Metzinger History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

The German surname Metzinger emerged in the lands that formed the powerful German state of Prussia, which at one time was an immense territory that stretched from France and the Low Countries to the Baltic sea and Poland. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the German territories were inhabited by a variety of barbarian tribes. The borders of the barbarian kingdoms changed frequently, but the region that became known as Prussia was roughly divided between the areas of Brandenburg-Prussia, West Prussia, and East Prussia. By the 19th century, Brandenburg-Prussia had incorporated East Prussia, West Prussia and many other German territories. Moreover, in the late 19th century, it led the German states in the unification of Germany.

Early Origins of the Metzinger family

The surname Metzinger was first found in Prussia, where the family contributed greatly to the development of an emerging nation, and would later play a large role in the tribal and national conflicts of the area. The name stems from two sources which were continually mixed up throughout the Middle Ages, so they can no longer be differentiated: one was Matthaeus the Evangelist, who was patron saint of tax collectors, and the other was Mattias (Hebrew for "gift of the gods",) who was one of the twelve Apostles. In later years the name branched into many houses, each playing a significant role in local social and political affairs.

Early History of the Metzinger family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Metzinger research. Another 146 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1504, 1558, 1565, 1681, 1710, 1727, 1761, 1764, 1809, 1811 and 1831 are included under the topic Early Metzinger History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Metzinger Spelling Variations

Many cultural groups lived in the German states in medieval times. Each had its own dialect and traditions, and unique variations of popular names. Low German, which is similar to contemporary Dutch, was spoken in Westphalia. German names are characterized by additions such as regional suffixes and phrases that tell something about the origin or background of its original bearer. Further contributing to the variation in German names was the fact that there were no spelling rules in medieval times: scribes recorded names according to their sound. The recorded spelling variations of Metzinger include Mathias, Matthias, Mathius, Matthius, Matheus, Mathesius, Matheson, Matthisson, Mathies, Mathiessen, Thiessen and many more.

Early Notables of the Metzinger family

Notable figures of the time with the name Metzinger were Johannes Mathesius (1504-1565), who was a friend and disciple of Martin Luther. He is the author of the first biography of Luther, and himself wrote hymns and sermons. Johann Mattheson (1681-1764) was a musician and translator and produced the first German imitation of "The Spectator."...
Another 54 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Metzinger Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Metzinger Ranking

In the United States, the name Metzinger is the 15,119^th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 1

Metzinger migration to the United States +

The state of Prussia was a great influence on the shape of modern Germany. After the Second World War, Prussia's land was divided among the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany and the state was abolished. Some Prussians remained in those countries after the war, while many others migrated to North America in search of a new start. Philadelphia was their primary point of entry to the United States, after which many of them moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. A large number of Prussians also migrated to Ontario and the prairie provinces as United Empire Loyalists. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Metzingers to arrive in North America, and among them were:

Metzinger Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Louise Metzinger, aged 22, who settled in America, in 1894

Metzinger Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Jacob Metzinger, aged 26, who landed in America from Saarbrucken, Germany, in 1907
Adam Metzinger, aged 36, who landed in America from Sardany, Hungary, in 1909
Barbara Metzinger, aged 32, who landed in America from Sardany, Hungary, in 1909
Therese Metzinger, aged 48, who landed in America, in 1910
Adam Metzinger, aged 48, who immigrated to America from Pardany, Roumania, in 1921
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Metzinger (post 1700) +

Kraig Metzinger (1963-1977), American actor, best known for his teenage role as Phillip Trainor on the 1977-1978 sitcom Maude
Thomas Metzinger (b. 1958), German philosopher
Jean Metzinger (1883-1956), French painter, theorist, writer, critic and poet

Citations +

"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/