Weisz

Weisz is a surname of Germanic origin, a variant of Weiss (Weiß) meaning "white" in German. The spelling Weisz is common in Ashkenazi Jewish communities and in Central and Eastern Europe, where German and Yiddish influence produced forms such as Weiss and Weisz. The form with the "sz" digraph reflects Hungarian and other East European orthographic conventions. The name most likely began as a descriptive nickname for someone with a pale complexion or who wore white clothing, later becoming a hereditary family name.

Today, Weisz is found in Germany and Austria, as well as in Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, and other parts of Central and Eastern Europe, frequently among Jewish populations. Through immigration and diaspora, the surname spread to North America and Israel, where it is carried by descendants of these communities. The spelling variant Weisz coexists with Weiss and other related forms, with regional preferences shaping which variant is most common in a given country or family.

Notable people with the surname include Rachel Weisz, the British actress known for roles in films such as The Constant Gardener, The Mummy, and The Favourite. Her international recognition is among the most prominent contemporary associations with the name Weisz. Beyond public figures, the surname appears across diverse fields in various countries, reflecting the historical mobility of Ashkenazi and Germanic surname traditions.