Surname Großpeter - Meaning and Origin
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Großpeter: What does the surname Großpeter mean?
The last name Großpeter is a German surname derived from the combination of two German elements: "Groß" and "Peter". The literal meaning of "Groß" is "large" and "Peter" is a form of the name Peter, which translates to "rock". Thus, when combined, the name Großpeter roughly translates to "great/large rock".
Historically, this last name was likely given to people who owned or worked land related to a large rock, or a large hillside that resembled a large rock. For example, they may have worked a quarry or a farm located near a large rock outcropping. Alternatively, it is possible that the name was given to those who were related to the Biblical St. Peter, often considered the first church leader.
Regardless of its origin, the name Großpeter has become a unique identifier within the German-speaking population, and certainly stands out amongst other surnames.
Generally, this last name would be found in areas where German populations originated, such as parts of Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and some areas of Eastern Europe.
Großpeter is an interesting name with a long story and potentially incredible significance for its owners. Not only does it indicate a certain level of economic importance for its original owners, but it also gives insight into their culture and heritage. There are very few people with this specific name, so those who do carry on its legacy should be proud of their connection to such an interesting name.
Order DNA origin analysisGroßpeter: Where does the name Großpeter come from?
The last name Großpeter is most popular in Germany today, especially in the states of Hesse, Bavaria, and North-Rhine Westphalia. Although prominence of the surname is highest in those areas, it has branched out across Europe. In Austria, the name is widespread in several provinces, including Vienna, Lower Austria, and Upper Austria, as well as in Styria. In Switzerland, Großpeter is particularly popular in the cities of Basel, Biel/Bienne, and Bern. The name has also moved beyond mainland Europe and can be found in several countries, including the United States and Canada.
In the United States, the Großpeter name is most prevalent in Pennsylvania, New York, and California. It is estimated that there are around 1200 people bearing this name residing in America. In Canada, the surname is most common in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario.
Tracing the surname Großpeter further back and discovering its true origins can be difficult. It is believed to bestow its holders with strength and courage, which can be derived from its literal meaning, which translates to ‘big Peter’. In some cases, the last name may be a variation of Grosspetersdorf, the name of two towns in Poland and Austria.
Regardless of its origins, the name Großpeter is popular in several countries and is still used in the modern age.
Variations of the surname Großpeter
The surname Großpeter is of German origin and derived from two words; “gross” meaning large/great/grand and “Peter” a name meaning rock. Throughout Germanic history, the surname has developed several variants and spellings.
The traditional spelling used throughout the High and Low German-speaking areas is Großpeter. Other variants include Grosspeter, Grosspeters, Gross Peter, Gross Petters, Grossepeter, Grossepeters, Grospeter, Grospeters, Großpeters and Grapeter.
In some cases, the surname Großpeter evolved into the surnames Greatpeter, GreatPeter and Greapeter. Alternatively, some family members came to call themselves alternative first names such as Groß, Gross, Grosp, Greap, Größer, Grösser, Grosse and Grap. For example, Großpeter might become Groß Peter, Grosspeter might become Gross Peter and Großpeters might become Groß Peters.
Additionally, some holders of the surname may have anglicised it in the 19th-century immigration to America and Britain. Examples are Grospeder, Grosspeeter, Grosspeters and Greatpeder.
In many cases, the name has been corrupted to other forms through the incorrect pronunciation and spelling of German words. Common examples are Groshpeter, Grishpeter, Gritpeter and Gritzpeter.
Each version of the Großpeter surname is derived from the same root and still used today.
Famous people with the name Großpeter
- Yvonne Großpeter, German actress
- Guillaume Großpeter, French actor
- Wolfgang Großpeter, German Lutheran pastor
- Ernst Großpeter, Swiss theologian
- Karl Großpeter, German nuclear physicist
- Corina Großpeter, German historian
- Josef Großpeter, German philosopher
- Adele Großpeter, German Dirndl designer
- Jürgen Großpeter, German journalist
- Paul Großpeter, Swiss botanist
- Martin Großpeter, German art historian
- Walther Großpeter, German philologist
- Friedrich Großpeter, German luthier
- Johann Großpeter, German sculptor
- Abraham Großpeter, German anatomist
- Heinrich Großpeter, German resistance fighter
- Nikola Großpeter, Croatian fashion designer
- Elisabeth Großpeter, Austrian writer
- Clara Großpeter, German pharmacist
- Johann Großpeter, German theologian