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ArchivesRe: Surname zum Pütz
in reply to a message by Jim T.
There is a place called Pütz c.20 km. north of Düren. The name is said to mean "well" or "spring", cognate with the French Puits.
I wonder if you can explain the "zu". I Know that anyone ennobled could adopt the "von", so we have names like von Weber and von Hoffmann; but I once read that "zu" is more exclusive, indicating that a family held a named estate from time immemorial. I'm not sure that this holds up considering some of the surnames I've seen with this addition. And why "von und zu" when "zu" alone would do?
I wonder if you can explain the "zu". I Know that anyone ennobled could adopt the "von", so we have names like von Weber and von Hoffmann; but I once read that "zu" is more exclusive, indicating that a family held a named estate from time immemorial. I'm not sure that this holds up considering some of the surnames I've seen with this addition. And why "von und zu" when "zu" alone would do?
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