Surname Jobstmeier - Meaning and Origin
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Jobstmeier: What does the surname Jobstmeier mean?
The last name Jobstmeier is of German origin. It derived from the given name Jobst, which was derived from the Hebrew name Yehuda meaning "praise". Jobstmeier is both a surname and a title, indicating a landed or vassal of landholder status. Jobstmeier is also an occupational name, referring to someone who held a feudal position, such as a steward or administrator of an estate. The etymology of the name may also suggest someone who worked with a judge or held a position of judicial authority.
A variation of the Jobstmeier surname is Jobstmeyer. In Germany, many members of the Jobstmeier family emigrated to the United States in the early to mid 19th century, settling in Pennsylvania. Jobstmeiers also immigrated to Brazil, Australia, and Canada throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Today, Jobstmeier families can be found in many different countries around the world. In the United States, Jobstmeiers continue to reside mainly in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and California.
The pervasive presence of the Jobstmeier family name in such diverse places around the world is a testament to the resilience and work ethic of members of this last name, which is still proudly carried by countless families today.
Order DNA origin analysisJobstmeier: Where does the name Jobstmeier come from?
Jobstmeier is a German surname which is still quite common today in its native country. Jobstmeier is now primarily found in the Northwestern state of North Rhine-Westphalia, the largest state by population in Germany. With more than 17 million residents, North Rhine-Westphalia accounts for more than 30 percent of the total population of Germany. The majority of Jobstmeier families are concentrated in the cities of Essen, Dortmund, and Cologne.
Outside of Germany, Jobstmeier is fairly uncommon, however lesser known varieties of the surname have been recorded across other areas of Europe. In Austria it is sometimes spelled as Jopstmair, and can also be found as Jesmeier, Jobsmeier and Jobsmaijer in the Netherlands. There are even a few small pockets of Jobstmeier families found in the United States, primarily in Wisconsin and Michigan.
In Germany the name has been used for hundreds of years, dating back to medieval times. It is hard to trace its exact origin, however many believe it was derived from the Germanic element jod meaning God. The name was also heavily used by Central European immigrants when they first arrived in the United States in the late 19th century and early 20th century.
Overall, Jobstmeier is still a very common surname in its native Germany, and can also be found in a few other countries outside of its homeland. It is a name with a long history, stretching back centuries, and is sure to remain in use for many years to come.
Variations of the surname Jobstmeier
Jobstmeier is a German surname originating in the Middle Ages. Written records of the name Jobstmeier began to appear as early as the 16th century. Jobstmeier is most common in Germany and Austria today, although it can be found throughout German and English-speaking countries.
The variations and spellings of Jobstmeier include Jobsmayr, Jobstmaier, Jobstmayer, Jobsmair, Jobstmair, Jobstmeir, Jobstmyer, and Jobsmeyer.
Jobstmeier is a combination of two German words: "Jobst" and "Meier." In German, "Jobst" means God-Endowed. "Meier" would not be the German word for mayor, but rather was a title indicating a specialized form of tenant-farmer. This could either mean a farmer working on a freehold estate, or a peasant farmer working on the land of a local lord.
Jobstmeier could also be a combination of the German words "Jobst" and "Meier." In this instance, "Jobst" could refer to Joab, a biblical character known for his bravery and loyalty. In German, "Meier" translates to mayor. If this interpretation is correct, then the surname Jobstmeier could have originally indicated the mayor of a particular area or village.
In early records, variations of the name were spelled out differently. This could explain another common variation of Jobstmeier - Jobsmeyer. As the German language developed, the spelling of words and names changed from earlier forms such as Jobstmaier and Jobstmeir.
Surnames that share the same origin as Jobstmeier include Jobst, Joost, Juist, Just, Juss, Jost, and even Justus.
Famous people with the name Jobstmeier
- Roman Jobstmeier: German performance artist known for his use of improvisation.
- Bill Jobstmeier: a former professional basketball player who has represented Germany in the EuroBasket and the Olympics.
- Jörg Jobstmeier: German footballer who plays as a midfielder for SV Werder Bremen.
- Jochen Jobstmeier: German athlete who competed in the javelin throw.
- Caroline Jobstmeier: German rower and Olympic gold medalist from Munich.
- Erich Jobstmeier: German Paralympic table tennis player, who competed at the 2012 Summer Paralympics.
- Theo Jobstmeier: classical operatic bass and stage director, and the artistic director of Oper Kassel.
- Gustav Jobstmeier: German Catholic theologian, professor, author, and writer for multiple Catholic publications.
- Max Jobstmeier: German-born architect and furniture designer from the modernist period, the founder of the Deutscher Werkbund.
- Heike Jobstmeier-Blankenburg: German fashion designer who specializes in beachwear and leather bags.