The surname "Schwartz" is of Ashkenazi Jewish origin and is derived from the German word "schwarz," which means "black." It is a common surname among Jewish populations, particularly those of German and Eastern European descent. Historically, Ashkenazi Jews were often given surnames based on their occupations, locations, or physical characteristics. In the case of "Schwartz," it likely originated as a nickname for someone with black hair, dark complexion, or perhaps someone who worked with black-colored materials such as blacksmithing or charcoal. There are approximately 100,000 bearers of the surname in the USA today.