Surname Wertz - Meaning and Origin
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Unveiling the Roots: A Personal Journey with iGENEA DNA Test and the Wertz Surname
A rollercoaster of emotions, the iGENEA DNA test was a deep dive into my ancestry uncovering the unexpected rich and diverse lineage of the surname Wertz – ultimately leading to a renewed sense of identity, family connection, and a deep-rooted pride.
A. Wertz
read moreWertz: What does the surname Wertz mean?
The last name Wertz is of German origin and is derived from the German word “Wert” meaning “value”. The Wertz name is classified as a local name derived from a toponymic name, meaning it distinguished people by where they lived. More specifically, the family originated from the village of Wart in flat, open country that was once located south of Siegerland, a region in Westphalia, Germany. It is likely that members of the Wertz family left this small village and spread throughout central Germany, eventually making their way to the United States.
The Wertz family was likely part of a larger family network, and this network was passed down to descendants who shared the same last name. This would have enabled the Wertz family to make connections and travel farther away from their hometown. The family could have benefitted from inter-family alliances and support to provide financial stability, as well as social status and protection.
The Wertz family’s journey to the United States began in the early 1700s during the German immigration wave. Initially, members of the Wertz family settled in Pennsylvania, but Eventually, they migrated westward and settled in other states in the Midwest.
Overall, the name Wertz has always been associated with hard work and utmost respect for one’s family. The Wertz family believed in providing for their families, maintaining strong connections, and striving for success in a new land.
Order DNA origin analysisWertz: Where does the name Wertz come from?
The last name Wertz is most commonly found in the United States. It is especially prevalent in the Midwestern states of Iowa, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. According to the US census, the surname is most commonly found in Ohio, followed by Pennsylvania, Iowa, and then Indiana. Other parts of the United States with higher concentrations of this surname includes West Virginia, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
The Wertz surname is likely of Germanic origin, though can have other European roots due to immigration over time. The surname may be a variation of several German surnames, such as Wart, Wirz, Wertz, and Wurz. The surname may also have derived from the German word “Werte,” which means "dignity" or "honor".
The hereditary concept of a surname came into wide use in Europe during the medieval period. All individuals in a family had the same surname, which created the smooth transfer of property and other inheritances. The Wertz surname was likely used by a noble family in medieval Germany, then spread through generations and immigration of other family members.
Today, the Wertz family can be found across the globe, though the highest concentrations are still found in the United States.
Variations of the surname Wertz
The surname Wertz is an ancient German name that is derived from a Middle High German word meaning “guard” or “watch”. It has meant a protector, a sentry, or a watchman over a castle or town.
The variants and spellings of the name include Wertz, Werts, Wertse, and Wertze, as well as the northern German forms Wurtz and Wurts. In Switzerland, the surname is sometimes spelled Wertsch.
In the U.S., the Wertz spelling is found among German immigrants from the Rhineland, Alsace and the Palatinate. Other American forms of the surname include Wert, Wurth,and Wirz.
The Wertz variation of the surname is also found in France, primarily in the Lorraine region. In France, the surname is often spelled as Wirtz.
The surname is found throughout Europe, including Ireland, where immigrants from Germany have brought it with them. In Ireland, it may be spelled either Wirtz or Wertz.
It is also found in England, and in some cases, the English spelling of Wertz is changed to its anglicized form, Worth. In Spanish-speaking countries, the surname may take the forms of Vértiz or Vértex.
The surname Wertz also has several variants in the Scandinavian countries, where it is found as Wiers and Wiertz. In Portugal, the variant Verdes is found.
The Wertz surname has several other associated surnames, such as Werte and Wertel, both of which are derived from the same root. Additionally, in some parts of Germany the Wertz surname is associated with a long line of inherited hereditary positions, such as schultheis (a sheriff), maibach (a bailiff or executioner), or ringermeister (a ringmaster).
Famous people with the name Wertz
- Phil Wertz: American professional basketball player and coach
- Steven Wertz: a Senior Vice President of Global Communications and Corporate Affairs at Nestlé
- Adam C. Wertz: American former Editor-in-Chief of Scientific American
- James D. Wertz: American aerospace engineer and former NASA astronaut
- Paul Wertz: a Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher
- Frank J. Wertz: United States Navy Officer
- John Wertz: American actor, writer, and director
- Nancy Wertz: singer, playwright, and actress
- Matt Wertz: American country and pop musician who has released six albums
- Manny Wertz: former Major League Baseball third baseman