Surname Johanningmeyer - Meaning and Origin

Johanningmeyer: What does the surname Johanningmeyer mean?

The last name Johanningmeyer is an occupational surname, deriving from the German term “Johann” meaning “God is gracious” and “Meier” meaning “Mayor”. It was typically used to describe someone who held a local government position or was a leader in the local community. Variations of the name, such as “Johannmeyer” reflect a more general meaning of “Mayor” or “Lord of the Manor”.

The surname first appeared in written records in the thirteenth century when records of a Johannes de Honingemer were found in Rheinland-Pfalz. Over the centuries, it has been carried on by many families that have migrated from Germany and other Central European countries.

Today, the last name Johanningmeyer is more associated with the United States, where individuals with the name can be found in states including Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota. It is also present in Canada, Australia and South Africa, among other countries around the world.

It has been suggested that this surname may have been derived from a regional variant of the forename Johannes, such as “Johanese”. Therefore, while those with this surname have an origin rooted in Germany, the meaning of the name has evolved over time to reflect a more global identity.

Johanningmeyer: Where does the name Johanningmeyer come from?

The name Johanningmeyer is most commonly found across Germany, particularly in the western and southwestern states of Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland. It is also present in neighboring European countries such as Austria, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. In addition, Johanningmeyer is found in many parts of the United States, particularly in the Midwest and the southern states, as well as in parts of Canada.

In Germany, the surname originated with the noble Jhäunningemayer family in Bavaria. Initially, members of this family had the given name “Johann” or a variation of it such as “Johan”, “Jons”, or “Johannes”, which was eventually combined with the German suffix “meyer” that refers to a farmer. As such, Johanningmeyer translates to “John’s farmer”.

The name Johanningmeyer is thought to have first arrived in the United States around the early 19th century as German immigrants settled in the newly-formed United States. Since then, many descendants of this surname have spread throughout the country, and the Johanningmeyer name can still be found today in many parts of the United States, particularly the Midwest and the southern states.

Overall, it is clear that Johanningmeyer has a long and distinguished history. Although the name originated in Germany, it can now be found all across Europe, North America, and even further afield. Consequently, the Johanningmeyer name is still very much alive and continues to be passed down from generation to generation.

Variations of the surname Johanningmeyer

The surname Johanningmeyer is of German origin and is derived from the given name Johann. It is an occupational family name that originated when a person with the given name Johann became a member of a certain profession, such as a miller, and his family adopted the profession as its family name.

Variants of the surname Johanningmeyer include Johannigmeer, Johannmeyer, Johnston, Jannigmeer, Janningmeyer and Johannnigmeyer. All of these variants have the same origin and were created when the original Johann had a son.

Spellings with some slight variations include Johanningmayr, Johanigmeyer, Johanningman, Johanningmayers and Johanninigmeyer.

Surnames of similar origin include Jannig, Zimmerman, Jannigmeister and Zinnenbach.

In conclusion, the surname Johanningmeyer is derived from the given name Johann, with variants, spellings and surnames of similar origin pointing to an occupational family name.

Famous people with the name Johanningmeyer

• Gregory Paul Johanningmeyer: American football coach, officially working as the tight ends coach at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
• John Wilfrid Johanningmeyer: American Professor Emeritus of Media Studies at the University of Minnesota.
• Robert S. Johanningmeyer: Minister and professor of Religious studies at St. Olaf College.
• Joseph L. Johanningmeyer: Army aviator and instructor pilot in World War I.
• G.A. Johanningmeyer: Professor of German and Music at Kimball Union Academy in New Hampshire.
• Robert H. Johanningmeyer: U.S. Air Force Colonel and dentist, known for his involvement in the Vietnam War.
• Edward D. Johanningmeyer: Emmy Award-winning television producer and director.
• Frieda Johanningmeyer: German artist and sculptor.
• Kimberly Johanningmeyer: American lawyer, humanitarian activist, and founder of the Women’s Global Initiative for Justice and Peace.
• Marie B. Johanningmeyer: Writer and poet, awarded for her book of poetry titled “Reliving Arizona”.

Other surnames

Johanningmeier