Surname Gscheidmeier - Meaning and Origin

Gscheidmeier: What does the surname Gscheidmeier mean?

The last name Gscheidmeier is derived from the German word gscheid, which literally translates to “pretty good.” This German word serves as a nickname for the surname, as the name itself has no clear etymological origin.

The earliest written record of the name Gscheidmeier appeared in the 1335 document of the Imperial City of Augsburg. At the time, it was listed as “von Gscheidmarker”, which indicated a noble family with origin from Saxony.

Originating in the 14th century, the Gscheidmeier surname has become a fundamental part of German history. In the centuries that followed, many families bearing the last name settled and established roots in various regions of Central Europe, primarily along the eastern and southern edges of Germany. Additionally, a number of Gscheidmeier families migrated to the United States around the year 1900.

The Gscheidmeier surname is a demonstration of the hardy and persistent spirit of German people today. The ability of the surname to cross boundaries of time and space makes it more special and unique as a part of Germany's identity. Even now, the presence of the name is still a remarkable reminder of the nation's culture and tradition.

Gscheidmeier: Where does the name Gscheidmeier come from?

The last name Gscheidmeier is often found in areas of Germany today, emerging from a variety of spellings such as Gschaidmeier, Gaismeier, Gaischmeier, Gscheidmayr, Gaischmayr, Gshaidmeier, and Gsheidmeier. Records indicate that this name is most common in the Lower Bavarian district of Freyung-Grafenau near the German border with the Czech Republic. It is speculated that residents bearing the name are descendants of German families that may have immigrated to this district in the mid-1500s or later.

Variations of the Gscheidmeier surname are also found in other parts of Germany such as the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein. While primarily associated with the country of Germany, records of the Gscheidmeier name are also scattered throughout the United States, primarily through emigration records in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

The origin of this surname is uncertain, though it is believed to be derived from the German words “gsch” or “gshe” meaning “man” or “manly,” and “Meier” meaning “farm owner” or “governor.” This would indicate that the surname was likely a name derived from either an ancestor's profession of being a farmer or land owner, or from the name of the village(s) or region(s) the family hails from.

In summary, the surname Gscheidmeier is most commonly found in the Lower Bavarian district of Freyung-Grafenau, Germany, and variations of the name also exist in other parts of the country and United States. Its origin is likely derived from farming-related occupations or the name of the region the family hails from.

Variations of the surname Gscheidmeier

Gscheidmeier is a German surname derived from the Middle High German term “gscheit” meaning "good luck" or "good fortune." The surname is mainly found throughout Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It has several spelling variations and variants including Gschiedmeier, Gscheidmaier, Gscheidmeir, Gscheidmayer, Gscheidmair, Gscheidmaira, Gscheidemair, Gscheidmeyar, Gschaidmeier, Gscheitmeier, Gscheidmayer, Gscheidmeyer, Gscheitmeier, and Gschiedmair. It can also be found in variant forms with the addition of an “e,” leading to spellings like Gscheidemeier, Gscheidemeier, Gscheitemeier, Gscheidemeier, and Gschiedemeier.

In the United States, anglicized forms of the surname include Scheidmayer, Schetitlemayr, and Skedmeier.

Gscheidmeier is quite an old family name, with records of its use as far back as the 13th century. At that time, it was most likely used as an occupational name for a blacksmith. It then become a hereditary surname, and its frequency of use has since waxed and waned. While it is still relatively common in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, it is not as common among those who have immigrated to other countries.

Famous people with the name Gscheidmeier

• Peter Gscheidmeier: former German politician and a Member of the Bundestag from 1987 to 2017
• Ernst Gscheidmeier: Bavarian sculptor
• Hermann Gscheidmeier: German actor
• Valentina Gscheidmeier: German actress
• Hans Gscheidmeier: German architect
• Heribert Gscheidmeier: German businessman
• Herbert Gscheidmeier: former mayor of Bad Salzungen, Germany
• Aschwin Gscheidmeier: German professional soccer player
• Angela Gscheidmeier: German actress
• Lothar Gscheidmeier: German advertising professional

Other surnames

Gscheidmeyer