Summary

The surname Kurtz has German origins and is derived from the Middle High German word "kurz", meaning 'short'. It is believed to have started as a nickname for someone of short stature or with a short temper. Over time, the name was adopted as a surname by families in Germany and later spread to other countries. Today, Kurtz is a common surname found across the world.
There are
24216
Kurtzs in the USA
Kurtz is the
1476th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Kurtz

JosephConrad

Joseph Conrad was a Polish-British writer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest novelists in the English language. His most famous work is 'Heart of Darkness.'

JoelKurtzman

Joel Kurtzman is an American author and expert on economic and geopolitical issues. He is known for his book 'Common Purpose: How Great Leaders Get Organizations to Achieve the Extraordinary.'

RoseanneKurtz

Roseanne Kurtz is a contemporary American artist known for her abstract paintings inspired by nature. She has exhibited her work in galleries and museums worldwide.

WalterKurtz

Walter Kurtz was a fictional character in the film 'Apocalypse Now.' He was portrayed by Marlon Brando and is known for his enigmatic and powerful presence.

EricKurtz

Eric Kurtz is an American entrepreneur and the co-founder of a successful technology startup. He is recognized for his innovative ideas and business acumen.

RachelKurtz

Rachel Kurtz is an American singer-songwriter and musician known for her soulful vocals and thought-provoking lyrics. She has released several albums and performs internationally.

DavidKurtz

David Kurtz is a professor of political science at a renowned university. He specializes in international relations and has published numerous academic articles and books.

SarahKurtz

Sarah Kurtz is a leading researcher in the field of solar energy. She has made significant contributions to photovoltaic technology and has received several awards for her work.

MichaelKurtz

Michael Kurtz is a co-founder of Record Store Day, an annual event that celebrates independent record stores. He is passionate about preserving and promoting the vinyl record industry.

KarenKurtz

Karen Kurtz is a renowned chef and cookbook author. She has written several bestselling cookbooks and has appeared in cooking shows and culinary events worldwide.

Kurtz Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Kurtz' is of German origin. It is derived from the German word 'kurz,' meaning 'short' or 'brief.' The name was likely used as a nickname for a short person.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Kurtz' is most commonly found in Germany, with significant populations in the United States, Canada, and other countries with German-speaking populations.
VariationsThere are various variations of the surname 'Kurtz,' including 'Kurtze,' 'Kurz,' and 'Kurts.' These variations may have different spellings but share the same origin.
Migration and ImmigrationThe name 'Kurtz' has been carried by immigrants from Germany to various countries, especially during periods of German emigration in the 19th and early 20th centuries.