Surname von Maier - Meaning and Origin
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von Maier: What does the surname von Maier mean?
The surname von Maier is a German surname which indicates that it originates from a noble family. It is comprised of two parts: ‘von’ is a preposition which in German means ‘of’ or ‘from’, while ‘Maier’ is derived from the term ‘Meier’ which itself is derived from the Germanic word ‘marah,’ meaning ‘farmer’. Thus, the name literally translates to mean ‘of the farmer’.
The origin of the noble von Maier family is found to date back as far as the 12th century. This prestigious lineage stems from Bavaria, a free state in southern Germany. The von Maier family was well-known and highly respected. They were entitled to hold and exercise certain rights and privileges in the territory.
Members of the family belonged to the landed gentry, indicating they held land and noble titles. At this time, the family was commonly referred to as ‘Graf’, meaning ‘count’ in German. Many members of this family also worked as foresters and judges.
As time passed, some members of the family moved away from the region of Bavaria and the noble title was later dropped. The von Maier family gradually dispersed and members of the family now live in other parts of Germany and the world over.
The von Maier surname carries a long and proud history of nobility and respect, and is a reminder of a once highly regarded family line.
Order DNA origin analysisvon Maier: Where does the name von Maier come from?
The last name von Maier is common throughout Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. This name is particularly popular in southeast Germany, specifically in Bavaria, where the name originated.
The name von Maier, also written as Von Mayer, Von Meyer, and Von Meier, is derived from the Middle High German term ‘mâri’ which means ‘resident of a swampy area’.
The name spread from Germany to other European countries. In England, the name became Von Mere or Mere, and in France, it became Delamarre. In Italy, the spelling became Di Maio, and in Spain, it became De Mayorga.
Today, the surname von Maier is most popular in Germany, followed by Switzerland and Austria. However, the name is found throughout the world, particularly in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The von Maier family has a long history in Europe, dating back to the 16th century.
The von Maier family has contributed to the advancement of medicine, science, technology, and politics, with family members serving as scientists, professors, and even government ministers over the centuries.
Today, family members continue to be successful in a range of different fields, including business, music, entertainment, and politics. Furthermore, the von Maier family tree is discovery-driven and scientific minded, an attribute that is still being utilized and valued in society today.
Variations of the surname von Maier
Variants, spellings, and surnames of similar origin to von Maier include: Maier, Majer, Mayer, Meier, Meir, Meyer, Meijer, Meyerhoff, Meiers, Meyering, Meyerinck, Meerland, Meyeringen, Maierfeld, Meierfeld, Mayering, Meyers, Meyerdahl, Meyersfeld, and Maierle.
Maier is a name of German origin. It is derived from the medieval name 'Meier', meaning 'mayor' or 'steward'. The spelling of this name has varied since its origin, with versions such as Meijer, Meir, Mayer, Meyering, and Meyerhoff.
Meyer is the most common English spelling of the German surname derived from 'Meier'. It is a common occupational name in Germany, referring to an official in charge of lands and property. It is also the most widely used surname in the Netherlands, deriving from a combination of Dutch and German. Variations of Meyer are found in Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark.
Meier is another form of Meier, and is the most common spelling used in Germany. Variations of this name include Meiers, Meiering, Meying, and Mayering.
Meir is a Hebrew variant of the same family name, and its spelling can be found in several countries anciently, including Austria, Hungary, Romania, and the Czech Republic.
Majer is a Polish version of the same origin. It is derived from 'Matija', similar to Mayer derived from 'Meier' in German. Variations of the Polish Majer include Major and Majerzak.
The Maierle spelling is an old variant found mainly in Austria. It is a derivative of the German 'Meier' or 'Mayor'.
Overall, the variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname von Maier are plentiful, due to the vastness of countries and regions in which the name has been used, and the countless ways in which it has been spelled.
Famous people with the name von Maier
- Timo von Maier: a German DJ who has released several albums
- Heinrich von Maier: historian of 18th-century Europe
- Cecilie von Maier: a Norwegian cross-country ski racer
- Mario von Maier: a German actor
- Johannes von Maier: a Liechtenstein ski jumper
- Ingrid von Maier: an Austrian sprint canoeist
- Ulf von Maier: a German Paralympic athlete
- Gudrun von Maier: a German inventor of powered hang gliders
- Andrea von Maier: a German synchronized swimmer
- Benjamin von Maier: German Paralympic powerlifter