Surname Meerrettig - Meaning and Origin
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Meerrettig: What does the surname Meerrettig mean?
The last name Meerrettig is of German origins and is believed to have been derived from the Middle High German word “meer” which translates to “ocean” or “sea”. In essence, the Meerrettig surname literally translates to “Sea King” or “Sea Ruler” and carries a connotation of strength and greatness.
It is believed that the original originator of this surname was a ruler or leader of a coastal region, and more specifically, a powerful sea ruler who could maintain dominion over his subjects and territories. This leader was likely a powerful, influential man who was able to maintain some degree of control and authority over many miles of coastline near his region.
Historically, the Meerrettig surname has been traced back to the medieval Germanic kingdoms. It is believed that individuals with this surname were among the first settlers to Germany, with many of them inhabiting coastal regions such as the Rhineland. It is also thought that the Meerrettig surname was commonly passed down from German-born royalty, such as dukes, kings, and princes.
While the Meerrettig surname is likely not as commonplace today as it once was centuries ago, it still carries an aura of prestige and power. This last name is a reminder of the impressive legacy and centuries of history behind powerful sea rulers of centuries past.
Order DNA origin analysisMeerrettig: Where does the name Meerrettig come from?
The surname Meerrettig is a occupational name, derived from the Old German word "maer" meaning "merchant", combined with the Latin word "regis", meaning "king". The last name was common among merchants in medieval Germany and is still found in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria today. It is also found in some other parts of Europe, as well as in the United States and other countries that were settled by German immigrants.
In the U.S., the Meerrettig surname is particularly common among German-Americans in states such as Pennsylvania, New York, and Texas. In the 1990 U.S. Census, Meerrettig was the 5891st most common surname. In Germany, it is more common, making it the 1592nd most common surname according to the 2019 German populations.
The Meerrettig surname is of patronymic origin and is likely derived from the personal name "Meer", suggesting someone involved in commerce and trading. The name is thought to have originated in certain parts of southern Germany, in the Medieval Rhineland. In Germany, the meaning of the name has evolved to suggest a person of noble birth, as the name became associated with families of high social standing.
Today, the surname is still used by many people around the world, both as a surname found among German speakers and as a given name. It is likely to continue to be used for many years to come, both as a given and surname.
Variations of the surname Meerrettig
The surname Meerrettig is a Germanic surname which has various variants, spellings and surnames derived from the same origin. These include, but are not limited to, Merrettig, Merrettich, Merretzig, Merreter, Merreuter, Merrettiger, Merretiger and Merrettigk.
The roots of this name lie in the pre-7th century Germanic elements 'meri', meaning 'fame' and 'ric', meaning 'power'. It was originally a hereditary nickname for a powerful and famous person or clan and later became the surname.
The surname can also be found in its Anglicized form, Merrett, derived from the same root. This form has appeared mainly in England, especially during the centuries of Norman rule. Other variations of the spelling of this name are Merett , Merrett, Merrit, Merritt and Merrill.
The surname is also found as the more Germanic ‘Merreuter’. This surname is derived from a geographical location known as Merreuth, appearing in various documents and records such as the Schwarzburg Treaty of 1575. This variation is predominantly found in the Black Forest region of Germany.
In the Netherlands, Meerrettig is found under the spelling Merregtig. This variant usually appears in documents from the province of Zeeland. Other spellings such as Merretig can also be found. Meanwhile, in Austria the surname Meerrettig can be found as Merritig, where it is mostly found in Vorarlberg.
The surname Meerrettig is also found in various parts of Europe under different spellings and surnames. These include France, with variants such as Merrette, Merret and Merrette; and Italy, with spellings such as Merretta, Merretti and Merretto. The surname can also be found in Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden and Luxembourg.
Famous people with the name Meerrettig
- Taran Meerrettig: American actor and writer
- Tony Meerrettig: Brazilian avant-garde composer
- Vince Meerrettig: American former professional basketball player
- Bob Meerrettig: American auto racing driver
- Jerry Meerrettig: Retired baseball pitcher
- Heinz Meerrettig: Former West German footballer
- Jason Meerrettig: American diver and Olympic medalist
- Lauren Meerrettig-Polley: American contemporary artist
- Steve Meerrettig: American former Major League Baseball player
- Heidi Meerrettig: German actress, comedian, and columnist