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Last Name Pelz

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What is the origin of the last name Pelz?

The last name Pelz is of Germanic origin. It comes from the Old High German word "pelz" which means fur or pelt. This surname was often given to individuals who were involved in the fur trade or who had a profession related to fur, such as a furrier or a tanner of hides. Over time, it became a hereditary surname passed down through generations.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Pelz

The surname Pelz originates from German and Dutch origins, where it is derived from the Old High German word "pelz" which means 'fur' or 'pelt'. This suggests that early bearers of this name were either fur traders or tanners who worked with animal pelts. Over time, the surname has been anglicized as Pelce, Pells, and Pelzman in various regions outside Germany. The Pelz family is not particularly prominent in historical records but can be found scattered throughout Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and some parts of France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. As with many German surnames, the Pelz name was often changed by immigrants to more easily assimilate into their new cultures upon arriving in other countries, such as England, America, and Australia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pelz

The last name Pelz has its origins in German-speaking regions, particularly Germany and Austria, where it is most frequently found. Over time, individuals with the surname Pelz have emigrated to various parts of the world due to historical events such as wars and economic migrations. In North America, the name Pelz can be found predominantly in the United States and Canada, especially in areas with high German immigrant populations like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, and British Columbia. In Europe outside of Germany and Austria, the last name Pelz is also present in significant numbers in Switzerland, Belgium, and the Netherlands. There are also smaller communities bearing the surname Pelz in countries such as France, Denmark, and the United Kingdom, reflecting historical patterns of migration and settlement. The distribution of the Pelz surname further extends to other regions around the globe due to modern international migration trends.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pelz

The surname Pelz has several variations and spellings in English and other languages. The most common variants include Pels, Peлз (in Cyrillic), and Pelcz or Pelcza (Polish). Other less common variations include Pelts and Pelczar. In German, the name may also be spelled Pelzec or Peltzsch. It's important to note that surnames can change over time due to regional dialects, immigration, and assimilation. Therefore, it is not uncommon to find different spellings of the same name within a family tree or across geographical regions. In genealogical research, it's essential to consider all possible variations when tracing ancestry.

Famous people with the last name Pelz

The Pelz surname is associated with several notable individuals across various fields. One such figure is Robert Pelz, an American anthropologist and archaeologist, who made significant contributions to the study of early human technology and the development of stone tools. Another prominent figure is Richard Pelz, a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing California's 43rd congressional district from 1985 to 1993. In the world of sports, Gregg Pelz was a professional American football player who played as a wide receiver for the Denver Broncos in the National Football League (NFL). Lastly, in the realm of entertainment, Barbara Pelz is a renowned costume designer, known for her work on several major motion pictures and television shows. These are just a few examples of individuals bearing the surname Pelz who have left their mark in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Pelz

The Pelz surname is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "pelz," meaning fur or pelt. It is most commonly found in regions such as Bavaria and Württemberg, where the name was likely first used by someone involved in the fur trade or craft. One notable figure with the Pelz surname is Rabbi Mordechai Pelz (1857-1933), a leading Orthodox rabbi in Poland who was known for his scholarship and communal leadership. The Pelz family also has a significant presence in the United States, particularly in New York City, where many immigrants from Germany settled during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In contemporary times, the Pelz surname can be found worldwide, with notable concentrations in Israel, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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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