hartzen

Hartzen is a surname of Dutch origin. It is a patronymic surname formed with the suffix -zen, indicating "son of" Hart, where Hart is a given name of Germanic origin that has appeared in Dutch and other Germanic naming traditions. The root Hart may derive from personal names and, in some cases, from native words meaning "hart" or "strong," but etymological specifics vary.

The surname is found in historical records in the Netherlands and neighboring Flemish regions, and through emigration it appears in other parts of Europe and the world, including North America, Australia, and South Africa. Genealogical sources often classify Hartzen among Dutch or Frisian-derived surnames, though precise origin can be difficult to verify for individual families due to common patronymic practices in earlier centuries.

Variants of the name include Hartsen and Hartzens, reflecting alternative spellings of the patronymic suffix and regional pronunciation. Some instances may also converge with or be anglicized as Hart or Hartz in immigration records.

As a surname, Hartzen is relatively uncommon and has limited coverage in general reference works. It is primarily of interest to genealogists tracing Dutch or Frisian family lines, or researchers studying patronymic naming practices in northern Europe.