EtymologyIgnatz is the German form of Ignatius, a name that ultimately derives from the Roman family name Egnatius of Etruscan origin. The spelling was later influenced by the Latin word ignis meaning "fire," leading to its association with fire and passion. The name has been borne by several saints, most notably Saint Ignatius of Antioch (an early Christian martyr thrown to wild beasts) and Saint Ignatius of Loyola (founder of the Jesuits), though the latter's birth name was Íñigo.Cultural SignificanceIn German-speaking countries, Ignatz and its variant Ignaz have been used since at least the 18th century. The name gained some prominence in the United States among German immigrants, notably through Ignatz Bubis, a German Jewish leader who helped shape post-war Jewish life in Germany. The whimsical comic-strip mouse Ignatz Mouse in George Herriman's Krazy Kat also popularized the name in American pop culture.Notable BearersHistorical figures named Ignatz include:Ignatz Bubis (1927–1999), German Jewish leaderIgnatz Leo Nascher (1863–1944), Austrian-born physician who coined the term "geriatrics"Ignatz Anton Pilát (1820–1870), gardener who landscaped Central ParkIgnatz Theodor Griebl (1899–?), German-American spy leader in World War IIIgnatz Mühlwenzel (c. 1690–1766), Bohemian Jesuit mathematicianVariantsRelated names include the German short form Ignaz, and the uncommon Russian Ignat. The name is also found in Hungarian (Ignác), Catalan (Ignasi), and Dutch (Ignaas) forms.