Fritz is a common German male name, originally a diminutive of Friedrich or Frederick. It has been used historically as a nickname for notable figures such as King Frederick II of Prussia and Frederick III, German Emperor. The name also served as a derogatory term for German troops by the Entente powers during wartime. Additionally, Fritz has been derived from surnames like Fritsche, Fritzsche, Fritsch, Frisch(e), and Frycz.