Surname Breitter - Meaning and Origin
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Breitter: What does the surname Breitter mean?
The last name Breitter is of German origin and is believed to have originally been derived from the Middle High German word "breyter" which translates literally to "expander" or "breeder". Historically, it may have been used to denote a person of wealth or high status, as it is thought that those of a higher social standing were more likely to be able to expand their wealth and land holdings.
In modern times, the name has been adopted by many families throughout the world and has been given several different spellings, depending on the country and culture in which it is found.
The literal meaning of Breitter is widely understood across many language speakers, and the name is seen as indicative of a prosperous and successful individual. It has been common for those named Breitter to possess leadership qualities and to be well admired by friends and colleagues.
At the same time, the literal meaning of the name has been seen as somewhat contradictory, as it implies both an expander and a breeder. Those bearing the Breitter name may sometimes face difficulty in finding an acceptable balance between the two ideas. The name could be seen to be symbolic for someone who desires to achieve goals while at the same time looking after and protecting the people and interests they encounter.
In essence, the name Breitter has become synonymous with ambition, success, and achievement, and those who bear the name tend to do their best to live up to its reputation.
Order DNA origin analysisBreitter: Where does the name Breitter come from?
The last name Breitter is a German surname, coming from the Middle High German verb breiten which means "to be broad". This surname is most commonly found today in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It ranks in the top 1,000 surnames in each of those countries, with approximately 16,000 people in Germany bearing the name.
Breitter can also be found in the United States and other parts of the world as a result of emigration patterns; for example, it is quite common in the Netherlands, mainly due to refugees of the Napoleonic and World Wars. The name is also found in France, Poland, and Russia, as well as in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Though the surname is found in many other countries, its highest concentration is particularly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
In the United States, Breitter is most commonly found in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan. The largest concentration of Breitters can be found in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where several German immigrants settled in the mid-1800s. The surname is also fairly common among the Amish and Mennonite communities in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern states, as well as in the New Orleans area.
In short, Breitter is a very common surname mainly found in German-speaking countries as well as in the United States, especially Wisconsin and elsewhere in the Midwest.
Variations of the surname Breitter
The surname Breitter is a German surname which usually indicates its place of origin. The variant spellings and surnames of the same origin for Breitter are Brietter, Breiter, Breitner, Breitere, Breit, Breiten, Breithoffer, Breithecker, Breitmeir, Breitschmidt, Breitler, Breitmann, Breitmayer, Breitmüller, Breitung, Breiter and Breittmüller.
Breitter is derived from the Middle High German “breit” meaning wide or broad, and the surname originated in the Rhineland of western Germany and is prominently found in areas of southern Germany. The suffix "-er" is a sign of occupation, as it indicates a person with the occupation of being "wide" or "broad." This can refer to someone who makes wide things such as a carpenter, weaver, or builder.
The original bearers of the Breitter surname most likely established their status as tenant farmers as well as being tied to the local guilds. Before the industrial age, these guilds provided both economic and social protection for members. As their wealth increased, more shops and farming fields were bought, and extended families set up their own branch offices.
During the 19th century, many of the Breitter families emigrated from the German states to other areas of Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America in search of better economic opportunities.
Today, many Breitter descendants are scattered across the globe. From all remaining Breitter descendants, it is clear that they are proud of their ancestral heritage, which still remain alive today in the cultures of where they live.
Famous people with the name Breitter
- George Breitter (Polish filmmaker and film producer)
- Josef Breitter (Austrian actor)
- Karolina Breitter (Polish cyclist and triathlete)
- Mackenzie Breitter (American actress)
- Joanna Breitter (Polish photographer)
- Ramon Breitter (French footballer)
- Don Breitter (American professional wrestler)
- Anna Breitter (Austrian biathlete)
- Anna Breitter (Czech legal scholar and university professor)
- Rita Breitter (Austrian actress)
- Ernie Breitenbach (German American artist)
- Gerda Breitenbach (German photographer and photojournalist)
- Philip Breitner (German jurist and politician)
- Charles Breitner (American actor, director and writer)
- Mark Breitweiser (German American sculptor and installation artist)
- Jeanette Breitzke (Austrian singer and songwriter)
- Sarah Breithaupt (German singer, voice actress and lyricist)
- Wilhelm Breitling (German Jewish businessman, watchmaker and inventor)
- Johann Breitmeister (German painter and art professor)
- Frank Breitkopf (German born American politician and businessman)