SCHULZE
The Schulze surname is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word schultheize, meaning “village headman” or “mayor.” It was originally an occupational name given to a person who held a position of authority in a village or town.
According to the etymological analysis of the surname, it may have developed from the contracted form of Middle High German Schultheize or the older High German Sculdheizo. This compound combines the elements Sculd(a), a debt or due, with a derivative of heiz(z)an, meaning “to command.” Thus, the name originally denoted a man responsible for collecting dues and remitting them to the lord of the manor, or a status name for a village headman.
The first recorded spelling of the family name appears as Abraham Shuts, who married Ann Smith on 8 June 1685 at St Katherine’s by the Tower, London, during the reign of King Charles XI, the “Merry Monarch.” Further documented instances include the marriage of Gottlob Abraham Schulze to Jane McKutcheon on 14 February 1769 at St James, Westminster; the christening of Esther Angel, daughter of Frederick and Sarah Schulze, on 25 December 1769 at St Mary’s, St Marylebone Rd.; and the christening of Henry James Frederec, son of Gottlieb and Dorothy Schulze, on 12 March 1806 at St Bartholomew the Great.
The coat of arms associated with the Schulze surname is described as a blue and silver chequered field, with a crest of an old castle in ruins, and an eagle in flight on top. The presence of the eagle, a symbol of freedom and superiority, is typical of surnames with occupational or administrative origins.
In contemporary usage the surname remains widespread throughout Germany, where it is especially common in northern regions such as Schleswig-Holstein and North Rhine-Westphalia, ranking as the fourth most popular last name in those states and the twelfth overall across the country. In addition to Germany, the Schulze surname is frequently encountered in other countries with strong German heritage, including the United States, Canada, and Argentina. Within the United States it is notably common in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas, while in Canada it can be found in provinces of German‑settled communities. Other locations where a comparatively significant number of individuals bear the name include England, France, Brazil, Mexico, Australia, and the Netherlands.
Variations in spelling are numerous, reflecting regional dialects and phonetic interpretations. Common variants include Schulz, Schultz, Schulte, Schultze, Schultheis, Schultheiss, and Schultz. Related surnames that share the same occupational origin include Scholtz, Scholz, and Scholze. In the Netherlands the name often appears as Schelze or Schalze, while in Poland variants such as Szulc and Szulczewski are common. The surname is also found in the British Isles where it can be spelled Sholts or Sholtz, and in Switzerland as Scholtis or Scholte.
Typical given names associated with the Schulze surname
Male
- Anthony
- Christian
- Daniel
- Dean
- Florian
- Karl
- Michael
- Peter
- Philip
- Stefan
- Thomas
- Wolfgang
Female
- Alison
- Anja
- Brigitte
- Daniela
- Elaine
- Jana
- Jane
- Kirsten
- Margarita
- Nicola
- Petra
- Rebecca
- Sandra
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.
How to communicate the surname Schulze in...
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There are approximately 263 people named Schulze in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Schulze.
Region of origin: Europe
Country of origin: Germany
Language of origin: German
