Surname Gerstmeyr - Meaning and Origin
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Gerstmeyr: What does the surname Gerstmeyr mean?
The last name Gerstmeyr is an old German name that originated from Bavarian and Swabian-Alemannic regions. It is believed to be a locational surname from the village of Gersdorf in Austria, Germany, that is derived from a combination of a Germanic root word, "gumsh," meaning "wheat," and the German word "Mayer," which means "the mayor or head of a community." This root may have been used to refer to a community leader who was also involved in the wheat trade.
The Gerstmeyr surname is found throughout Germany, Austria, and the German-speaking countries of the world. This prominence makes it possible to trace its origin and determine the etymology of the name. It is also believed to have been amongst the very first German surnames to be officially adopted, in the 12th century.
The Gerstmeyr surname is an enduring reflection of the people who have carried it throughout the ages. It is a reminder of their commitment to tradition, hard work, and loyalty to their family and heritage. Those with the surname should be proud to carry such a strong symbol of their ancestry, and what it has meant for themselves, and generations to come.
Order DNA origin analysisGerstmeyr: Where does the name Gerstmeyr come from?
Gerstmeyr is a last name of German origin. It is most commonly found in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
In Germany, Gerstmeyr is most common in the states of Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate, and North Rhine-Westphalia. It is also found in a few other states like Saxony, Berlin, and Thuringia. In Austria, Gerstmeyr is widespread across the country, with the highest concentration of the name in Styria.
In Switzerland, Gerstmeyr is found mainly in the cantons of Bern, Zurich, and St. Gallen. It is also present in small numbers in Geneva, Aargau, and Ticino.
Outside of Europe, the last name Gerstmeyr is not very common. However, small pockets of people bearing the name can be found in the United States and Canada, mostly descended from German and Austrian emigrants in the 19th century. There are also pockets in South Africa, mainly among German communities that emigrated there in the early 20th century. In other countries, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, people with the name are likely to have had ancestors from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland.
Variations of the surname Gerstmeyr
Gerstmeyr is a German-origin surname that was first found in Bavaria, Germany. Variants of the name include Gerstmeier, Gerstmaier, Gerstmeyer, Gartsmeier, Gaersmeier, Geersmeier, and Gasthmeyr among other variants. It is primarily found in southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
The origin of the surname is derived from a Middle High German word, "garn," which translates to barley. This indicates that the original bearer of the surname was likely an individual involved with the production of beer. The surname has remained common throughout the centuries, varying in spelling depending on the region it is located in.
There are numerous variations of the surname based not only on location but on other changes that have occurred over time such as changes to the spelling due to dialect, pronunciation, or common misspellings. Some of the more common variations include Gartmeyr, Gartsmayer, and Gärtnermeyr.
In the United States, many of the Gerstmeyr families shortened their surnames to Gasthaus, Gasthausen, or Gasther. There are also a few Matzmeyr families in the United States whose surname is derived from Matthaeus — a variation of Matthew.
Overall, Gerstmeyr is a German-origin surname that has evolved over time, changing spelling based on region and other factors and spawning many different variants such as Gartmeyr, Gartsmayer, and Gärtnermeyr. In the United States, it is sometimes shortened to Gasthaus, Gasthausen, Gasther, or Matzmeyr.
Famous people with the name Gerstmeyr
- Wilhelm Gerstmeyr (1899-1945), German lawyer and Nazi Party politician
- Martin Gerstmeyr (born 1926), German film, theater and television actor
- Dieter Gerstmeyr (born 1944), German politician
- Josef Gerstmeyr (1848-1901), Austrian father of modern policymaking
- Franz Gerstmeyr (1908-1980), Austrian mathematician
- Andreas Gerstmeyr (born 1964), Austrian composer
- Karl Gerstmeyr (1813-1887), Austrian painter
- Maureen Gerstmeyr (born 1965), American author and teacher
- Christine Gerstmeyr (fl. 1990s), American author
- Fritz Gerstmeyr (1906-1981), Austrian film and TV director