The surname Kretz is of German origin, derived from the word "Kreuz," meaning cross. It is believed to have originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near a crossroads or a cross-shaped feature in the landscape. Alternatively, it could have been an occupational name for someone who made crosses or worked as a carpenter or woodcutter.
In Germany, the surname Kretz is most commonly found, with an incidence of 3,296. This indicates that the surname has a significant presence in German-speaking regions, particularly in the southwestern part of the country.
With an incidence of 1,757, the surname Kretz is also present in the United States. It is likely that German immigrants brought the surname to America, where it has continued to be used by their descendants.
In France, the surname Kretz has an incidence of 1,369, indicating that it is also prevalent in French-speaking regions. In neighboring Switzerland, the surname has a lower but still significant incidence of 617, suggesting that it is also found in Swiss German-speaking areas.
Throughout history, individuals with the surname Kretz have made notable contributions in various fields. From carpenters and woodworkers to scholars and artists, the Kretz family name has left a lasting legacy in many different areas.
Like many European surnames, the Kretz family may have had a coat of arms associated with their name. The family crest typically featured symbols and colors that represented the family's values, achievements, or origins.
Several notable individuals have borne the surname Kretz throughout history. From talented craftsmen to influential thinkers, these individuals have left their mark on society and have helped shape the legacy of the Kretz name.
The surname Kretz is not only found in Germany, the United States, France, and Switzerland but also has a presence in several other countries around the world. With smaller incidences in countries such as Austria, Canada, and Sweden, the surname has truly global significance.
Over time, variations of the surname Kretz have emerged in different regions. These variants may have resulted from linguistic changes, regional dialects, or personal preferences. Some common variants of the surname Kretz include Kretzer, Kretzschmar, and Kretzenbacher.
Today, individuals with the surname Kretz continue to honor their heritage and carry on the legacy of their ancestors. Whether they reside in Germany, the United States, or elsewhere, those with the Kretz name can take pride in their rich family history and the contributions of their forebears.
Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is achievable to locate African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Equivalent takes place in the case of Kretz, which as you can corroborate, it can be said that it's a surname that may be found in the majority of the countries of this globe. In the same way you will find nations in which certainly the thickness of people with all the surname Kretz is higher than in other countries.
The likelihood of examining on a globe map about which nations hold a greater number of Kretz on the planet, helps us a lot. By putting ourselves on the map, for a tangible country, we are able to understand tangible number of people with all the surname Kretz, to acquire in this way the precise information of all the Kretz that you could presently find in that country. All this also assists us to understand not merely in which the surname Kretz arises from, but also in what manner the folks who are initially an element of the household that bears the surname Kretz have moved and moved. In the same way, you are able to see by which places they have settled and developed, and that's why if Kretz is our surname, it seems interesting to which other countries of this world it will be possible any particular one of our ancestors once relocated to.
 Germany (3296)
 
                Germany (3296)
               United States (1757)
 
                United States (1757)
               France (1369)
 
                France (1369)
               Switzerland (617)
 
                Switzerland (617)
               Austria (218)
 
                Austria (218)
               Canada (174)
 
                Canada (174)
               Sweden (139)
 
                Sweden (139)
               Hungary (98)
 
                Hungary (98)
               Brazil (82)
 
                Brazil (82)
               Argentina (59)
 
                Argentina (59)
               Netherlands (32)
 
                Netherlands (32)
               Norway (26)
 
                Norway (26)
               England (23)
 
                England (23)
               Czech Republic (12)
 
                Czech Republic (12)
               Honduras (11)
 
                Honduras (11)