historical migration and settlement patterns within these areas. The name can also be found in France, particularly along the Alsace-Lorraine border, which was historically under German rule. Smaller numbers of individuals with the surname Maus reside in other countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America. This global distribution is partly due to historical immigration waves from Germany and Austria, as well as the adoption of the name by individuals of other ethnicities for various reasons.

Variants and spellings of the last name Maus

The surname Maus has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some common versions include Mause, Mauss, Mauze, and Máus (in Hungarian). Additionally, there might be regional or ancestral differences that can cause further variations. For example, in German-speaking areas, it could also be spelled as Mayse, Mayß, or Maaß. In Czech, it is spelled Maus or Máš. The Scottish Gaelic form of the name is MacMhaoimh, which can be anglicized to MackMaus or McKMaus. These variations highlight the diverse origins and histories associated with the surname Maus.

Famous people with the last name Maus

Arthur Spiegelman, an American cartoonist and graphic novelist, is arguably the most notable individual with the last name Maus. Born in 1948, he gained worldwide recognition for his Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel "Maus," a memoir chronicling his father's experiences as a Holocaust survivor during World War II. The book is unique due to its anthropomorphic representation of characters: Jews are portrayed as mice, Germans as cats, and Poles as pigs. Spiegelman's work has been hailed for its innovative storytelling techniques and insightful exploration of the Holocaust's complexities and human experiences. In 1992, he received the Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography for "Maus." Additionally, in 1991, he was awarded the Genesis Award for Lifetime Achievement by the Humane Society of the United States.

Genealogical research on the last name Maus

The surname Maus originates from Germany and has various possible meanings, including "mouse" or "mace," reflecting its geographical and occupational origins. The earliest recorded instances of the name can be traced back to the Holy Roman Empire in the 13th century. Throughout the Middle Ages, many Maus families resided in regions such as Bavaria, Swabia, and Thuringia, where they were largely farmers or artisans. With the religious Reformation in the 16th century, a significant number of Maus descendants migrated to neighboring countries like Switzerland, Austria, and the Netherlands.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, some Maus families emigrated from Germany to North America, particularly to Pennsylvania, where they played crucial roles in the development of early American society as farmers, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs. Today, the Maus surname is widespread across Germany and its diaspora, with notable figures including German mathematician Erhard Maus and American inventor Joseph Maus.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Maus"
• 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