The History of the Surname Hentze
The surname Hentze is a relatively rare surname that has a long and fascinating history. It is believed to have originated in Germany, where it is most commonly found, but it has also spread to other countries around the world. The surname Hentze is derived from the German personal name Heinrich, which means "ruler of the household" or "home ruler".
Germany
In Germany, the surname Hentze is most commonly found in the northern regions of the country. It is particularly prevalent in the states of Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein. The surname has a total incidence of 1239 in Germany, making it one of the more common surnames in the country.
Faroe Islands
The surname Hentze also has a significant presence in the Faroe Islands, a small autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. With an incidence of 368, the surname Hentze is relatively common among the population of the Faroe Islands.
United States
In the United States, the surname Hentze is less common, with an incidence of 301. The surname can be found mainly in states with large German immigrant populations, such as Texas and Wisconsin. In the US, the pronunciation of the surname may vary, with some families pronouncing it as "Hen-tzee" and others as "Hen-tzuh".
Canada
In Canada, the surname Hentze has a smaller incidence, with only 46 individuals bearing the surname. The majority of Hentze families in Canada are located in the provinces of Ontario and Alberta.
South Africa
The surname Hentze is also present in South Africa, with an incidence of 35. The Hentze family in South Africa is believed to have originated from German immigrants who arrived in the country in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Other Countries
While the surname Hentze is most commonly found in Germany, the Faroe Islands, and the United States, it also has a presence in several other countries around the world. These include France, Mexico, Australia, Brazil, and Sweden, among others. In each of these countries, the incidence of the surname is relatively low, with only a handful of individuals bearing the name.
Overall, the surname Hentze has a long and diverse history, with branches of the family tree spread out across the globe. Despite its relative rarity, the surname continues to be passed down through generations, keeping alive the legacy of the Hentze name.