Surname Metts - Meaning and Origin
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Metts: What does the surname Metts mean?
Metts is a surname of ancient German origin. It is derived from the ancient German personal name "Mett", composed of elements "maht", meaning might, and "hild", meaning battle. Over time, this name evolved into Mett, Metts, Metz and other variations. Therefore, the surname Metts could mean "mighty in battle". Like many surnames, it was likely used to describe an ancestor's characteristic or profession. In the Middle Ages, surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. Therefore, the surname Metts may also have begun as a nickname for a strong, powerful person. It's also possible that it was given to people from Metz, a town in France, who had moved to Germany. As with all surnames, its exact origins are difficult to trace completely due to the passage of time and historical record keeping practices.
Order DNA origin analysisMetts: Where does the name Metts come from?
The last name Metts is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "metze" meaning a bushel or a measure of grain. It was primarily used as an occupational name for a grain merchant or someone who measured grain. The surname Metts might also have geographical origins from a place named Metze, a locality found in Germany. The surname can be found in various forms including Metz, Metze, Metts, and others.
Today, the surname Metts is predominantly used in the United States, specifically in the states of South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and Florida. Within these states, it is more common in rural areas and small towns. In terms of the global distribution of the Metts surname, it is quite rare and can be found in minimal numbers in Canada, U.K, Australia, and a few other countries.
Variations of the surname Metts
The surname Metts is of German origin and can have various spelling variations, reflecting the phonetic spelling by immigration, census, and registration officials in different eras. Common spelling variants and surnames of the same origin include Metz, Metze, Metten, Mett, Mertz, Mertes, Merts, Mets, Mett's, Metzger, Metzner, Metge, Mettge, Mätz, and Méts. It can also be spelled with a double 't,' as in Metts, or 'ss', as in Metss. Variants like Metzinger and Metzler denote professions or occupations like butcher and metal worker, respectively.
These surnames stem from a popular personal name in the Middle Ages, "Messo," which was mostly common in Southern Germany. The 'Metz' form was common in the Alsace-Lorraine region. The surname often signifies someone from the city of Metz in northeastern France. Furthermore, Metts could have Jewish or Ashkenazic origins, where Metz was a common surname there as well.
The surname dispersion for Metts is highest in the United States, followed by Canada and Australia according to some sources. However, keep in mind that global distribution data might vary due to different population scales.
Famous people with the name Metts
- Ed Metts: American Army Veteran and first African American mayor of Orangeburg, SC
- Chris Metts: Former NFL defensive lineman
- Sam Metts: American Navy Veteran and Medal of Honor recipient
- Cora Metts: Former Host of PBS' and the Starz TV Network's "My Music" program
- Joe Metts: 1950s singer-songwriter
- J. W. Metts: former Congressman representing South Carolina's 4th congressional district
- LaShonda Metts: Award-winning actor, playwright and producer
- Paul Metts: Musician and artist in Austin, TX
- Brandon Metts: Singer/Songwriter and Tennessee Music Award winner
- Tommy Metts: American football coach and former college head coach at Louisiana-Monroe, Columbus State University and Virginia Union University