SPITZ Origin of surname
SPITZ, SPITZMAN, SPITZER, SHPITZ
Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name. This family name is a toponymic (derived from a geographic name of a town, city, region or country). Surnames that are based on place names do not always testify to direct origin from that place, but may indicate an indirect relation between the name-bearer or his ancestors and the place, such as birth place, temporary residence, trade, or family-relatives.
Literally "tip/peak" in German, Spitz is the name of a town on the Danube in Austria and the German name of the Polish town called Zips. The German ending "-er" means "of/from" and can stand for "son of". In some cases Spitzer could also be an occupational name, related to Spezereien, the German for "spices", and refer to a dealer in spices, as well as the Romanian Spiteru, meaning "druggist/apothecary/pharmacist". Spitz is documented as a Jewish family name in Leipzig, Germany in 1695. Spiz and Spizer are recorded in Prague, Bohemia in 1743.
Distinguished 20th century bearers of names in this group include the Latvian-born Israeli business executive, Max Jacob Spitz; the Austrian-born American educator and author, Leo Spitzer; and the Polish-born American journalist and organization executive, Leib Spizman.
Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name. This family name is a toponymic (derived from a geographic name of a town, city, region or country). Surnames that are based on place names do not always testify to direct origin from that place, but may indicate an indirect relation between the name-bearer or his ancestors and the place, such as birth place, temporary residence, trade, or family-relatives.
Literally "tip/peak" in German, Spitz is the name of a town on the Danube in Austria and the German name of the Polish town called Zips. The German ending "-er" means "of/from" and can stand for "son of". In some cases Spitzer could also be an occupational name, related to Spezereien, the German for "spices", and refer to a dealer in spices, as well as the Romanian Spiteru, meaning "druggist/apothecary/pharmacist". Spitz is documented as a Jewish family name in Leipzig, Germany in 1695. Spiz and Spizer are recorded in Prague, Bohemia in 1743.
Distinguished 20th century bearers of names in this group include the Latvian-born Israeli business executive, Max Jacob Spitz; the Austrian-born American educator and author, Leo Spitzer; and the Polish-born American journalist and organization executive, Leib Spizman.