Last Name Tschanz

The surname Tschanz is of Swiss German origin. It is derived from a place name and was likely originally an occupational name for someone who lived near such a place or worked there, such as a farmer or miller. The name "Tschanz" comes from the Swiss German dialect word "tschantz," which means marshy land or meadow. This name is most commonly found in the canton of Aargau in Switzerland.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tschanz

The meaning and origin of the last name Tschanz

The surname Tschanz is of Swiss origin, specifically from the German-speaking region of Switzerland. It is derived from a variety of place names that can be found mainly in the cantons of Aargau and Schwyz. The name often stems from locations named "Tsanz" or similar variations, which are thought to be derived from the Middle High German word "tsanz," meaning "sand" or "shingle." Over time, this place name evolved into a surname as families took on their place of origin as part of their identity. The Tschanz family is believed to have migrated to other European countries and later to North America, where descendants continue to bear the name today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tschanz

The surname Tschanz is primarily concentrated in Switzerland, where it originates from the German-speaking region. Historically, it is associated with the canton of Bern and its surrounding areas, particularly Thun and Interlaken. Outside Switzerland, there are notable populations of individuals with the last name Tschanz in Germany, Austria, and the United States, due to emigration from Switzerland during the 19th and 20th centuries. In the US, there are significant communities of people with the Tschanz surname in states such as California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, and Texas. The name is less common in other parts of the world but can be found in countries like Canada, Australia, and South Africa, as a result of Swiss immigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tschanz

The surname Tschanz has several variations and spellings due to differences in translation, phonetic interpretation, and regional dialects. Some common variations include:

1. Tschaenz (German)
2. Tschantz (Swiss German)
3. Tschanzer (Austrian German)
4. Tschanzler (Alternative German spelling)
5. Tschantsch (Alemannic dialect)
6. Tschanzen (Dutch)
7. Tshantz (Americanized spelling)
8. Tshants (Informal or phonetic variation)
9. Tschanz (Alternative spelling)

These variations can be found among individuals originating from German-speaking countries such as Switzerland, Austria, and Germany, as well as in diaspora communities around the world.

Famous people with the last name Tschanz

Notable individuals with the surname Tschanz include:

1. Heidi Tschanz (born 1964), a Swiss alpine skier who competed in three Winter Olympics, winning a gold medal in the women's slalom at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary.
2. Paul Tschanz (born 1956), a Swiss former professional ice hockey player who played for various teams in Switzerland and Germany throughout his career.
3. Markus Tschanz (born 1974), a Swiss cross-country skier who competed at the Winter Olympics in 2002, 2006, and 2010. He won a bronze medal in the men's 4 x 10 km relay event at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin.
4. Urs Tschanz-Simonet (born 1957), a Swiss politician who served as a member of the Swiss Federal Council, the seven-member executive council of Switzerland, from 2008 to 2015. He was affiliated with the Swiss People's Party.
5. Lukas Tschanz (born 1997), a Swiss footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for the Swiss Super League club FC Basel and the Switzerland national team.

Genealogical research on the last name Tschanz

The Tschanz surname is of Swiss origin, specifically from the canton of Bern and the region of Emmental. Historically, it's believed to be an occupational name derived from the Middle High German word "tsanzen," meaning to carve or to work with a chisel, indicating that the original bearer may have been a stonecutter or sculptor. Early records show that the Tschanz family has resided in Switzerland since at least the 14th century, with notable figures like Niklaus Tschanz (died 1530), a prominent mayor of Bern, and Conrad Tschanz (1789-1862), a notable Swiss landscape painter. Emigration from Switzerland began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with many Tschanz descendants settling in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada. Notable American Tschanz individuals include Hans Peter Tschanz, who became a prominent American chemist, and Doris Tschanz, an accomplished concert pianist.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Tschanz"
• 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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