The distinguished and ancient surname Fretz is derived from the Middle High German verb "vretzen," which literally means "to make to eat." The progenitor of this name was likely a servant or a kitchen worker. Alternatively, the name may be related to the Low German "freter," meaning "eater, glutton;" in this case, the name would have been initially bestowed as a nickname on someone with an unusual appetite.
The surname Fretz was first found in the Rhineland, where the name is thought to have emerged. The young Fretz family was instrumental during this formative period, playing a major role in the early history of the region and contributing greatly to the development of the medieval society of the Rhineland.
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Fretz research. Another 106 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1354, 1473, 1868 and 1941 are included under the topic Early Fretz History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Spelling variations of this family name include: Fretz, Fretzer, Freter, Vretz, Vretzer, Vreter and others.
More information is included under the topic Early Fretz Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.