Surname Horstmeyer - Meaning and Origin

Horstmeyer: What does the surname Horstmeyer mean?

The last name Horstmeyer is derived from an ancient Germanic word meaning ‘wooded hill', and was likely used to refer to someone who lived on or near a hill. It was particularly common in the German regions of Bavaria and Thuringia.

The surname may have originated in the region sometime during the 12th century, when the feudal system was established and surnames were gradually adopted throughout Germany. The family likely has been in the area for centuries, they may have even taken part in the Thirty Years War.

Horstmeyer families settled in many parts of Germany and beyond. Many may still have close connections to the region, but others have scattered around the world, with records of people carrying the name in places as diverse as Canada, England, Soviet Union, and the United States.

Today, this surname is associated with those of German descent. It is an indication of their connection to their homeland and to their extended family. It can also symbolize the courage and strength of past generations, and the endurance of the family name despite geographical displacement.

Horstmeyer: Where does the name Horstmeyer come from?

The last name Horstmeyer is most commonly found in the United States, primarily in the Midwest and upper South regions. In particular, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Tennessee all observe relatively high concentration percentages of the surname. As of the 2019 American Community Survey, around 3,500 Americans share this interesting surname.

Historically, the last name Horstmeyer could be categorized as an occupational surname. It was likely derived from the Old German word “horst” which translates to woods or woodsman. Henceforth, Horstmeyer could be interpreted as meaning “woodman’s meadow”.

The Horstmeyer surname was first documented during the 14th century in the present-day German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The great migrations of the 19th century saw many Horstmeyers emigrate to the United States. These immigrants typically came from neighboring areas of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland in search of new opportunities for work and economic prosperity.

Since their initial arrival, Horstmeyer populations in the United States have been relatively small and localized. Inversely, modern day descentents of these immigrants are widely spread throughout the United States. Even though Horstmeyer is still a relatively uncommon last name, its prevalence in America is much more pronounced when compared to its low concentrations in German-speaking regions.

Variations of the surname Horstmeyer

The surname Horstmeyer has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most commonly seen variants are Horstmeier and Hertzmeier. Both spellings are seen in different countries and regions.

The spelling of Horstmeyer is found mostly in Germany, and its source is from the Old German word "horst" which means "thicket or copse." It is believed that this surname originated as a locational name referring to people who lived in a thicket or near a thicket, and then became a hereditary last name.

The spelling of Horstmeier is also found in Germany, and its source is a combination of the Old German words "horst" and "meier" meaning "follower of the master of a threshing operation." This surname likely also originated as a locational name for those who lived near a threshing operation, and then later became a hereditary surname.

The spelling of Hertzmeier is found mostly in Germany, and it has several origins, one of which is the Old German word "herz" which means "heart" or "heart-shaped." This surname likely originated as a nickname for someone who was seen as being kind and caring, and then later became a hereditary surname.

Other variants of the surname Horstmeyer include Horstmeyer, Horstmayer, Hersmey, Hertzmyer, Hertzmeir, Hertzmair, Hertzmaier, Haerzmayr, and Harsmey. All of these variants are ultimately derived from the Old German word "horst" which means "thicket or copse."

Famous people with the name Horstmeyer

• Kurt Horstmeyer: German author, filmmaker, and musician.
• Jack Horstmeyer: American ice hockey player.
• Heiko Horstmeyer: German football player and sports journalist.
• Enrico Horstmeyer: German writer, poet, and journalist.
• Katarina Horstmeyer: German chef, cookbook author, and TV personality.
• Sigge Horstmeyer: German politician and former chairman of the Young Socialists.
• Eva Horstmeyer: German actress and sculptor.
• Amelie Horstmeyer: German actor, author, and screenwriter.
• Johannes Horstmeyer: German lawyer and politician.
• Luisa Horstmeyer: German painter, sculptor, and architect.

Other surnames

Horstmeier