Surname Centmaier - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'C'
Centmaier: What does the surname Centmaier mean?
The last name Centmaier is an occupational name derived from the German word “Zentmair” which translates to “center merchant.” This name was originally acquired by a person whose occupation was that of a trader or dealer of goods in a central marketplace. This role was likely responsible for the management of goods, transactions, and communication between buyers and sellers.
The term “zentmair” first appeared in written documents of the 13th century in Germany. It was at this time that Central and Eastern Europe was undergoing strong cultural and economic changes. Trade between neighboring countries was becoming more commonplace, and as a result, the need for efficient traders and dealers that could facilitate the transactions and exchange of goods was in heavier demand than ever.
This time of increasing economic growth was also a period of great technological advancements in Europe. The world of business and trading were becoming ever more sophisticated, and those who could operate and manage the complex transactions were highly sought after. This is likely where the term “zentmair” and its variations, such as Centmaier, came from.
Overall, the last name Centmaier has connection to those traders of the 13th century who operated as crucial facilitators in the booming world of European trade. Those with the name Centmaier come from a lineage of individuals capable of managing the complex dealings of business and commerce and providing an important service to the society of the time.
Order DNA origin analysisCentmaier: Where does the name Centmaier come from?
The last name Centmaier is most commonly found in parts of Germany, eastern Austria, and Switzerland today. In Germany, it is found in the south-west of the country and occurs more frequently in the states of Bavaria, Baden-Wurttemberg, Hesse, and Lower Saxony. In eastern Austria, particularly in Upper Austria and Vienna, the last name Centmaier is relatively common. In Switzerland, the last name Centmaier is found most frequently in the St. Gallen region.
Centmaier is believed to be a local or regional German or Dutch last name, meaning either someone who lived in or near a center (i.e. a market or society) or someone who was born near one. It may also be derived from a medieval form of the word ‘centimil’, which was a unit of measure similar to the English inch. The last name is believed to be derived from a Germanic root language; Centmaier is sometimes spelt ‘Centmayer’ which is a more Anglicized version of the German name.
Tracing its origins back to At least the late 17th century, it appears that the surname Centmaier has spread from its Germanic and Austrian homeland to other parts of Europe and even beyond, to countries such as the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Brazil. It is probably most widely used in countries with German-speaking populations such as Austria and Switzerland.
Variations of the surname Centmaier
Centmaier is a surname originating from Central Europe. It is most commonly found in Austria, Germany, and Hungary. Variant spellings and surnames of the same origin include Centmeyr, Centmayer, and Centmeyer.
Centmeyr is the most common variant of the surname Centmaier. It is spelled with an "e" instead of an "a," and is most common in Austria. It is believed that the variant form of the surname began appearing in the 18th century, and is derived from the same root.
Centmayer is a much rarer variant of the Centmaier surname. It is spelled with an "a" instead of an "e," and is mainly found in Germany. It is believed that this variant of the surname is a corruption of the original spelling.
Centmeyer is another variant of the Centmaier surname. It is usually also spelled with an "e," and is most common in Hungary. It is believed that this variant of the surname is derived from the German spelling, and is used by German speaking Hungarians.
Overall, Centmaier is a Central European surname with various variant spellings and surnames of the same origin. The most common variants are Centmeyr, used in Austria, Centmayer, found mainly in Germany, and Centmeyer, used by German speaking Hungarians.
Famous people with the name Centmaier
- Arnold Centmaier, Austrian lawyer and historian.
- Gunther Centmaier, German ornithologist and entomologist.
- William Centmaier, Australian post-impressionist painter.
- Ulrich Centmaier, Austrian actor and television presenter.
- Johannes Centmaier, Austrian sculptor and medalist.
- Ewald Centmaier, German historian and literary scholar.
- Paul Centmaier, Austrian-American businessman and entomologist.
- Gustave Centmaier, Belgian landscape painter.
- Lisa Centmaier, American singer and songwriter.
- Eric Centmaier, German historian and university professor.
- Klaus Centmaier, German violinist.
- Marlies Centmaier, Austrian writer and essayist.
- Johannes Centmaier, German sculptor and medalist.
- Herbert Centmaier, German engineer and politician.
- Wolf Centmaier, German opera and concert singer.
- Günther Centmaier, German painter and graphic artist.
- Julius Centmaier, German philosopher and theologian.
- Hugo Centmaier, German composer and conductor.
- Susanne Centmaier, Austrian politician and educationalist.
- Karl Centmaier, Austrian journalist, author, and publisher.