Last Name Wiltz

The surname Wiltz is of French origin. It is derived from the name of several places in France, such as Wiltz, a commune in northeastern France, or from the Old French word "wiltz" meaning "brook" or "stream". The surname Wiltz likely originally referred to someone who lived near a brook or stream.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Wiltz

The surname Wiltz is of German origin and is derived from the medieval personal name Wido. The name Wido was a popular given name in Middle High German-speaking regions, and eventually evolved into the surname Wiltz. The meaning of Wiltz is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated as a nickname or descriptive term for someone who was wild or untamed. Alternatively, it could have also been used as a short form of the given name Wido, which itself means "wood" in German. The Wiltz surname can be traced back to noble families in medieval Germany, and it remains a relatively uncommon surname to this day.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wiltz

The last name Wiltz is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the state of Louisiana. It is believed to have originated as a variation of the German surname "Wilt," which means "wild." The Wiltz family may have immigrated to the United States from Germany or France, as the name is also found in these countries. In addition to Louisiana, the name Wiltz can also be found in other states across the US, such as Texas, California, and Illinois. There is also a small population of individuals with the last name Wiltz in Canada, particularly in the province of Quebec. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Wiltz suggests a diverse ancestry with roots in both Europe and North America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wiltz

The last name Wiltz can be spelled in various ways, including Wilts, Wilz, Wyltz, Wiltse, Wiltze, Wiltzes, Wiltsch, and Wylts. These variations may have resulted from differences in pronunciation, regional dialects, or even clerical errors when recording the name. Regardless of the spelling, the origins of the name Wiltz likely lie in Germany or the surrounding regions. The name may have been derived from a geographical location, such as the town of Wiltz in Luxembourg, or it may have originated from a personal or occupational characteristic of an ancestor. The variations in spelling and pronunciation of the name Wiltz highlight the diversity and complexity of surnames and their evolution over time.

Famous people with the last name Wiltz

While the last name Wiltz may not be as common as others, there are still a few notable individuals who share this surname. One such person is Miles J. Wiltz, a former American football player who played as a defensive tackle in the NFL for the San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints in the 1970s. Another famous Wiltz is Troy Wiltz, a American television producer and director known for his work on popular shows such as "Grey's Anatomy" and "How to Get Away with Murder". Additionally, there is also a renowned historian and genealogist named Greg Wiltz, who has published several books on Louisiana history and African American genealogy. Despite their different professions, these individuals all share the same last name and have made significant contributions in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Wiltz

The surname Wiltz is of German origin, deriving from the town of Wiltz in Luxembourg. The earliest recorded instance of the Wiltz surname dates back to the 17th century in Germany, specifically in the regions of Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland. Throughout history, individuals with the last name Wiltz have been noted as farmers, craftsmen, and merchants. Some members of the Wiltz family immigrated to the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries, settling primarily in states such as Louisiana, Texas, and California. Today, the Wiltz surname is relatively rare, with most individuals of this name residing in the United States and Germany. Genealogical research on the Wiltz family could potentially uncover connections to other German surnames such as Wilt, Wilts, or Wilz.

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