Surname Platner - Meaning and Origin
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Platner: What does the surname Platner mean?
The last name Platner is a German surname which has its roots in areas of Westphalia and Austria. Platner is derived from the German word "planer," meaning "tradesman," which was often used to describe a type of itinerant craftsman employed in the 15th Century. The name has its origin in the fact that many of these craftsmen would travel from town to town, selling and repairing goods.
In modern day, the surname Platner is still strongly associated with skilled tradespeople and craftsmen who make things with their hands, such as potters, carpenters, tinsmiths, and even artisans who create custom furniture. It is also a popular surname among entrepreneurs and business owners, as well as being found among students and professionals in various disciplines.
The meaning of the last name Platner goes beyond just tradesmen or business owners, however, and can also be interpreted as relating to the notion of balance or structure. This is particularly relevant in the realms of fine art and design, where one needs to exercise a balanced approach to create a successful piece. Similarly, the surname can be understood as a representation of those who strive to build a better world through constructing careful plans and structures that provide stability and security.
Order DNA origin analysisPlatner: Where does the name Platner come from?
The last name Platner is a German-Jewish surname found mainly in countries that have seen immigration from Central and Eastern Europe. It is most commonly found in the United States, where immigration records indicate a few hundred recorded immigrants with the last name Platner. In the United States, most recorded immigrants with the last name Platner today come from cities such as New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Denver. Platner is also seen in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, although the numbers are lower compared to other nations in which it is found.
It is uncertain the exact origin of the name Platner. Speculation suggests the surname is derived from the German word “Planer”, which means planner, as in a carpentry planner. Some researchers suggest it could also have origins in Austro-Hungarian regions and Slavic countries such as the Czech Republic, where it may have modifications of the German spelling and could be written as “Platner” or “Platnar”.
Outside of Europe, some immigrants with the Platner surname have relocated to Australia, Canada, and South Africa, although the numbers are considerably lower than in the United States.
Variations of the surname Platner
The surname Platner is of Germanic origin from the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Middle High German plazner, meaning “plowman” or “farmer”. It is generally found in Austria, Germany, Poland, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and parts of the United States.
Variants of the surname are Plattner, Platzner, Plaetner and Plazner. In addition, Plaetner is occasionally spelled Planter.
Slightly different variations of this surname exist throughout Central and Eastern Europe. In some regions, the surname Plazner has become Platner with the passing of time. In Slovakia and the Czech Republic, the surname is spelled Placner or Placnar. In Hungary, the surname is often spelled Platinér. Plater is a Polish spelling of this surname, while Platton is a French variant. The variations may be due to cultural differences or other reasons, such as the use of different writing systems and/or spelling practices.
There are also noticeable differences among the spellings of the surname between European countries, for example between Austria and Germany. The spelling Plattner is usually found in Germany and Switzerland, while in Austria, the surname is often spelled Platner.
In the United States, the surname has been anglicized to such spellings as Platter, Platterman, Plattner and Platner.
Famous people with the name Platner
- Elizabeth Platner: an American film model and actress.
- Joseph Platner: an American brigadier general in the US Air Force.
- Aubrey Platner: an American biochemist and professor.
- Margie Platner: an American Air Force military pilot.
- Alexander Platner: a German Protestant theologian.
- Ivan Platner: an American actor and stuntman.
- Friedrich Platner: a German-born American landscape architect.
- James Platner: an American biologist and professor.
- Fabian Platner: an American music producer and composer.
- Monika Platner: a German American theater actress and director.