Surname Schwantz - Meaning and Origin
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Schwantz: What does the surname Schwantz mean?
The last name Schwantz is a name that originates from Germany and Upper Austria. This surname has many possible meanings, depending on the region it comes from.
Most of the time, the meaning usually refers to a person who lived near a stream, creek, or ravine. Some even suggest it means people who were originally from Turn and Warp, an old state in Prussia and East Germany.
In some cases, the last name Schwantz may also mean a god-given title that refers to a “Swabian man” or a person who lived near or owned lands in the region of Swabia, also known as the Schwaben region, in southwestern Germany.
In addition, for those who live in the U.S. depending on the original spelling of the last name, it could mean someone who is of German or Swiss descent.
No matter its origin, Schwantz is a surname that certainly has its roots in German culture and many of those who have this last name are proud to share this unique heritage with others.
Order DNA origin analysisSchwantz: Where does the name Schwantz come from?
The surname Schwantz is believed to originate from Austria or Bavaria, Germany. It was likely first introduced to America in the late 19th century, with a few family members settling in the Midwest. The Schwantz surname can still be found today predominantly in the United States of America. Many of these family lines can still be traced back to Bavarian or Austrian-German origin, but with the passing of generations, the Schwantz surname has become more common in the Midwest and southeastern states.
According to the US Census of 2020, the most common concentration of Schwantz surnames is in Michigan, with over 200 individuals sharing the surname. This is followed by Wisconsin, Illinois and Ohio in the Midwest. Further down the list, one can also find the surname in states such as Arkansas, Georgia, and North Carolina.
The Schwantz surname is most commonly linked today to German ancestry, but has become ever present among other states and cultures throughout the United States. Many individuals go by either Schwantz or Schwartz, though they both mean the same bill. It is clear that Americans still carry the Schwantz name proudly and continue to keep its Germanic root alive.
Variations of the surname Schwantz
Schwantz is a German surname of Middle High German origins.
Some variants, alternate spellings, and related surnames are Schwanez, Schwabnitz, Schwattinger, Schwatzer, Schwenck, Schwencke, Schwenker, Schwenkmann, Schwenzner, Schwanecke, Schwann, Schwartz, Swantz, Swant, and Zwancke.
The spelling Schwantz is derived from the German words Schwan and the suffix -itz, which is a diminutive form of the ending -ing. In Middle High German language, the name Schwantz thus translates to “little swan.” The other spelling variants of Schwantz indicate that this surname originated from various regional dialects of German language.
The surname Schwartz is a variant of Schwantz, and is derived from the same root Middle High German words Schwan and -itz. The Anglicized versions of Schwartz and Schwantz evolved from Schwenck and Schwencke. Whereas, Schwabnitz, Schwanecke, Schwann, and Zwancke indicate a Slavic origin for this surname.
Finally, the spelling Schwattinger or Schwatzer may have originated from Swat or Swartz, which can again be traced back to the Middle High German words Schwan and -itz. This name can also be derived from the German word “Schwadze,” which translates to “ferryman.”
Thus, Schwantz is a German surname which has quite a few variants, alternate spellings, and related surnames. Common variants include Schwartz, Schwabnitz, Schwattinger, Schwatzer, Schwenck, Schwencke, Schwenker, Schwenkmann, Schwenzner, Schwanecke, Schwann, Swantz, Swant, and Zwancke.
Famous people with the name Schwantz
- Kevin Schwantz: Winner of the 1993 FIM 500cc World Championship and one of the most successful American motorcycle racers of all time.
- Kari Schwantz: is an American former professional motocross racer and one of the best female motorcycle racers in history.
- Andrea Schwantz: Kevin Schwantz’s daughter, Andrea competed in Formula USA Motocross.
- Kurt Schwantz: Kevin Schwantz’s brother, he is an American former professional motorcycle road racer who competed in the AMA Superbike Championship.
- Lee Schwantz: Kevin Schwantz’s son, he's an amateur motorcycle racer.
- Randy Schwantz: is an American former professional motocross and supercross racer. He was the 1991 AMA 500cc Motocross National Champion.
- Lori Schwantz: Randy Schwantz’s daughter, she is an American professional motocross racer.
- Kyle Schwantz: Kurt Schwantz’s son and Kevin Schwantz’s nephew. He is an American former professional motocross and supercross racer.
- Emma Schwantz: Kyle Schwantz’s daughter, she is currently competing in a number of off-road and Supercross championships.