Surname Meierhöfer - Meaning and Origin
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Meierhöfer: What does the surname Meierhöfer mean?
The last name Meierhöfer is a German surname that dates back centuries. It is derived from the Middle High German words "meier" and "höfer". "Meier" translates to "master" and is derived from the Old High German word "mohar". This term was used to refer to individuals who were responsible for managing a farm. "Höfer" was a term used to describe a smallholder who was associated with a larger farm.
Combined, Meierhöfer means “the master of the smallholder” or “the master of the farmstead”. This designation was often given to individuals who held managerial positions within larger farming operations. The Meierhöfers typically served as the official record keepers, ensuring that the farmers were aware of what land was being utilized and the proper distribution of resources.
The last name is still very common in Germany, with relatively higher concentrations in the northern states. Records indicate that some members of the Meierhöfer family immigrated to the United States in the early 19th century and can be found in several Midwestern states.
The name Meierhöfer carries a long and proud history, representing generations of dedicated individuals who have worked hard to help provide sustenance for their communities.
Order DNA origin analysisMeierhöfer: Where does the name Meierhöfer come from?
The last name Meierhöfer is most often found in Germany, as well as in Dutch-speaking parts of Belgium. According to records, this surname is considered one of the most common in Germany and can also be found in regions such as the United States, the Czech Republic, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and others.
It is believed that the origin of this surname is Germanic, and it was more likely used to indicate a descent from a Meier, a German word for farmer. This is because the last name merged two words: ‘Meier’ and ‘Höfer’. The first one is the already mentioned German word for farmer, while the second one, Höfer, could be translated as ‘to harvest’ or ‘to plow’. Therefore, the name can be translated as ‘plowing farmer’.
Today, the last name Meierhöfer is still very common in Germany, with many of its bearers living in its northern and westernmost regions. It is also one of the most frequent names in the Czech Republic, Austria, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. In Belgium, particularly in the Dutch-speaking district of Flanders, it is the 42nd most common surname, while in the U.S., its frequency has grown over the last few decades, making it one of the top 5,000 surnames in the country.
Variations of the surname Meierhöfer
The surname Meierhöfer has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin that can be grouped by spelling and region.
Common spelling variants of Meierhöfer include Mayerhöfer, Meyrhöfer, Meierhofer, Mayerhofer, Meyrhofer, Maierhöfer, Maierhofer, Mayerhof, Meyrhof and Maierhof.
Regional variations of Meierhöfer include Meierhofen in Germany, Meierhofen in Austria and Meierhofen in Switzerland.
The patronymic surnames derived from Meierhöfer include Meierssohn and Meierkind.
Feminized versions of the surname such as Meierhofferin, Mayerhofferin, Meyrhofferin, Maierhofferin and Meierhoferin also exist.
Different national variants of Meierhöfer based on its pronunciation may include Mairhöfer, Marhöfer and Meirhöfer.
Hyphenated spellings of the surname that form combinations with other surnames include Meierhöfer-Neimann, Meierhöfer-Kolb, Meierhöfer-Rau, Mayerhoffer-Klein and Maierhof-Böhle.
The spelling of the surname likely changed with each emigration due to the differences in dialect between European nations. For example, a German Meyrhof might become a Dutch Meerhof or an American Myerhof under different conditions of immigration.
Overall, there are many different variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin associated with Meierhöfer and its derivatives. It is important to understand the history and regional variations in spelling when researching the surname.
Famous people with the name Meierhöfer
- Felix Meierhöfer: German actor, best known for his roles in Das Traumhotel and Der Kriminalist.
- Jan-Eric Meierhöfer: German mountain guide, expedition leader, and chief executive of the 7 Summits Club.
- Jan Philipp Meierhöfer: German actor, known for his roles in films such as Tatort and Luffed Up, as well as television series such as The White Ribbon and Crossing Lines.
- Jutta Meierhöfer: German artist, working in various media such as music, painting, and photography.
- Marinus Meierhöfer: German-American mathematician and professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, best known for his work in number theory and combinatorics.
- Katrin Meierhöfer: German violinist and chamber musician.
- Peter Meierhöfer: German legal scholar and professor at the University of Berlin, specializing in banking and finance law.
- Anton Meierhöfer: German Olympic fencer and fencing coach.
- Leonhard Meierhöfer: German educator and writer, author of existential and postmodern novels such as The Missing Hours.
- Hans Meierhöfer: German politician and former minister of state in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.