Surname Kreuthmayr - Meaning and Origin

Kreuthmayr: What does the surname Kreuthmayr mean?

The last name Kreuthmayr is of German origin. Its use as a surname dates back to the 14th century, when such names were assumed in order to further distinguish people. The name is composed of two elements: kreut (crown) and mayr (steward or mayor). This implied that the original bearer of the name was a mayor or steward to a ruler. The name is still found throughout Germany in various forms, including Kreutmeier, Kreutmaier, Kreuttmaier, Kreitmeier, Kreuthmaier, and Kreuthmayr.

The German term for mayor, meier, was also used in the name. Mayor was an important role in the society of the Middle Ages, making this name highly symbolic of respect and authority. Additionally, the inclusion of the term crown in the name is an indication of the importance of the bearer. In essence, the name suggests the bearer was in a prestigious position.

Given its symbolic meaning associated with respect and authority, the last name Kreuthmayr could have been given to a person of great importance in the town or village. It could also have been given to a ruler or government representative for distinction. However, its exact origin and meaning for the bearer of this name remains unknown.

Kreuthmayr: Where does the name Kreuthmayr come from?

The last name Kreuthmayr is most commonly found in Austria and Bavaria, specifically in the state of Tyrol. This name is believed to be one of the oldest in the region, having its origins in medieval times. Historically, the name was derived from "Kreut", meaning cross, and "Meyr", meaning farmer or master. This suggests that the person bearing the name Kreuthmayr was likely to have been someone of religious or landownership status, possibly some relation to a noble family.

Today, the last name is on the decline due to low marriage rates and a high rate of immigration. According to the Austrian Federal Statistical Office, only 2,129 people across Austria bear the last name. Of these, roughly two-thirds of the population resides in Tyrol. The remaining one-third is spread across the other eight provinces in Austria. Despite the decline, the last name has a strong presence among the small towns and villages of Tyrol, particularly within the municipalities of Seespitz, Olang, and Vipiteno.

Outside of Austria, the name is less well-known and not often encountered. However, there are some people outside of Austria bearing the name, primarily in German-speaking countries such as Germany, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Little is known about the presence of the name Kreuthmayr in other countries, but given its limited geographical range, it is likely to remain confined to the regions of Austria and Bavaria.

Variations of the surname Kreuthmayr

The surname Kreuthmayr has a variety of variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Some of these include Kreitmair, Kreitmayer, Kraitmayer, Criethmair and Criethmayer. The variation is likely due to the fluctuating spelling of surnames throughout different languages and dialects.

Kreuthmayr is most similar to other German surnames of the same origin, such as Kratmair, Kraitmeyr, Kratmeyr, Kraitmaier, Kreitmaier, and Kritmaier. All of these surnames have the German root word “Krait,” which translates to “knight” or “warrior” and likely refers to a once prominent family of knights.

In addition, similar surnames have been found in other European countries. For example, Kreuthmayr has been found in the Czech Republic as Kraltmayr and Krathmayr. Similarly, the Irish surname O’Crathmhaoil is thought to be derived from the original German surname.

The spelling of surnames has changed frequently over the centuries, and various spellings of Kreuthmayr have been found in Europe, North America, and other parts of the world. Those interested in genealogy may need to do a broad search for all spellings of their surname in order to uncover their family’s complete history.

Famous people with the name Kreuthmayr

• Ferdinand Kreuthmayr (1846–1910): Austrian naturalist, botanist, and meteorologist.
• Michael Kreuthmayr (1938–2016): Austrian composer, conductor, and professor of composition.
• Richard Kreuthmayr (1941–2015): Austrian actor and director.
• Robert Kreuthmayr (born 1930): Austrian publisher and author.
• John Kreuthmayr (born 1955): American politician and lawyer.
• Marianne Kreuthmayr (born 1958): Austrian physician and biochemist.
• Gudrun Kreuthmayr (born 1978): Austrian actress and director.
• Richard Kreuthmayr (born 1966): Austrian diplomat and former UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy Employed in Election Observation Missions.
• Marian Kreuthmayr (born 1981): Austrian artist and illustrator.
• Karl Kreuthmayr (born 1959): Austrian composer, virtuoso of classical and baroque music.

Other surnames

Kreuthmaier