Surname Holtzmeyer - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'H'
Holtzmeyer: What does the surname Holtzmeyer mean?
Holtzmeyer is a German surname, derived from the Germanic ‘holz’ meaning ‘wood’, and ‘meir’ meaning ‘great’ or ‘famous’. It literally means ‘great wood’, and is likely a reference to someone who lived in an area with an abundance of wood (like a forest).
The surname appears to be native to Southwestern Germany, where it is quite commonly found. It has also been found in other parts of Europe, including parts of France, Hungary, and Austria.
There is some evidence that the name Holtzmeyer is even connected to several noble families in Europe. It has also been suggested that its origin may have predates the German language and lie in an older Slavic name.
The origins of the name aside, those with the surname Holtzmeyer typically share a certain set of common traits, such as an appreciation of nature and a keen sense of humour, as well as ambition and intelligence.
Over the centuries, many people with the Holtzmeyer name have taken on roles that reflect their unique characteristics; from farmers and foresters to physicians and politicians. While the name Holtzmeyer may denote a common set of qualities between those who bear it, it has the potential to grow and develop as different paths are taken and new adventures begin.
Order DNA origin analysisHoltzmeyer: Where does the name Holtzmeyer come from?
The last name Holtzmeyer is quite uncommon in today's world, with few thousand people bearing it worldwide. Most Holtzmeyer descendants can be found in Germany, though some communities exist in the United States and elsewhere in Europe.
In Germany, Holtzmeyer is most commonly found in the states of Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, Saxony, and Baden-Württemberg. It is thought that this last name originated in one of these states and slowly spread into other areas.
In the US, there are fewer Holtzmeyer communities and they show up in the Midwestern region as well as in California, Virginia, and New Jersey. The largest concentration of Holtzmeyer families can be found in Ohio, followed by Michigan, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. These states have likely attracted Holtzmeyers due to their well-established German-American communities.
Due to its rarity, the Holtzmeyer last name is rarely found outside of Germany and regions of the US where German-Americans are well-established. It is an unusual name, so if you come across a Holtzmeyer, it is likely that you have stumbled upon a direct descendant of an old-world German family.
Variations of the surname Holtzmeyer
Holtzmeyer is a German surname with various spellings and related surnames. The most common variations of the surname are Holtzmaier, Holtzman, Holtzmier, Holtzmeir, Holzman, Holzmaier, Holzmeir and Holtzmeyer.
The surname is usually spelled as Holtzmeyer in the United States, where it has been in use since at least the mid-1800s. It is believed to have originated from the cities of Munich and Cologne, where the spelling of the name is Holtzmaier or Holtzman. The origin of the name is from the Middle High German words "holzmair", which mean "wood seller" or "woodcarver".
Some variants of the surname may also be derived from the place names in Germany, such as Holtzmuhl near Bayreuth or the municipality of Holtzmühle in Bavaria, which were originally called Holzmuhle, meaning "wood mill". The spelling of the verbal element in the name can change, resulting in various combinations of the same name.
Additionally, there are a few other surnames with a similar origin, including Holzmiller, Holzschuh, Holtzer, and Hausmaiers. All of these variations are derived from the Middle High German words "holzmair" or "holzmeir," meaning wood seller or woodcarver.
Overall, Holtzmeyer is a very common German surname that has been adapted in various ways. It is believed to have originated from the cities of Munich and Cologne, likely from the Middle High German word "holzmair," meaning "wood seller" or "woodcarver," and various related place names.
Famous people with the name Holtzmeyer
- Lou Holtzmeyer: Lou Holtzmeyer is a former National Football League (NFL) coach and television broadcaster. He coached the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, and Minnesota Vikings, as well as college football teams including the University of Notre Dame and the University of South Carolina.
- George Holtzmeyer: George Holtzmeyer was an American painter who primarily focused on portraiture. He enjoyed a successful career in the 1950s and 1960s and painted portraits of many prominent people, including President John F. Kennedy.
- Henry Holtzmeyer: Henry Holtzmeyer was an American architect. He is best known for designing and building a number of homes in the United States, many of which feature the distinctive Victorian style.
- Leopold Holtzmeyer: Leopold Holtzmeyer was an Austrian composer and conductor. He was based in Vienna and wrote a vast array of popular compositions for vocalists and instrumentalists in the late 19th century.
- Mel Holtzmeyer: Mel Holtzmeyer was an American character actor who had a long career in films and television. He was best known for his recurring roles as cops, truck drivers, and corrupt politicians.
- Joao Holtzmeyer: Joao Holtzmeyer was a Brazilian photographer and film director. He is best known for introducing documentary-style filmmaking to Brazil in the 1950s and directing the films “Brazil Follows Its Flag” and “The Old Land”.