Kutz - is a German surname. The origin of the family name was debated. Some time ago it was considered that this word is thought to be derived from the Middle High German word "kötze" or “kütze”, which means a woven basket or a kind of a coarse woolen garment,. Subsequently, the name was believed to derive from the Old Polish–Lithuanian word "kucina", which means a cudgel looked weapon. However, currently an opinion prevails that etymologically the name “Kutz” is derived from the Old Proto-Germanic word “kūtiō”. According to the «Starling»-linguist's database, this ancient word described the birds of prey, not specified by kind. During the 14-th and 18-th centuries the word passed a number of grammatical transformations from "kūtze" to "kutz", and finally into "kauz",. At present, this word translates from German as "owl". The last name Kutz was previously common in Prussia. In the period of 17 – 20-th century East Prussia was periodically captured by Poland, Germany or The Russian Empire,. Probably for this reason, many Prussian surnames, including “Kutz” spread throughout central and eastern Europe, involving Poland, Ukraine and Russia.
Notable people
George Kutz, founder of the city named in his honor Kutztown.
John Frederick Coots, American songwriter. He composed over 700 popular songs and Broadway shows. His hit "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town” became one of the biggest sellers in American history.
José Nathan Kutz, American scientist in the field of Mathematical Neuroscience, Professor within the Department of Applied Mathematics at the University of Washington.
K'utz Chman, Ancient King who laid foundations for Mayan civilisation in 700 B.C. There is deduced a very interesting intercultural linguistic relationship. “Kutz Chman” translates from the Mayan language as "old condor" or "old vulture", while the Proto-Germanic word “kūtiō” also describes birds of prey.
Vladimir Kuts, World War II veteran, Soviet long-distance runner and athletics coach, Olympic champion who won gold medals for both the 5,000- and 10,000-metre races at the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne.
Willi Kutz, German politician, resistance fighter against the national socialism.
Kutz Canyon on the San Juan River in New Mexico. This is a popular place for paleontologists, since rare fossils of extinct primates and viverrids were discovered in this Area,.
