Surname Barkmeier - Meaning and Origin

Barkmeier: What does the surname Barkmeier mean?

The last name Barkmeier is of German origin and is derived from the word "bark". It likely referred to a person who lived near a large tree or barked like a dog. In addition to being a surname, Barkmeier is also sometimes used as a first name.

The name Barkmeier is most common in the German-speaking regions of Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and parts of France. It is also known to have spread throughout Germany and Austria over the centuries, with variants such as Barchmeir and Barkmeyer.

The records of Barkmeiers in historical documents date back to the 13th century, having first appeared in the cities of Nuremberg, Hanover, Freiburg, and Munich.

The name Barkmeier is associated with strength, ambition, and courage. People with this name often have strong determination and are highly motivated. They may also have a tendency to be competitive and goal-oriented.

Barkmeier is likely to be a sign of a person who is comfort in nature and will take risks to get what they want. In addition, this last name could also signify a person who is sociable and playful, but can also be serious and dependable when necessary.

Barkmeier: Where does the name Barkmeier come from?

The last name Barkmeier is most commonly found in Germany and other German-speaking countries, including Austria and Switzerland. The name is estimated to be present among over 8,000 people in Germany, while in the other countries the number of people with the name is much lower. It is thought that the name is also present in some other European countries and the United States, although exact numbers are difficult to obtain.

The name likely has its origins in Germany, with the earliest known reference to the Barkmeier name being in the early 18th century in Germany. Many places in Germany that share the name Barkmeier are located in the Bavarian regions of Southern Germany. These places are also known for having large populations of German-speaking people.

The surname Barkmeier is also encountered in historical records from the United States, mostly from the 19th and early 20th centuries, the most common state being Iowa. It is also thought that some people who bear this last name in the US are of German descent, although they may have changed the spelling of their name at some point.

Knowing the commonality of the surname today is helpful in understanding more about its beginnings and to see where it is most likely to be found among current populations.

Variations of the surname Barkmeier

Barkmeier is one of the many surnames with variants, spellings, and other surnames of the same origin. Variants of the surname Barkmeier include Barkle, Bark, Barckmeyer, Barkemeyer, Barkmeehr, Barkmeier, Barkmeyhr, Barkmeyr, Barrmayer, and Barkmayr. The spelling variations of the surname can include Barkmeler, Barkmeizer, Barkmajer, Barckmeier, Balkemeier, Barkmeyier, Barkmair, Berkmeier, Berkmayer, and Berkmair, among others.

The average lifespan of a surname is relatively short, so Barkmeier is likely to have derived from a variation of other surnames over time. One possible variant of Barkmeier is the surname Barkl, which is derived from the Middle High German word Berch, meaning “hard” or “strong”.

The surnames Barck, Bark, and Barkl are thought to originate from the Germanic personal name Berc or Bert, meaning a “bright one” or “nobleman”. The spelling variants Barkmair, Barkmayer, and Barkmeyer likely originate from this same root.

Other possible surnames of the same roots include Barkemeyer, Berkmair, Berkmayer, and Berkmier. Additionally, the surnames Barrmayer, Barckmeizer, and Balkemeier may have derived from names such as Bercht, Berchtold, and Berchtram, which are variants of the same root.

Though ultimately derived from Germanic roots, Barkmeier and its variants may have seen some transmission through French-speaking regions, as the French versions of some of the surnames are Barques, Barc, Bar is, and Barkele.

Overall, Barkmeier is one of many surnames with variants, spellings, and other surnames of the same origin. Through its Germanic roots and potential French transmission, this surname has evolved to become one of the many surnames common in the modern world.

Famous people with the name Barkmeier

• Adam Barkmeier: Actor and musician known for his roles in All About Love, The Mystery of Mapachi's Tomb, and Spellbreaker.
• Anastasia Barkmeier: Professional model and entrepreneur.
• Benedict Joseph Barkmeier: World War II veteran and Medal of Honor recipient.
• Carl Barkmeier: Iowa state representative from 1920-1922.
• Charles Barkmeier: Widely respected professional illustrator and graphic designer.
• Dave Barkmeier: Home brew enthusiast and founder of Barkmeier Brewing Co.
• Eunice Barkmeier: Florida radio and television personality of the 1960s and 70s.
• Jack Barkmeier: Award-winning rodeo bullfighter and trick roper.
• Jean Barkmeier: Record-setting Olympic figure skater of the 1950s.
• Jeff Barkmeier: American painter, printmaker, and performance artist.
• Joseph Barkmeier: Commercial photographer and fitness guru of the 1970s and 80s.
• Klaus Barkmeier: Bavarian-born mathematician and professor of probability theory.
• Mark Edward Barkmeier: Physician, clinician, and award-winning researcher in the field of pediatric oncology.
• Mary Frances Barkmeier: Owner of Barkmeier & Associates, a boutique public relations and marketing firm.
• Robert J. Barkmeier: Former president of AT&T's Latin America Division.
• Scott Barkmeier: Media composer and sound designer of video game music.
• Sean Barkmeier: Montessori teacher and educational consultant.
• Teddy Barkmeier: Up-and-coming indie musician and vocalist/guitar player.
• Thomas J. Barkmeier: Retired Navy captain and decorated Vietnam War veteran.
• Zelda Barkmeier: Award-winning children's author and illustrator.

Other surnames

Barkmeijer