Surname Käßmaier - Meaning and Origin
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Käßmaier: What does the surname Käßmaier mean?
The last name Käßmaier originates from the German language and it is composed of two distinct words. Merged together, Käßmaier is the combination of “Käse”, which means cheese, and “Maier”, that stands for mayor.
The term Käßmaier can be translated to mean ‘the mayor of the cheese’. It was likely used as an occupational surname for someone who was responsible for the production and regulation of cheese trade in a given area. This job title was often held by influential members of cities or towns in Germany and the surrounding areas.
The surname is rare and it is not listed among the top 1000 most common surnames in Germany. However, it is thought that Käßmaier is a relatively old surname and that it likely dates back to the very early Germanic tribes who produced and traded in cheese.
Today, the German name Käßmaier is still used around the world. Some of its bearers have moved to other countries, possibly carrying on a family tradition of working with cheese, or a proud family history of being associated with a mayor’s post in their homeland.
Order DNA origin analysisKäßmaier: Where does the name Käßmaier come from?
The last name Käßmaier is predominantly found in southern Germany, and is particularly prevalent in the state of Bavaria. Although it is a relatively uncommon surname in other parts of the world, it is found across much of Europe, including Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary. The earliest appearance of this surname dates back to the 15th century when records in Bavaria first referred to people bearing the name Käßmaier.
Today, Käßmaier is still most frequently found in Bavaria and its surrounding regions. Numerous villages and hills bear its namesake, including the town of Käßmaier in the district of Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen. Additionally, a number of notable individuals with this surname have emerged throughout German history, such as the pioneer of Byzantine studies Joseph Käßmaier and one of the most famous engineers of Prussian industrialization, August Käßmaier.
Despite its regional concentration, Käßmaier is not an exclusive German name and can still be found across Europe. Its roots are believed to stem from an old German word meaning ‘one who lived in a meadow’, and the prevalence of meadowlands in all areas of the continent may explain why the moniker continues to exist outside of its original homeland.
Variations of the surname Käßmaier
Origin of the surname Käßmaier
The surname Käßmaier (Kassemeyer, Kaßmeyer, Kaßmair, Kaßmeier, Kassmeir, Kaßmayr, Kaßmair, Käßmair) is a German occupational surname derived from Käse which means cheese, and Maier which is an old German word for farmer, shoemaker, or miller. In some cases, the name could possibly derive from a Middle Low German word for council (keßman), whereas's in some places it could have originated as a nickname for someone who had a wide waist, and was given the descriptive name Kaß meaning fat.
Variants of the surname Käßmaier
The surname Käßmaier has several variants and spellings:
1. Kassemeyer - derived from the Middle Low German word keßman, meaning council.
2. Kaßmeyer - a variant of Kassemeyer which has been more anglicized.
3. Kaßmair - derived from the Middle High German term käsemaere, meaning cheesemaker.
4. Kaßmeier - a variant of Kaßmair.
5. Kassmeir - a variant of Kaßmair with an additional “s” in the spelling.
6. Kaßmayr - derived from the Middle High German word kaßminer, meaning cheese farmer.
7. Kaßmair - derived from the Middle Low German term keßmeire, meaning council.
8. Käßmair - a variant of Kaßmair which has been more anglicized.
The surname Käßmaier is most common in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, but it is also found in other countries including the United States, Canada, South America, and Australia.
Famous people with the name Käßmaier
- Franz Käßmaier: German politician and Member of European Parliament.
- Hans Käßmaier: German visual artist, known for his Expressionist paintings and woodcuts.
- Paul Käßmaier: German aircraft engineer who designed the Focke-Wulf Fw 189 “Uhu” twin-engine reconnaissance aircraft.
- Dieter Käßmaier: German historian and author, known for his books about the French Revolution and the German Empire.
- Erhard Käßmaier: German jazz saxophonist, composer, and arranger.
- Johannes Käßmaier: German geographer, known for his research on the geography of Italy.
- Gerhard Käßmaier: Former chairman of the Christian Social Union of Bavaria.
- Josef Käßmaier: German sculptor, best known for his large public monuments and memorials.
- Robert Käßmaier: German television and film producer, known for his work on the drama series Tatort.
- Wilhelm Käßmaier: German cellist and professor of music, known for his performances of classical works.