The surname "Pelzer" is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "peltzer," which means a furrier or one who works with furs. The name likely originated as an occupational surname for someone who worked in the fur trade or in making garments from fur.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pelzer

The meaning and origin of the last name Pelzer

The surname Pelzer is of German origin, derived from the personal name Peter, which means "rock" or "stone" in Greek. The name Peter was popularized by St. Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, and was subsequently used as a given name in many European countries. Over time, patronymic surnames like Pelzer developed, indicating the "son of Peter." The Pelzer surname is predominantly found in the region of Rhineland-Palatinate in Germany, where it is most common. It is likely that individuals with the surname Pelzer are descendants of someone whose father was named Peter, reflecting the importance of family and lineage in German culture.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pelzer

The last name Pelzer is most commonly found in countries with German ancestry, such as Germany, the United States, and Switzerland. In these countries, the surname is most prevalent in regions with a historically high concentration of German immigrants. In the United States, states such as Wisconsin, Illinois, and Missouri have a higher number of individuals with the last name Pelzer. Additionally, due to migration patterns and global diaspora, the surname can also be found in smaller numbers in other countries with German immigrant populations, such as Canada, Australia, and South Africa. Overall, the geographic distribution of the last name Pelzer is primarily concentrated in regions with strong ties to German heritage and immigration history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pelzer

The last name Pelzer can also be spelled as Peltzer, Peltzer, Pellzer, Pellzer, Peizer, Peizer, Peltzer, Pelter, Pelter, Pelsor, and Pelter. These variations may be due to different regional pronunciations or historical changes in spelling conventions.

Famous people with the last name Pelzer

Dave Pelzer is a well-known author and advocate for children who has gained international recognition for his memoir "A Child Called 'It'." Nikki Pelzer is a contemporary artist known for her abstract and minimalist paintings that explore color and texture. Darryl Pelzer is a former professional football player who played as a defensive back for the Dallas Cowboys and the New Orleans Saints in the 1980s. Julie Pelzer is a successful actress and producer who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, such as "Desperate Housewives" and "Grey's Anatomy." Overall, the Pelzer family has made significant contributions to various fields, including literature, art, sports, and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Pelzer

Pelzer is a German surname of occupational origin, derived from the Middle High German word "pelzer," meaning furrier or skinner. The earliest recorded instance of this surname dates back to the 15th century in the region of Rhineland. The Pelzer family is known to have spread across Germany, particularly in the regions of North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria. Over the centuries, some branches of the Pelzer family migrated to other parts of Europe, including France and the Netherlands. Today, individuals with the surname Pelzer can be found in various countries around the world, with a notable concentration in the United States and Canada due to immigration patterns in the 19th and 20th centuries. Further genealogical research may uncover additional branches of the Pelzer family tree and connections to other surnames through marriage.

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