Surname Ahlersmeyer - Meaning and Origin
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Ahlersmeyer: What does the surname Ahlersmeyer mean?
Ahlersmeyer is a German surname derived from the old Germanic word “Aler” and the suffix “Smier,” referring to a homestead or settlement. It is in fact quite a common family name in both German-speaking countries and the United States. The precise meaning of the name varies depending on an individual’s ancestral background. In some cases, Ahlersmeyer refers to an alder tree or alder grove. Other interpretations of the name link it to a person who has a strong background in fragments (or “Alerstücken”).
Those bearing the Ahlersmeyer surname are believed to have early origins in the Lower Rhine region of Germany and may be descended from an ancient family dynasty or group of clans from the same region. In the United States, the Ahlersmeyer family is most common in the Midwest and parts of the South.
The Ahlersmeyers of today are likely to be a family of hard-working individuals with strong ties to their roots who take great pride in their heritage. This is a family that celebrates togetherness, wisdom, and fortitude, and a family whose traits will be passed down for generations to come.
Order DNA origin analysisAhlersmeyer: Where does the name Ahlersmeyer come from?
The Ahlersmeyer surname originated in Germany and is most commonly found in the country's northern region today. The name is a patronymic, derived from the first name of the father of an individual, Ahler, a nickname for Adalheri. The name has spread to other countries throughout history and is also found in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and the United States.
In the United States, the highest concentration of Ahlersmeyer families can be found in northeastern states, such as Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio. Other states in which the Ahlersmeyer surname is present include Maryland, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and Washington, indicating the family may have migrated through parts of the Midwest before settling in the Northeast. Some old-time Ahlersmeyer family records also suggest some members of the family came to the United States via New York City in the 1800s.
Within the US, Ahlersmeyer families generally tend to remain in the same geographical area, supporting their long-held traditions and preserving their family history. In fact, many Ahlersmeyer family gatherings feature traditional German foods, which are still cooked today.
Though Ahlersmeyer is not among the top 100 surnames in the United States, it is still relatively common to find families with this surname in many parts of the country, often in the same general region as their ancestors.
Variations of the surname Ahlersmeyer
Ahlersmeyer is a German surname that dates to the Middle Ages. The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include Ahlersmeyers, Ahlersmayer, Ahlersmayer, Ahlertsmeyer, Ahlertsmayer, Ahlertsmayr, and Aylersmyer.
The surname is derived from the Middle High German term ahlers, meaning of “an eagle,” and meyer, meaning “mayor” or “overseer.” Thus, Ahlersmeyer is literally translated to “eagle mayor”or “overseer of the eagle.” The surname is thought to have originated from a geographical feature with a large, ancient tree that was visible from the town, and was known as the “eagle tree.”
The variants of Ahlersmeyer can be traced to different regions within Germany, as well as other European countries that have since adopted the surname. This includes Ahlersmeyers in Wurttemberg, Ahlertsmayr’s in Bavaria, and Ahlersmayer in Rhineland-Palatinate.
Outside Germany, the variants of Ahlersmeyer can also be found in countries such as Austria, Switzerland, France, Spain, Czech Republic, Hungary, Netherlands, and Poland. In the United States, members of the Ahlersmeyer family can be found in the Pennsylvania, Ohio, Oklahoma and California.
The Ahlersmeyer surname is still in use today, and is found among ethnic German families as well as those from other European countries.
Famous people with the name Ahlersmeyer
- Christopher Ahlersmeyer: Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Alliances for Oracle.
- Martha Ahlersmeyer: award-winning photojournalist who documented the civil rights movement in the 1960s.
- Harry Ahlersmeyer: former Secretary-Treasurer of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union.
- Jeff Ahlersmeyer: technology-focused entrepreneur who co-founded technology firms including Neoforma and KaiserAffiliates.
- Craig Ahlersmeyer: founder and CEO of software development firm Ahlersmeyer Software.
- Amanda Ahlersmeyer: product designer and UX researcher at Google.
- Joe Ahlersmeyer: founding editor of online news outlet The Street News, now The Washington Post.
- Frank Ahlersmeyer: automotive engineer, credited with revolutionizing automotive design since the 1950s.
- Wilma Ahlersmeyer: former director of nursing at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center.
- Betsy Ahlersmeyer: theater actress who appeared in the original Broadway production of Godspell.