Surname Meierl - Meaning and Origin
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Meierl: What does the surname Meierl mean?
The last name Meierl is of German origin, stemming from the Middle High German word müerel, which translates to mean “beekeeper.” Given its occupational origin, it is typically assumed that those with this last name are direct descendants of individuals who bred bees and cultivated their honey. According to records from its earliest known use in 1637, the Meierl name was likely associated with Bavaria and Silesia, two regions in Germany that have long histories of apiculture and beekeeping.
In medieval times, beekeeping was an important craft, in part because honey was commonly used in several medical remedies. Because of this, beekeepers often enjoyed considerable status. Additionally, due to the valuable medicinal properties of wax, beekeepers were particularly well-respected and highly valued figures in the community.
Given the high demand for honey and wax, beekeepers experienced economic success. It was not uncommon for members of the Meierl family to build successful businesses based around the production of honey and wax. Even with the evolution of apicultural methods, the firm still practices today. Their products are available worldwide, and they are proudly regarded as an international leader in the field of apiculture.
For those with the last name of Meierl, the name represents not only their family heritage but also stands as a mark of honor and recognition for their ancestors’ contributions to the craft of beekeeping.
Order DNA origin analysisMeierl: Where does the name Meierl come from?
The last name Meierl is most common in Germany and Switzerland today.
In Germany, the surname is found throughout the country, with the highest concentrations in the Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saxony regions. In Switzerland, the surname is most common in the cantons of Basel-Stadt, Vaud, and Bern.
The origin of the surname Meierl can be found in the Middle High German language. “Meier” was a title given to people who ran a type of feudal estate for a lord, usually a large estate. People who held this title were called “Meier,” and their offspring were given the last name “Meierl.”
The most famous person with the surname Meierl was Hugo von Meierl, who was a German military commander in the late 1930s and early 1940s. He commanded the 3rd SS Division Totenkopf and led a successful campaign against the Soviets in 1941.
Meierl is also the last name of many notable individuals of the 20th and 21st centuries. Some of these individuals include Eugen Meierl, the Austrian artist and painter; Hartmut Meierl, a German Rowake champion; and Ludwig Meierl, a German Jewish artist and interpreter.
The last name Meierl is still common today in Germany and Switzerland, where it has been for thousands of years. It’s a reminder of a long-standing tradition of people and families with the same last name.
Variations of the surname Meierl
The surname Meierl is an old form of the German word for mayor, Meister. The spelling variations of this name include Meirle, Meirl, Meaure, Meurle, Meurel, Meure, Mayrl, Mayerl, Mayurl, and Mayrle. The honorary title of Meister was often used as a surname, and the spelling did not become standardised until after the late medieval period.
The different spellings of Meierl also have a long history in Europe, as the title of Meister travelled with people who migrated to other countries. Variations of the name can be found in most European countries, with the most common variants being Meurle and Mayerl. In the Netherlands, the title was usually spelled as Meyrle or Meyrahl. In France, the title of Meister was usually spelled as Maurel, and in Austria the name morphed into Maurl, Mayrl, and Mayrle.
The spelling of the name Meierl has also changed in recent years, with many variations being used as surnames or given names. Maier and Mayer are two of the most common modern variants of the surname, with both being current variations in the German language. Other variations, such as Meier and Meir, are also becoming more popular throughout Europe.
In conclusion, the German surname Meierl has evolved over hundreds of years to encompass many different spellings and variants. While variants such as Maier and Mayer are more popular in modern times, the traditional spelling of Meierl is still used by many families today.
Famous people with the name Meierl
- Christine Meierl: German businesswoman and entrepreneur.
- Clarence M. Meiers, Jr.: US Navy Rear Admiral who participated in the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
- Benjamin Meierl: German sculptor and painter.
- Andrew Meierl: American actor, director, and screenwriter.
- Charles Meiers: US Marine Corps general who fought in World War II and the Vietnam War.
- Rudolf Meiers: German painter and printmaker whose works are held in the British Museum in London.
- Scott Meiers: American baseball pitcher who has appeared in Major League Baseball (MLB).
- John C. Meierl: American architect and urban planner who has served on various committees and advisory boards for cities around the world.
- Emil Meiers: German naturalist and biologist who wrote a wide array of works on animal and plant life.
- Nate Meiers: American mountain biker and former professional BMX racer.