Surname Raitz - Meaning and Origin
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Raitz: What does the surname Raitz mean?
The last name Raitz is a German topographic name derived from the Middle High German word "raint" meaning "built up area, small town". It is most likely descriptive of someone who lived somewhere near a cluster of buildings or a small town. This type of surname was likely acquired when an individual moved from a more rural area to a more urban area, and was distinguished by their village or town of origin. In some cases, the name may have been acquired due to a relocation from a small town or rural area to an even larger city.
There is also evidence of the last name having a patronymic origin meaning, it was originally derived from the given name of the father of the individual who bore the surname. In this case, "Raitz" was derived from the given name of the father of the bearer, and simply means "son of Raitz." It is possible that Raitz is a variation of the name “Rabe” which was shortened to “Ra” and then combined with the “itz” suffix denoting the “son of…” relationship.
The last name Raitz is rare, with its geographical origin likely being in the region of Germany that borders with Austria. Some notable people who have borne the surname include Alfred Raitz, a Jewish Austrian-American entrepreneur, and Dr. Pavel Gueorguievitch Raitz, a Bulgarian scientist and professor.
Order DNA origin analysisRaitz: Where does the name Raitz come from?
The last name Raitz is quite common today in many parts of the world including Europe, North America, South Africa, and other parts of Africa.
In Europe, the last name is most common in German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In Germany, the last name is ranked 3,065th most frequent surname, while in Austria it's 9,839th, and in Switzerland it's 2,750th. In Germany there are many variants of the name, both modern and traditional, such as Rait, Raiß, Reece, and Rauth.
In North America, the last name Raitz is most common in the United States, with an estimated 2,209 people with the surname in 2020. It also appears in Canada, with an estimated 202 people carrying the name.
In South Africa, the last name Raitz appears to be of German origin and is common in the Boer, Dutch, and Afrikaner communities.
In other parts of Africa, the last name appears to be related to German settlers who arrived in the area during the late 18th and 19th centuries. The last name is also present in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Cameroon.
Overall, the last name Raitz is quite common in many parts of the world today, with its highest population in the German-speaking countries of Europe.
Variations of the surname Raitz
The surname Raitz is a variation of the German surname Rajz. Other variants of the surname include Rajz, Rajcz, Rajczak, Rajczyk, Rajczewski, Rajdzinski, Rajdziak, Rajt, Rajta, Rajtak, Rajtsch, and Rajtszek. The surname is also sometimes spelled Raytz, Reitz, Reytz, Reytz, Reyz, and Raiz.
In early records, the name is often spelled as Rajt or Rajcz in Polish;Raytz in Yiddish; Reitz, Reytz, and Reyz in German; and Raitz or Raiz in English. It is believed that the surname originated from the German service class in the Middle Ages. The name was used as an official title of the head of a service class related to military service. Over time, the name eventually became a surname and was adopted and passed down by families.
The surname Raitz is found primarily in Central and Eastern Europe, including Germany, Poland, Russian, Lithuania, and Ukraine. Variants can also be found in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other parts of Europe. In the United States, the surname is most often concentrated in the states of California, New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.
The surname Raitz is associated with notable figures including the American television host, game show producer and media personality Merv Griffin; Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin; and Professor Emeritus of Mathematics at the University of Israeli Christopher Raymond Raetz.
Famous people with the name Raitz
- Kelley Raitz: American photographer and costume designer.
- Martin Raitz von Frentz: German businessman, founder of the Raitz von Frentz Holding, which acquired Go Transport in 1972.
- J.T. Raitz: former basketball player for the Austin Peay Governors, who in 1962 was voted Most Valuable College Player.
- Michael Raitz: German medal winner in the 1996 Summer Paralympics.
- Alfred Raitz von Frentz: German industrialist who was Chairman of the Federation of German Industries from 1965-1992.
- Marilynn Raitz: American actor, producer, and comedian.
- Margaret Raitz: American painter, printmaker and sculptor.
- Andrew Raitz: American songwriter, producer, and record executive.
- Irina Raitz: Russian film director, screenwriter, producer, and actress.
- Eugen Raitz von Frentz: German politician and 5th President of Bayern Munich.
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Comments or additions to the name "Raitz"
04.03.2024
My name being Lawrence RAITZ,I would like to know more about the name, and how I came by it. I know very little about this, and was surprised to learn what little I did.I am not proficient with my computer.