Surname Kraitmeier - Meaning and Origin
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Kraitmeier: What does the surname Kraitmeier mean?
Kraitmeier is a German surname, indicating a person of Lower Saxon origins. It is derived from the word "Kraite", which was an old name for a now-extinct species of fish known as the Burbot (Lota lota). The surname expresses the idea of a man or woman who specialized in catching this species of fish.
In addition to fishing, other occupations associated with the Kraitmeier surname include farming and blacksmithing. During the Middle Ages, blacksmithing was a highly prized skill. A blacksmith would build tools, weapons, and even stirrups for local lord and kings. The art of blacksmithing is still an important craft in Europe today.
The last name "Kraitmeier" can also be found outside of Germany, particularly in areas which were once under German cultural influence. For example, it can be found in certain parts of North America, which were settled by German immigrants or by people with German ancestry.
Today, Kraitmeier is a relatively rare surname, representing a small portion of the population. Those who bear it continue to carry the proud traditions of their Lower Saxon ancestors.
Order DNA origin analysisKraitmeier: Where does the name Kraitmeier come from?
The last name Kraitmeier is quite common in Germany today, especially in the western part of the country. It is most common in the states of Schleswig-Holstein, Saxony, Thuringia, and Bavaria. Other countries where the name is prevalent are Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
In the United States, the name is much less common but still present, with a concentration in the midwest states like Wisconsin and Minnesota. It is also sometimes spelled "Kraimayer" in this region.
The origin of the name is believed to derive from the Middle High German word "Kreitmaier," which means an official or steward. Some sources suggest the name is related to a region in Bavaria called Kriegsmayer, although this link is not well documented.
Variations of the name, such as Krautmeier and Kretsmeier, have also been documented in ancient German historical texts. Possible translations of the name include "steward of the crown," "crown mason," or "judge of crown lands."
In any case, the surname Kraitmeier continues to be seen today in Germany and its neighboring countries, as well as in the United States.
Variations of the surname Kraitmeier
Kraitmeier is a German surname which has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin.
The most common variant of Kraitmeier is Krametmayer or Krametmeier, a combination of Kram meaning “trade” and Meier meaning “mayor” in old German. It is believed that the original bearer was a mayor of a trade.
Other spellings of Kraitmeier which are found include Kretmayer, Kreutmeier, Kreutmayer, Kreutmayer, Krootmeier, Krootmayer, Krotmeier and Krotmayer.
Surnames that are believed to be of the same origin as Kraitmeier are Kreutemeyer, Kratmeyer, Kratmayer, Kratmeyerr, Kratmeirr, and Kratmeyr.
The modern spelling of Kraitmeier, which was possibly derived from Kretmayer, has been found since the early 20th century and is most common in Germany and Austria, with some emigrants of the name heading to the United States and Australia. It likely originated in the Rhine Valley in Germany and Austria.
The variant spellings of this surname are also common in areas adjacent to Germany such as Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic.
Famous people with the name Kraitmeier
- Sigrid Kraitmeier, a German stage, film, and TV actress.
- Dr. Ben Kraitmeier, an American board-certified Anesthesiologist and biomedical researcher.
- Christopher Kraitmeier, an American professional basketball player.
- Brian Kraitmeier, an American ice hockey coach and former professional hockey player.
- Paul Kraitmeier, a German-born pop singer and songwriter.
- Dick Kraitmeier, an American college baseball coach.
- Kristie Kraitmeier, an American swimmer and former member of the USA Swimming National Team.
- Isabelle Kraitmeier, a German film actress.
- Alexander Kraitmeier, a German film director, producer, and novelist.
- Dorothee Kraitmeier, a German TV and film actress.
- Julie Kraitmeier, an American figure skater and choreographer.
- Thomas Kraitmeier, a German photographer and graphic artist.