Surname Fritze - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'F'
Fritze: What does the surname Fritze mean?
The last name Fritze is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German name “Vritz”. It is most likely derived from a village in the region of Schleswig-Holstein in Northern Germany, originally named "mbvriz". In the early development of surname-language, the name was misspelled in many variations which may explain some of the various spellings today.
The surname Fritze is believed to refer to a person from this village, or to a person who lived in close proximity. The name may have been associated with someone who was engaged in tailoring, or the mass making of fritze, a type of cloth. This name could also have referred to a person who sold fritzes or was in some other way involved in its production. In addition, the name might have been a nickname for someone who was known to be "fritzing" or bustling about like a spinning top.
The Fritze surname is not found in many countries today, however people with this name are found in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the United Kingdom and Australia. The Fritze family dates back to the 16th century in Germany and generates a long and impressive history. The history of this lineage includes many family members who were linked with the development of their local communities through individuals being involved in politics, business, religion and more.
Order DNA origin analysisFritze: Where does the name Fritze come from?
The surname Fritze is a Germanic-based name with roots from the medieval period, typically found in parts of northern Europe, especially Germany. It is also seen in Scandinavian countries, especially Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
It can be seen as a topographic name, a type of name derived from a geographical feature or area, as the word 'fritz' is derived from old German and means 'swamp or marsh'. As such, it is likely that the original bearers of this name likely lived near a 'fritz' or marshy area.
The modern-day use of the surname Fritze is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in states with a large German population such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Maryland. It is also common in the Australian states of New South Wales and Victoria, where many Germans migrated during the late 19th century. In the UK, the Name Fritze is most commonly found in the east and the southeast regions of England.
It is also found in other countries, including the Netherlands, Poland, France, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Slovakia. The surname Fritze is common in these countries, typically spread among families who have German origins.
Overall, the surname Fritze is common all over the world. Its origin in northern European countries, particularly in Germany, has allowed it to spread from its original source throughout other lands. It continues to be used as a surname today in many countries, from the United States to the United Kingdom and beyond.
Variations of the surname Fritze
The surname Fritze is a Germanic variant of Fritz, derived from Friedrich or Frederic. Although the name can be spelled in many ways, most common variants include Fritsch, Fritschmann, Fritsche, Fritschy, Fritzman, Fritzen, Fritzinger, Fritzke, Fritzenberger, Fritzenwallner, Fritzenhauser, Fritze’ and Fritzmann. The surname is found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Scandinavian countries as well as in some Eastern European countries such as Poland and Romania.
Spelt as "Fritsch", the surname is said to have originated from a nickname derived from the Middle High German word "frizen" (meaning 'to growl, to sulk'). The surname has been popular since the 11th century, and has appeared in various forms throughout various regions in Germany.
In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, variants such as Fritschmann, Fritscher, Fritsche, Fritschy, Fritzman and Fritzmann can be commonly found. Other European countries such as Poland have adopted surname variants such as Fritsen, Fritzinger, Fritzke, Fritzenberger and Fritzenwallner. Some Scandinavian countries have also adopted Fritzenhauser as a variant.
Overall, the variants of the surname Fritze are numerous. Depending on the region, surname variants can range from Fritsch to Fritzenhauser. Variants of this family name are found throughout Europe, with each country having its own unique spelling and form of the name.
Famous people with the name Fritze
- Franz Fritze: A German politician, he was a member of the Green Party and a leader in the city of Greifswald and the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania region.
- Uwe Fritze: A German Navy captain, Uwe commanded several ships and was decorated with awards including the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic and the Gold Order of Merit of the League of War Veterans.
- Christoph Fritze: A German television presenter, he’s best known for his work on programs such as Ostsee Tour, Der Tag auf der Insel and Möwenschloß.
- Gerhardt Fritze: A German geographer, he was a professor at the University of Rostock and won the Federal Cross of Merit.
- Alexander Fritze: A German entrepreneur, he was a co-founder of alkacon Software and ComponentSource.
- Harro Fritze: A German entertainer and television host, Harro is best known for his roles in Schlechte Zeiten, and Tag 7 Fahndung.
- Jens Fritze: A German lawyer, he’s now the director of the Institute for Law and Economics at the University of Hamburg.
- Oezcan Fritze: A German international football player, he plays for Football Club Union Berlin and the Germany National Football Team.
- Arthur Fritze: A French archaeologist, he conducted extensive research in Greece and France, making numerous important discoveries.
- Johannes Fritze: A Swedish farmer, Johannes ran a successful and prominent farm in the province of Blekinge.