Surname Scheetz - Meaning and Origin
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Scheetz: What does the surname Scheetz mean?
The last name Scheetz is of German origin, with most of its bearers residing in the United States. It is an occupational surname derived from the Middle High German term “schütze,” which means “archer” or “bowman.” Thus, it would have typically been assigned to individuals or families known for their skills in archery. Over time, the surname has seen numerous spelling variations, such as Schütz, Schütze, Shutz, and Schultz, depending on regional dialects and phonetic translations. As a surname, Scheetz depicts a professional identity that played a vital role in medieval communities, whether for hunting, warfare, or sport.
Order DNA origin analysisScheetz: Where does the name Scheetz come from?
The last name Scheetz is most commonly found in areas of Germany, such as Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Rheinland-Pfalz and Thüringen. It is also spread throughout various parts of the United States. The population concentration appears to be highest in the Midwest, specifically Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania.
Ancestry.com reports that there were 50,000 people living in the United States with the last name Scheetz in 2000. This name likely originates from the German word “schütz” which translates to “protector”. Of those 50,000, 8,735 lived in Pennsylvania, 2,678 in Illinois, 2,647 in Ohio, 2,346 in Indiana, and 1,159 in Wisconsin.
It’s possible to trace Scheetz family trees through ancestry databases. By knowing the country of origin and the areas of Germany from which the family originated from, one can narrow down where the roots of the family began. As a result, a number of Scheetz family organizations have formed throughout the United States, providing a sense of community for those who share the same surname.
Scheetz family gatherings held annually provide a great place for members of the family to connect with one another. Many family members may not even know that they are part of a larger lineage, and a reunion can be a great opportunity to get acquainted.
Variations of the surname Scheetz
Scheetz is a surname of German origin, and there are numerous variants and alternate spellings that come from different regional influences on the spelling.
The base spelling of Scheetz, or Schütz, is found most often in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Regional variants throughout Bavaria and Austria-Hungary include Schuetzenberg, Schutzeberg, and Schuetzle. It can also be seen written as Shutz, Schuttz, Schitz, Schyts, Schiets, Szits, Szetsy, and Szecs.
In the U.S., the surname is often seen as Shutes, Shuts, Schutts, and Sheds, while Jamaican bearers of the name often use Shoote. Variations of “Sheetz” in North America are most common in Pennsylvania, stemming from the Palatine Immigrants who settled in the 18th century.
Regardless of spelling, all of these surnames have a shared Germanic origin, deriving from the Middle High German “schutz,” meaning “protection” or “guardian.” Commonly used as a nickname for a guardian or sentry, as well as an occupational name for a sentry, this surname is thought to have derived from a number of different elements. In some parts of the world, it is likely tied to occupational roles in the military, while in others it’s associated with a family’s faith or devotion as guardian of a holy site.
Famous people with the name Scheetz
- Daniel Scheetz: a German-born musician and singer, primarily known for his work in the alternative pop and rock styles.
- Melinda Scheetz: an American actress most known for her roles in popular television series such as “13 Reasons Why” and “Tales From The Crypt.”
- Megan Scheetz: a popular make-up artist and Instagram influencer who has over 500 thousand followers.
- Doug Scheetz: a former professional baseball player who made a brief appearance in MLB from 1981 to 1983.
- Ryan Scheetz: an actor, director, and producer who is best known for his roles in films such as “Inversion” and “The In Crowd.”
- Jacob Scheetz: an American football quarterback who played for the University of Nebraska, Omaha and the Arizona Cardinals.
- Jeremy Scheetz: an independent filmmaker, screenwriter, and producer who has had his works featured in festivals around the world.
- Richard Scheetz: a popular artist whose work can be seen in some of the most renowned galleries in the country.
- Tim Scheetz: a longtime radio personality and talk show host who is the current host of “The Tim Scheetz Show” on WKBA AM.
- Amanda Scheetz: a philanthropist and entrepreneur who specializes in business strategy and management consulting.