Kunz

Kunz is a surname of German origin. It is found in Germany and among populations with German heritage, and it has spread to other regions through migration and diaspora. The name is primarily used as a family name, though it may appear in historical records and in various cultural contexts.

The best-known bearer of the surname is George Frederick Kunz (1856–1932), an American mineralogist and gemologist who worked for Tiffany & Co. His scientific work and industry contributions helped shape late 19th- and early 20th-century gemology. In recognition of his influence, Kunzite, a pink to violet variety of the mineral spodumene, was named after him.

Beyond George F. Kunz, the surname Kunz appears across different professions and regions, including science, academia, and the arts, reflecting its broad use in German-speaking communities and their descendants. While specific individuals may gain recognition in particular fields, the name generally represents a common German surname with a presence in historical and contemporary contexts.

In summary, Kunz denotes a German-origin surname with notable historical associations in gemology and mineralogy, most prominently through George Frederick Kunz and the gemstone Kunzite.