Surname Lentzel - Meaning and Origin
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Lentzel: What does the surname Lentzel mean?
The last name Lentzel is of German origin. It is derived from the German phrase "Lentz", which refers to a person living near a linden tree. The family was likely part of a rural agricultural community in Germany centuries ago, likely preceding Christianity. The name was further augmented by the suffix "-el", which was often appended to family names in German speaking regions.
Today, this surname is most commonly borne in Germany, but there are several families bearing the name in other parts of Europe, the United States and Canada. With the formation of the United States, many individuals bearing this last name decided to take up the opportunity to make a fresh start and decided to emigrate, and some still bear the name to this day.
The name now represents a longstanding tradition, as well as a symbol of one family's journey over centuries. To those who bear it, it is not just a name but an heirloom, worth cherishing and preserving. Those who trace their roots to this last name can be proud of their heritage, as it represents not only the culture of their ancestors, but also their determination to find a better life.
Order DNA origin analysisLentzel: Where does the name Lentzel come from?
The last name Lentzel is most common within the United States. According to the US Census, the last name Lentzel is most heavily concentrated in Pennsylvania, with 2.4 times the national average. It is also highly concentrated in New Jersey, Minnesota, and Ohio.
Outside of the US, Lentzel also appears notably in Germany. It is most common in the northwest region of the country, especially in North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony.
The origins of the Lentzel name are unclear, and could be a derivative of the first name “Lenz” or the German term “Lentz”, meaning “man from the forest”. Since its probable origins are in the Middle Ages, the Lentzel name is thought to have been worn by families who occupied districts over time.
Today, the Lentzel surname stretches from Pennsylvania on the East Coast to California and Washington on the West Coast, and can be found in public records in every state. Whether from rural Pennsylvania or metropolitan Washington DC, descendants of the Lentzels continue to share the last name today.
Variations of the surname Lentzel
The surname Lentzel is a German and Dutch topographic surname that literally translates to meaning someone who lived near an evergreen tree or ash tree boundary. Over time, the surname showed variance in spelling and had slight alterations in different countries. For instance, a variant spelling for Lentzel, originating in Germany is Leintzell. Variations in Dutch include Lentzels, Lanzels, and Lentsen, while Lentzell and Lentzelle are more popular in North America.
The surname is also recorded with various patronymic prefixes, such as van Lentzell, and de Lentzelle. Further alternative spellings include Lanzol, Lanzal and Lanzat. Errors in handwriting or translation could also lead to variations in spelling, for example, Lenzal, Lenzol, and Lorzol.
Other surnames from the same origin akin to Lentzel are Lantelme, Lanthalme, Lenthalme, and Lentel. There are also similar geographic names like von Lentzeln and van Lenteln, with the additional ‘n’ or ‘l’ letters at the end to denote prosperity or estate.
The many similar variants of Lentzel changes in spelling reflect the journey of migration between countries and generations, as families moved away from their place of origin. With an increasing number of people traveling and re-locating, the different spellings have managed to evolve, ensuring the preservation of the surname over time.
Famous people with the name Lentzel
- Lenore Lentzel: Director of Little Things Art & Design Company, as well as the design lead of many feature films and television series.
- Clare G. Lentzel: Creator of the modern-day version of the popular board game, CHESS.
- Harald Lentzel: German WW2 fighter ace remembered for his service in the Battle of Britain.
- Elliott Lentzel: Former professional golfer, competed in the PGA Tour and Nationwide Tour.
- Alfred E. Lentzel: Member of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame, dubbed "The Cowboy Artist of the Oglala Sioux".
- Eduard Lentzel: German historian and novelist, best known for his works on 19th century Russian history.
- Charles Bertram Lentzel: American zoologist, specializing in marine and insect zoology.
- Steve Lentz: British comedy writer and actor, most famous for writing Bill Bailey's Can't Think Straight.
- Ammon Lentz: Basketball coach and former player, a member of the NCAA Division I 1000-point club.
- John Lentz: American theologian, pastor, and writer, best known for his landmark book, Reading the Bible Faithfully.