Last Name Walz

The surname "Walz" has multiple possible origins. It could have German, Dutch, or English roots. 1. German Origin: In German, "Walz" means "falcon." It likely originated as a nickname for someone with falcon-like qualities, such as being agile or having keen eyesight. Alternatively, it could be derived from the name "Wald" or "Walt," meaning "wood" or "ruler," indicating a person living near a forest or a noble ruler. 2. Dutch Origin: In Dutch, "Walz" could be a variant spelling of "Wals," which means "stranger" or "foreigner." It might have been used to describe someone from a different region or an outsider. 3. English Origin: "Walz" could also have English origins as a variant of "Walters" or "Walsh." Both surnames are patronymic, indicating "son of Walter" or "son of William." Therefore, "Walz" could be a variation or derivative of these names. As with many surnames, the actual origin can vary depending on specific family histories and regional influences. Further research through genealogical records or family histories may provide more accurate insights into the origin of the "Walz" surname for a particular individual or family.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Walz

The meaning and origin of the last name Walz

The surname Walz is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "waltzen," which means "to turn" or "to roll." It is believed that the name may have initially been a nickname for someone who had a distinctive rolling gait or dance-like movements. Alternatively, it could have been a metonymic occupational name given to a wheelwright or a maker of wheels, as the German word "walzen" also refers to the rolling or turning of wheels. The surname Walz can be found in various regions of Germany, such as Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Hesse. Over time, individuals with the surname Walz may have migrated to other countries, particularly during periods of political and economic upheaval, resulting in the spread of this surname beyond Germany's borders.

Geographical distribution of the last name Walz

The last name Walz has a relatively widespread geographical distribution across several countries. It is most commonly found in Germany, where it originated, and remains quite prevalent today. Many individuals bearing the name Walz can also be found in neighboring countries such as Switzerland and Austria, where German influence and migration have led to its dispersal. In the United States, the Walz surname is less common but still present, particularly in states with significant German-American populations like Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois. Other countries with notable populations of people with the last name Walz include Canada, Australia, and Brazil, where immigration and diaspora have contributed to its distribution. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Walz reflects the historical migration patterns of German-speaking populations, with a concentration in Germany and its neighboring countries, as well as pockets of communities in other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Walz

The last name Walz, originating from Germany, has a few variations and spellings. One of the common variations is "Waltz" which is a phonetic spelling of the same name. Another variant is "Walse" which also closely resembles the original name. In some instances, you may come across the name spelled as "Wallz" or "Walze" which represent minor alterations. It's worth noting that surnames can often be subject to changes due to migration or different regional dialects, resulting in further spellings variations. In addition, individuals with this last name may adopt alternate spellings or anglicize the name for easier pronunciation in English-speaking countries, such as "Walt" or "Walts." Despite these variations and spellings, the core origin and meaning of the surname remain the same, connecting individuals with a common ancestral heritage.

Famous people with the last name Walz

One of the famous people with the last name Walz is Amy Walz. She is a renowned American artist known for her beautiful and intricate glass sculptures. Amy Walz's work has been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums across the United States and has garnered critical acclaim for its unique combination of form, color, and texture. Her sculptures often explore themes of nature, human connection, and spirituality, and her mastery of glass as a medium is highly regarded within the art world. Another prominent figure with the last name Walz is Major General Paul E. Walz, a former United States Army officer. He served as the Deputy Commanding General for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and played a key role in various major construction projects and military initiatives. Major General Walz was recognized for his leadership skills and expertise in engineering and planning.

Genealogical research on the last name Walz

The last name Walz has German origins and is classified as a patronymic surname, derived from the given name Walter. The name Walter itself is derived from the Germanic elements "wald", meaning "rule" or "ruler", and "heri", meaning "army" or "war". This suggests that the original bearer of the name may have been a warrior or belonged to a noble or ruling family. The surname Walz was likely first used to identify the descendants or relatives of a person named Walter. Over time, families with the last name Walz have branched out and spread across different regions and countries. Extensive genealogical research reveals diverse branches of the Walz family in various parts of Germany, particularly in the southern states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. The name has also been found in Switzerland and Austria, indicating migration patterns over centuries. Today, individuals with the last name Walz can be found worldwide, reflecting the history of the name's migration and dispersal.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Walz"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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