Pankratz Family History

German: from the personal name Pankratz from Latin Pancratius Greek Pankratios a name derived from the term pankratēs ‘all-in wrestler’ from pan ‘all, every’ + kratein ‘to conquer, subdue’. This Greek name was re-analysed by early Christians as meaning ‘Almighty’ and thus a suitable epithet of Christ.

The name was borne by a 4th-century Christian martyr, hence its popularity as a personal name in the Middle Ages. Saint Pancras is one of the Ice Saints (see also Boniface and Servatius), so called in central European folklore because their feast days fall on the days of May 12, May 13, and May 14.

This period is significant as it often marks a brief spell of cold weather in central Europe, bringing the last frost before summer.