Surname Kottmeyer - Meaning and Origin
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Kottmeyer: What does the surname Kottmeyer mean?
The last name Kottmeyer is of German origin. It is derived from the words ‘Kot’ (‘cat’) and ‘meyer’ (‘mayor’ or ‘steward’). It is believed that the first bearer of the name was likely a steward of cats.
The surname could also have arisen from the occupation of a mayor of a town called ‘Kot’. Alternatively, the name could refer to someone who lived near a prominent cat farm.
The Kottmeyer name has spread throughout Germany and other parts of Europe. It has also been adopted in ‘Anglicized’ forms, such as ‘Cotterman’ or ‘Cottman’.
Today, those who bear the name of Kottmeyer tend to be strong-willed, independent individuals who pursue their passions earnestly and with determination. There is an adaptable, pioneering spirit to this surname, as its origins transpired from the brave exploration of new ground.
Families of the name Kottmeyer wish to preserve and cultivate their heritage above all else, so that generations to come may benefit from the wisdom their predecessors possessed.
Order DNA origin analysisKottmeyer: Where does the name Kottmeyer come from?
The last name Kottmeyer is most common today in Germany and other parts of Central Europe. The first recorded instance of the name was found in Austria in the late 1500s and this is where the family originated from. The earliest known individuals recorded with the name were Johann Kottmeyer, who was born in 1582 in Wilhelmsthal, and Hans Kottmeyer, who was born in 1584 in Neustadt.
Since then, the family name has spread throughout much of Central Europe. Kottmeyer families have been found in various locations in Austria, Poland, France, and the Czech Republic. More recently, the name has been found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and even South Africa.
The name Kottmeyer is most associated with the German language and culture. However, its use has extended beyond Germany, and it is now also common among descendants of immigrants from other Central and Eastern European countries. Over the centuries, its pronunciation and spelling have evolved slightly from region to region, giving rise to several different variations of the name.
In modern times, Kottmeyer remains a common name in Germany and other parts of Central Europe. It has also become fairly widespread throughout the US, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. Its variations have been passed down to present generations, crisscrossing international borders and carrying the family name across the world.
Variations of the surname Kottmeyer
The surname Kottmeyer is derived from the Low German word ‘Kotmair’ which roughly translates as ‘Cottage Maker’ and is of occupational origin. It is distinctive and found mainly in northern Germany, in areas such as Schleswig-Holstein and Oldenburg.
Variants of the surname Kottmeyer include Kotmeyer, Kotmey, Kotmay, Cottmeyer, Cottmey, Cottmay and possibly other variations within those three basic spellings.
Suranmes of the same origin include Kottmeier, Kottmeier, Kottmeir, Kottmeiser, Kottmeyer, Kotemeyer and Kotmeyer. There may well be other spellings too.
The spelling of Kottmeyer and their variants is quite old, dating back to at least the medieval period. It is likely that early settlers to the USA, Canada and other countries would have brought their surnames with them, adding to the name’s popularity worldwide.
Kottmeyer as a surname is also found in the Dutch language in the spelling – Kotmeijer. This spelling is found mostly in the province of North Holland, though can also be found elsewhere in the Netherlands. It is thought to be derived from de Kootmijer or de Kootmeijer which translates as ‘cottage owner’.
It is likely that other variations of the surname Kottmeyer or its variants may exist, so it is worth researching further in order to establish if any others exist within your particular family history.
Famous people with the name Kottmeyer
- Scott Kottmeyer: American actor, writer, and producer.
- Lincoln Kottmeyer: Actor known for appearing in films such as The Darkest Hour.
- Mark Kottmeyer: American musician, singer and songwriter.
- Irene Kottmeyer: German politician and member of the Christian Democratic Union.
- Mary Kottmeyer: Artist and sculptor from the United States.
- Michael Kottmeyer: Professional basketball player from the United States.
- Barbara Kottmeyer: Austrian actress and singer.
- J. P. Kottmeyer: American writer, director, and producer.
- Jack Kottmeyer: American voice actor best known for voicing characters in various anime series.
- Dylan Kottmeyer: Professional baseball player from the United States.