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Last Name Retz

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What is the origin of the last name Retz?

The surname Retz is of German origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically Ratzeburg, which is located in the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region of northern Germany. The name of the town comes from the Old High German "ratiz" meaning 'rathhouse' or 'assembly house'. Over time, the name of the town evolved into various forms such as Ratzeburg, Retzberg, and eventually, Retz in the form of a surname.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Retz

The surname Retz is of Germanic origin, specifically from the Middle High German word "Rietz" or "Reitz," meaning "reed" or "rush." It may have originally referred to a person who lived near a marshy area covered in reeds or rushes, or it could have been an occupational name for a weaver who used reeds in his work. The surname has various spellings, including Retz, Reitz, and Rietz, due to historical variations in spelling and translation. Notable people with the surname Retz include Friedrich Wilhelm von Retz (1700-1774), a German baron and diplomat, and Franz Joseph Maximilian von Retz (1663-1749), an Austrian prelate and composer.

Geographical distribution of the last name Retz

The surname Retz is predominantly found in German-speaking regions, particularly Austria and Germany. It originates from the Old High German word "ratisco" or "radiscus," meaning "dweller at the red place." Historically, it has been associated with various localities in Austria, such as Retz in Niederösterreich, a town that gave its name to the family. The name also appears in the city of Düsseldorf, Germany, where a prominent branch of the Retz family held significant political and social power during the 16th century. While the name is less common outside these regions, it has been traced to other parts of Europe due to migrations and historical events.

Variants and spellings of the last name Retz

The surname Retz has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and transcription over time. Some common variants include Reitz, Rietz, Reitze, and Retez. These variations arise from slight changes in spelling conventions, regional dialects, or errors during migration records. The original German form of the name is "von Retz," which literally translates to "of Retz" in English. It is derived from a place name "Retz," found in several regions of Germany and Austria. This surname has also been noted in Czech, Slovak, and Hungarian records due to historical territorial shifts and migrations.

Famous people with the last name Retz

Notable individuals with the surname Retz include:

1. Franz Joseph von Retz (1734-1798), an Austrian bishop and cardinal who served as the Prince-Bishop of Bamberg from 1762 until his death. He was a prominent figure in the Enlightenment in Germany.

2. Ernst von Rudolstadt Retz (1801-1878), an Austrian composer and conductor, known for his operas and symphonies. He served as the music director at the Imperial Court of Vienna under Emperor Franz Joseph I.

3. Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830-1916), born Maria Anna Retz, was an Austrian novelist and playwright who is considered one of the most important authors in German literature during the late 19th century. Her works often dealt with social issues and the challenges faced by women.

4. Franz Retzlaff (born 1980), a German professional ice hockey player who currently plays for the Straubing Tigers in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga. He has also represented Germany internationally at various tournaments.

Genealogical research on the last name Retz

The surname Retz is of German origin and has several variations including Reitz, Retsch, and Retze. It is derived from the Old High German word "ratiz" which means "a clearing." The earliest recorded instance of the name can be traced back to the 13th century in Germany. Notable individuals bearing the name include Konrad von Retz (1250-1316), a Dominican friar and theologian, and Augustin Retz (1621-1679), a Jesuit priest known for his opposition to Galileo Galilei's heliocentric theory. The name spread to other parts of Europe through migration and has since been found in countries like Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. In modern times, the Retz family is primarily concentrated in Germany and Austria, with significant numbers also in the United States and Canada.

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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