Last Name Raatz

The surname Raatz is of German origin. It is derived from a variety of place names in Germany, such as Ratzeburg and Ratzenow, both located in the region of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. These places were named after the Old High German word "ratiz" or "radez," meaning a clearing or open space. The surname Raatz could have originally been an occupational name for someone who lived near such a place, or it could have been a nickname for someone with a prominent nose, as "ratze" can also mean a snout in some dialects. However, the exact origin of the surname Raatz may vary depending on specific family histories and regional variations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Raatz

The meaning and origin of the last name Raatz

The surname Raatz is of German origin, derived from various places with the same name in Germany, such as Raatz-Breitnau, Raatz-Pothen, and Raatz-Griesbeck, located in North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony. The name is believed to have originated from the Old High German "rat" meaning "council" or "advice," and "zuza" meaning "house" or "homestead." The surname Raatz may have been given to a person who lived near a council house or was a member of a family that provided advice. The name has several variations including Raatz, Ratze, and Ratz.

Geographical distribution of the last name Raatz

The surname Raatz is predominantly found in Germany, where it originated and has a significant presence, particularly in the northern states such as Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Lower Saxony. It also has a notable distribution in other parts of Europe due to historical migration patterns, including Denmark, Austria, and Switzerland. In North America, it is most common in the United States, primarily in the Midwest and Northeast regions, with a concentration in states such as Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and New York. The name's presence can also be traced in Canada, particularly in Ontario and Manitoba. These geographical distributions suggest a history rooted in northern Europe, with subsequent migrations to North America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Raatz

The surname Raatz has several variants and spellings, reflecting changes that occur over time due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, and personal preference. Some common variations include Raatz, Raetz, Ratze, and Ratzen. These variations may appear in different regions or among families with different ancestries. Additionally, there might be slight differences in pronunciation depending on the local accent. It is important to note that these spelling variations do not necessarily imply a separate origin; instead, they represent the evolution of the same surname over time and across different geographical locations.

Famous people with the last name Raatz

Notable individuals with the surname Raatz include:

1. Jürgen Raatz (born 1948), a retired German swimmer who won two silver medals at the 1968 Summer Olympics.
2. Uwe Raab-Raatz (born 1956), a German chemist and university professor, known for his research on bioinorganic chemistry.
3. Mark Raatz (born 1967), an American composer and musician who co-founded the band The Apples in Stereo and is a member of Elephant 6 Collective.
4. Hans-Jürgen Raatz (born 1938), a retired German footballer who played as a goalkeeper for Eintracht Braunschweig and West Germany's national team, winning the 1972 European Championship.

Genealogical research on the last name Raatz

The surname Raatz is of German origin, derived from various regional names such as Ratz, Ratzen, or Ratze, which are topographic names for someone who lived near a rat or rat-shaped hill. The earliest recorded instance of the name dates back to the mid-14th century in Germany, where it was spelled "Ratze."

Over time, the spelling evolved as families migrated, particularly to North America in the 18th and 19th centuries. Variations in spelling, such as Ratzey, Raatz, Ratz, Rate, and Raytz, are common due to differences in transliteration and transcription over time and across regions.

Notable individuals with the surname Raatz include John Raatz, a prominent German American businessman and politician who served as Mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Hans-Georg Raatz, a German professional footballer. Research on the Raatz family tree continues to reveal connections among various branches throughout Europe and North America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Raatz"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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