Surname Petersmeier - Meaning and Origin

Petersmeier: What does the surname Petersmeier mean?

The last name Petersmeier is derived from the German words “Peters” and “Meier”. “Peters” is derived from the Latin name “Petrus”, which means “rock” or “stone”, and “Meier” is an occupational name meaning “mayor” or “lord”. Therefore, the name Petersmeier could be translated as “Mayor of the Stone”.

During the Middle Ages in Europe, a nobleman held the title of "Mayor of the Stone". This title indicated ownership of land or rights within a certain region. A man holding this title was effectively the ruler of the area, responsible for ensuring the security and prosperity of his people. As such, people with the last name of Petersmeier could be descended from someone who had held this prestigious title.

As with many European surnames, the meaning of the surname Petersmeier has changed over time. In modern times, Petersmeier is simply an inherited family name and tells us little about the individual’s history or background. However, the surname does give us a clue to the individual’s Germanic heritage.

Hence, the last name Petersmeier gives us a glimpse into the past, and hints at a very noble heritage.

Petersmeier: Where does the name Petersmeier come from?

The last name Petersmeier is most commonly found in Germany, where there are nearly 1,000 people living with the surname. It is also found in countries that were historically part of the German Empire, such as parts of present-day Poland, Denmark, and Austria. It is also found throughout Central and Eastern Europe, as well as in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries.

The name Petersmeier is derived from the German and Dutch words for "rock," and is likely derived from "Peter," a shortened form of "Petrus," the Latin word for "rock." It is believed the name was either derived from a man named Peter who ran a rock in the Rhineland or from a place name associated with a rock.

In Germany, Petersmeier is primarily spread across the southwestern and northwestern portions of the country, in places such as Hamburg, Berlin, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saxony. In the United States, it is found in Pennsylvania, Ohio, California, Illinois, and Washington, among other states. In Canada, it appears primarily in Ontario and Alberta.

The number of Petersmeiers living in the United States, Canada, and Australia is relatively small, but the population appears to be steadily growing.

Variations of the surname Petersmeier

The surname Petersmeier is a Germanic patronymic surname from the given name Peter. It is most common in Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Hamburg in Germany, but it can also be found in territories or countries with German influence such as Switzerland, Austria, the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Argentina.

Variants of this surname include Pietersmeier, Pettermeier, and Pieterse. In some cases, the spelling may end in -s or -se instead of -er, such as Pieterss or Pettersse. In some older records and documents, the surname may even appear spelled Petermeier, Pettersmeier, and Petersmeir.

Surnames with similar origins or roots include Petersmeyer, Petersmeijer, and Peterssen. Variants of the surname Petersmeyer can include Petersmayer, Petersmair, and Petersmiyer, while variants of Petersmeijer can include Pietersmeijer, Pettersmeijer, and Pietersemeijer. Variants of Peterssen can include Pieterssen, Pietersen, Pettersen, Petterson, and Petersson.

Famous people with the name Petersmeier

• Priscilla Petersmeier: renowned American sculptor and visual artist
• David Petersmeier: renowned German politician
• Eric Petersmeier: German filmmaker
• Angelo Petersmeier: acclaimed Belgian musician and composer
• Karl Petersmeier: former Swiss football player
• André Petersmeier: acclaimed German recording artist
• Robert Petersmeier: renowned German author
• Marcel Petersmeier: acclaimed German soccer player
• Michael Petersmeier: noted German architect
• Claudia Petersmeier: award-winning German television actress
• Günter Petersmeier: renowned German photographer
• Bernd Petersmeier: acclaimed German cyclist
• Heinz Petersmeier: noted German mountain climber
• Katja Petersmeier: acclaimed German jazz musician
• Helmut Petersmeier: renowned German historian
• Vera Petersmeier: prominent English editor and literary critic
• Oliver Petersmeier: noted German sportswriter
• Frank Petersmeier: award-winning German television news anchor
• Peter Petersmeier: award-winning German motion picture director
• Konrad Petersmeier: renowned German sculptor

Other surnames

Petersmeyer