Lantz Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Lantz come from? What does the surname Lantz mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Lantz and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Lantz Origin: What does the last name Lantz mean?
The surname Lantz has both German and Swedish origins. In Germany, it is believed to have originated as a habitational surname from settlements called "Lanz" or derived from the weapon lance. In Sweden, it is thought to have originated as a military-related name derived from the pole weapon known as a lance. The surname is most concentrated in states like Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Hesse, and Rhineland-Palatinate in Germany, and has strong ties to the region of Old Saxony.
YourRoots data indicates that the surname Lantz first appeared in records from Germany around the early 17th century. Over the centuries, the surname has spread globally, with significant concentrations in the United States. It is also found in countries like Switzerland, Canada, and Australia. The Lantz surname reflects a blend of German and Swedish heritage, with a notable presence in various countries worldwide.
Lantz Last Name History: Where did the last name Lantz come from?
Origin of Lantz Surname: Where does the last name Lantz originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Lantz first appeared in records from Germany around the early 17th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Lantz spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Lantz: What does the Lantz surname history look like in the early days?
The Lantz surname remained closely associated with Germany, Switzerland, and the United States from the 17th to the 19th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Lantz family records in countries like Switzerland, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Lantz surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Lantz surname grew significantly in the United States. The Lantz surname remains prominent in the United States. It appears in many countries, including Switzerland, Germany, Canada, and Australia.
Explore Lantz last name heritage and Lantz surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Lantz Surame?
Walter Lantz
Walter Benjamin Lantz (April 27, 1899 – March 22, 1994) was an American cartoonist, animator, producer, and director best known for founding Walter Lantz Productions and creating Woody Woodpecker. Lantz started his career in animation at a young age and went on to work on popular cartoon series such as "Oswald the Lucky Rabbit" before creating the iconic character Woody Woodpecker. His creative contributions to the world of animation have left a lasting impact, making him a celebrated figure in the industry.
Rob Lantz
Robert Lantz (born 1969/1970) is a Canadian politician who has served as the 34th premier of Prince Edward Island since February 21, 2025. He is the interim leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Prince Edward Island, and previously served as leader of the PC party for seven months in 2015. Lantz has also served as the MLA for Charlottetown-Brighton since 2023. Outside of politics, he lives in Charlottetown-Brighton with his wife Kelly and two children. Lantz comes from a political family, being the brother of former MLA Jeff Lantz.
Stu Lantz
Stuart Burrell Lantz (born July 13, 1946) is an American former professional basketball player known for his time with the Los Angeles Lakers. He played college basketball for the Nebraska Cornhuskers before joining the NBA. Lantz later transitioned to a successful broadcast career, becoming the Lakers' color commentator in 1987. He has received numerous accolades for his work, including inductions into the Nebraska Basketball Hall of Fame and the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Lantz is celebrated for his long career in broadcasting and is a beloved figure among basketball fans.
Frank Lantz
Frank Lantz (born Dec 17, 1963) is an American video game designer known for his work in creating innovative and engaging games. He is the Founding Chair of the New York University Game Center and has taught game design at various prestigious institutions. Lantz co-founded the game development company area/code, which was later acquired by Zynga. He is also known for his game Universal Paperclips, which explores the consequences of optimization. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Lantz continues to make a significant impact on the world of gaming.
Michael Lantz
Michael Eugene Lantz (April 6, 1908 – April 25, 1988) was an American sculptor and medalist known for his iconic works across the United States. He won a competition to create statues for the Federal Trade Commission Building in Washington, D.C., and also designed the Bronze Medallion, the highest civilian award in New York City. Lantz's sculptures and medals are housed in prestigious collections like the Smithsonian American Art Museum. As a member of the National Sculpture Society, he contributed significantly to the art world, even serving as the editor of its publication. Lantz's legacy lives on through the Walter and Michael Lantz Prize, awarded annually by the National Sculpture Society.
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