Katz

Katz is a common German and Ashkenazi Jewish surname with two distinct origins. For Germans, the name often originates from the Rhine River region, associated with Katz Castle; however, the castle's name derives from the ancient tribal names Chatti and Melibocus, not the German word for cat.

As a Jewish surname, Katz is almost always a Hebrew acronym (כּ״ץ, Ka-Tz) standing for Kohen Tzedek ("priest of justice" or "authentic priest"). This indicates descent from Aaron, the first high priest of the Israelites, and thus from the priestly class (Kohanim). The full phrase Kohen Tzedek appears in medieval sources, while the acronym Katz has been documented since the seventeenth century, possibly earlier. Being a Kohen carries specific religious roles and restrictions in Judaism, such as performing the Priestly Blessing and observing purity laws.

Not all individuals with the surname Katz are priests; the name was also adopted by some families for prestige or other reasons. The surname is widespread among Ashkenazi Jewish communities, particularly in the United States, Israel, and Europe. Notable bearers include American comedian and actor Andy Katz, former New York City Mayor John Lindsay (whose mother's maiden name was Katz), and Israeli politician Yigal Allon (born Peikovitz, but his family name was sometimes written as Katz). In Germany, notable figures include the chemist Julius Kautz (though more canonically, the surname appears in various fields).

Variants include Katzke and Katze, though the latter is rare. Related names with priestly associations include Cohen, Kagan, and Azoulai. The surname's etymology has inspired folklore, including tales that Katz stands for the Yiddish phrase kohen tsedek — an idea consistent with the abovementioned acronym but popularized in stories about rabbis using the name to conceal a Kohen ancestry.

• Meaning: "Priest of justice" (from Hebrew acronym for Kohen Tzedek)
• Origin: Hebrew acronym; also German toponymic origin
• Type: Surname (Jewish priestly; German)
• Usage regions: Germany, United States, Israel, Europe
• Related names: Aaron (ancestor); Cohen, Kagan (similar priestly surnames)