Last Name Wurlitzer

The surname Wurlitzer has German origins. It is derived from the Old High German "wurz" meaning "earth" and "litz" meaning "small clearing," referring to a specific geographical location. Variations include Wurlitzen, Wurlitzsch, and Wurlitzer-von-Schönborn. Notable people with this surname include the American inventor, music-box maker, and organ manufacturer Samuel Wurlitzer and the Austrian composer Friedrich Würlitzer.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Wurlitzer

The meaning and origin of the last name Wurlitzer

The surname Wurlitzer is of German origin, derived from a locative name for someone who lived near a building known as a "Wurzel" or "Wortzl" in Old High German. These terms refer to a type of shrub or tree, and the name might have denoted an individual living by such a plant or structure. The Wurlitzer family is notable for its contributions to music, particularly in the field of musical instruments. The Wurlitzer company, founded in 1853 by Sebastian Wurlitzer in Freiburg, Germany, became one of the most significant manufacturers of organs and mechanical pianos. The family migrated to America in the late 19th century, and the Wurlitzer Company's headquarters were later established in New York City.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wurlitzer

The last name Wurlitzer is primarily of German origin and has its roots in the Swabian region of southwestern Germany. Over time, it spread to other parts of Europe, particularly Austria and Switzerland due to migration and historical events such as the Thirty Years' War. In the 19th century, a significant number of people with the surname Wurlitzer emigrated from Europe to the United States, especially New York City, where they became known for their contributions in various fields including music. Today, the distribution of the Wurlitzer name is most concentrated in the United States, particularly in states like New York, California, Texas, and Illinois, as well as in Germany and Austria. Smaller populations can also be found in countries such as Canada, Australia, and South Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wurlitzer

The surname Wurlitzer has several variants and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include Worlitzer, Woerlitzer, Wörlitzer, Würlitzer, and Wurlitzscher. These variations can be attributed to factors such as regional dialects, individual interpretation of names, and changes in spelling conventions over the centuries. The name is of German origin, derived from places named Worlitz or Wörlitz in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. The surname is associated with notable figures such as Rudolph Wurlitzer (1876–1957), an Austrian composer, and Frederick Wurlitzer (1900–1981), an American manufacturer of musical instruments.

Famous people with the last name Wurlitzer

Notable individuals with the surname Wurlitzer include:

1. Rudolph Wurlitzer (born 1937), an American novelist and screenwriter, known for his works such as "Nog" and contributing to the screenplay for the film "Two-Lane Blacktop".
2. Frederick Wurlitzer (1856-1924), an Austrian-American inventor who co-founded the Wurlitzer Company, a well-known manufacturer of musical instruments and jukeboxes. One of his most popular creations is the Wurlitzer electric piano.
3. Max Wertheimer (born Max Wertheimer-Wurlitzer, 1880-1945), an Austrian psychologist who co-founded Gestalt psychology, a major approach in psychology that emphasizes the role of the whole and the interconnectedness of parts.
4. Marc Wurtzler (born 1967), a Swiss footballer who played as a defender for clubs like Basel and Grasshoppers, as well as the Switzerland national team.
5. Jake Wurlitzer (1986-2013), an American musician known for being the bassist for the band Calexico and the singer-songwriter of the duo The New Soft Shoe.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, including literature, psychology, music, and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Wurlitzer

The Wurlitzer surname originated from Wurzburg, a city in Bavaria, Germany, and is believed to have been first used as a nickname for someone who was from that region or had features resembling those associated with it. The family emigrated from Germany to the United States in the 18th century. One of the most famous members of this family is Samuel Wurlitzer, who founded the Wurlitzer Company in 1853. The company became renowned for manufacturing musical instruments, jukeboxes, and pinball machines, reaching its peak during the mid-20th century. Another notable figure from the Wurlitzer lineage is Jesse Wurlitzer, an American politician who served as the Governor of Nevada from 1915 to 1931. The Wurlitzer surname can also be found in various other countries such as Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom due to subsequent migrations.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "wurlitzer"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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