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Last Name Yanz

What is the origin of the last name Yanz?

The surname "Yanz" is believed to have originated in Germany. It is thought to be of Germanic origin, derived from the personal name "Johannes", which is the German form of "John". Over time, the surname "Yanz" or variations of it such as "Yantz" or "Jantz" have evolved from the given name "Johannes" and have been passed down through generations. The surname "Yanz" may also have Swiss origins, as variants of the name are found in Switzerland as well.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Yanz

The meaning and origin of the last name Yanz

The surname Yanz is of German origin and is derived from the given name Johannes, which is the equivalent of John in English. The name Johannes has a biblical origin, stemming from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "Yahweh is gracious." Over time, variations of the name developed in different regions, including the German form Yanz. The surname Yanz may have originally been a patronymic surname, indicating descent from an ancestor named Johannes. It is also possible that it could have been a nickname or occupational surname. Today, the surname Yanz is relatively uncommon and can be found most commonly in German-speaking countries and communities with German heritage around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Yanz

The last name Yanz is most commonly found in Germany, particularly in the regions of Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Lower Saxony. It is also present in neighboring countries such as Austria and Switzerland. In the United States, the surname Yanz has a more scattered distribution, with concentrations in states like Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois. This suggests that individuals with the last name Yanz may have immigrated to North America from German-speaking regions. The name Yanz is relatively rare and may have variations in spelling, such as Janz or Jantz. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Yanz indicates a strong connection to Germanic roots and heritage, with a notable presence in both Europe and North America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Yanz

The last name Yanz may have various spelling variations, including Yanse, Yance, Yanze, Yanseh, Yansev, Yans, Yanzh, Yanzs, and Yancey. These variations may stem from different factors such as regional dialects, immigration patterns, or changes made over time. The name Yanz is of German origin, and it is derived from the Middle High German word "jans," meaning "God is gracious." It is a relatively uncommon surname, with a limited number of individuals bearing this name globally. However, its variations have added to the diverse ways in which the Yanz surname can be found in records, genealogies, and family histories. Despite the different spellings, the Yanz name continues to be a unique and meaningful part of individual identities and family lineages.

Famous people with the last name Yanz

There are not many famous individuals with the last name Yanz, making it a more unique surname. One well-known figure with this surname is John Yanz, an American professional football player who played as a linebacker for the New York Jets in the 1970s. Another individual is Herbert Yanz, a Swiss businessman who founded the Yanz Group, a successful company specializing in manufacturing and construction. Although not as widespread as other surnames, the Yanz name has made its mark in various fields, from sports to business, showcasing the diversity and talent within the Yanz family. These individuals have contributed to their respective industries, leaving a lasting impact and adding to the legacy of the Yanz name.

Genealogical research on the last name Yanz

The surname Yanz is of German origin, derived from the personal name Johannes, which means "God is gracious." It may also be a variation of the Jewish surname Jancz. The Yanz family likely has roots in Germany, where the name originated, and may have migrated to other parts of Europe or the United States over the years. Research on the Yanz genealogy may uncover information on individual family members, their occupations, and where they lived. Tracing the family history back through generations can provide insights into ancestral origins, migrations, and connections to other families with similar surnames. By exploring birth records, census data, and other archival sources, a more detailed picture of the Yanz family tree can be constructed, helping to preserve and pass down this family's unique heritage for future generations.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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