Last Name Wentz

Learn more about the origin of the last name Wentz

The meaning and origin of the last name Wentz

The surname Wentz is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "wentz" meaning "winding" or "twisting." It was originally an occupational name for a weaver, as the process of weaving involves twisting threads together. Over time, it became a hereditary surname in Germany, Switzerland, and other parts of Europe. The name Wentz also appeared among English settlers in North America due to immigration waves from Germany in the 18th and 19th centuries. Notable individuals with the surname Wentz include American composer Samuel Barber, who won a Pulitzer Prize for music in 1936, and German-American football player John Wentz.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wentz

The surname Wentz is predominantly found in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, where it originated from German-speaking settlers in the 18th and 19th centuries. The name is a variant of the German 'Wenzen' or 'Wenz', meaning 'winegrower'. In the U.S., the highest concentrations of the Wentz surname are found in states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana, reflecting the migration patterns of early German immigrants. The name is also present in other countries with significant German populations, such as Australia and South Africa. In Canada, it is most common in Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. While the surname Wentz is predominantly of German origin, it has been adopted by individuals of various ethnic backgrounds due to historical events like adoption, assimilation, or name changes over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wentz

The surname Wentz has several variations and spelling alternatives. They include:

1. Wenz - This is one of the less common variations of the name, which may be found in regions where German immigrants settled.
2. Von Wentz - Adding "von" to a surname often indicates noble ancestry in German-speaking cultures.
3. Von Wenz - Another variation that includes "von," but with a different spelling of the second part of the name.
4. Wentsch - This is another less common variation, which might have arisen due to differences in pronunciation or transcription over time.
5. Wenzel - A variant of Wentz that originates from the Czech and Polish names for Saint Nicholas (svatý Mikuláš in Czech, św. Mikołaj in Polish).
6. Wetz - This variation is less common but may have arisen due to spelling errors or regional dialects.
7. Wentzsch - A variant that adds a "sch" suffix, which can be found in some German-speaking regions.
8. Wents - While uncommon, this shortened version of the surname could potentially arise from informal usage or as a result of errors during transcription.

Famous people with the last name Wentz

Notable individuals with the surname Wentz include:

1. Joe Wentz (1924-2013), an American professional baseball player who played as a pitcher for several Major League Baseball teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates. He was a key member of the 1955 World Series champion Brooklyn Dodgers.

2. Jonny Wentz (born 1993), an American former professional baseball player who pitched for the Chicago Cubs organization before retiring due to injury in 2018.

3. Hannah Wentz (born 1987), an American Olympic gymnast who represented the United States at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, where she won a silver medal as part of the U.S. women's team.

4. Mick Wentworth-Wentz (born 1985), a British musician and actor known for his work with the band Enter Shikari and appearances on television shows such as "Doctors" and "EastEnders".

5. Nick Wentz (born 1983), an American musician, songwriter, and producer best known as a founding member of the rock band Fall Out Boy. He has also been involved in several side projects, including The Academy Is... and Panic at the Disco.

Genealogical research on the last name Wentz

The surname Wentz originates from Germanic roots, specifically Old High German "Wanza" or Middle High German "Wanze," which means "ant." This name was brought to various regions by German-speaking settlers. In the United States, the Wentz family is believed to have originated from Switzerland and Germany, with early immigrants like Hans Wintzer, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1736. The surname evolved into Wentz over time. Notable figures with this surname include John Wentz, a founder of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and William Franklin Wentz, an American general who served during World War I. In genealogical records, variations such as Wanz, Wanze, and Wents may be found due to spelling changes over the centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Wentz"
• 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