Zentner

Zentner is a surname of German origin. It is believed to be derived from the German word "Zentner," which refers to a unit of weight, traditionally 100 pounds or 50 kilograms, used for trade and taxation. As a surname, it likely originated as an occupational name for a weigher, measurer, or tax collector who dealt with goods measured in Zentner units. The name could also have been assigned to someone living near a place where goods were weighed or traded.

The surname Zentner is found in various regions where German-speaking populations historically settled, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and areas of Eastern Europe. Due to migration, the name can also be found in other parts of the world, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Variations in spelling may include Zentnerin (feminine form), Zenter, or Centner, reflecting regional dialects and historical orthographic changes. Genealogical research and historical records are useful for tracing the specific origins of a family bearing the Zentner surname.