Surname Meinerz - Meaning and Origin
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Meinerz: What does the surname Meinerz mean?
The last name Meinerz is believed to be of German origin, deriving from the personal name Meinhard, which is composed of the Germanic elements meini, meaning “strength,” and hard, meaning “brave.” Meinhard, which is also known as Minard and Menno, was popular among the clergy in northern Europe in the Middle Ages, especially in the region of Bavaria in Germany.
The name Meinerz itself is a diminutive form of the German word meiner, meaning “mine.” It was borne by someone considered to be the rightful possessor or proprietor of something or someone. Meinerz was eventually adopted as a surname and, throughout the Middle Ages, was found most often in central and south Germany.
Today, Meinerz is a fairly common last name in Germany, ranking at about 445th in the country. It’s spread throughout Europe and has extended to other continents, as well, most notably America. It’s assumed that this surname is an indication of an accomplished individual, as it was typically used to praise a person’s bravery and strength.
Order DNA origin analysisMeinerz: Where does the name Meinerz come from?
The last name Meinerz is most commonly found in the Ruhrgebiet region of Germany. While the name can be found throughout the German-speaking world, it is primarily concentrated in the historically industrialized areas of North Rhine-Westphalia in the heart of the Ruhrgebiet. The Ruhrgebiet itself is made up of several cities and towns in close proximity, with a heavily industrialized past and a population that is still largely German-speaking.
The Meinerz surname is closely linked to this region, where it is believed to have originated centuries ago. Over the years, the spread of the surname shifted as people moved within the region and abroad. In 1871, the area became part of the newly formed German Empire, a change that led to increased migration of the country's citizens out of the region and abroad.
Nowadays, the surname Meinerz can still be found primarily in the Ruhrgebiet region, however it has spread to other parts of Germany. It is also not uncommon to find Meinerzs living in other countries and nations. According to the online genealogy site FamilySearch, people with the Meinerz surname can be found in countries such as Austria, Switzerland, the United States, Canada, Israel, and the Netherlands.
Variations of the surname Meinerz
The surname Meinerz has several regional variations and spellings, depending on the area of origin. Some of these spellings are Maierus, Mayoers, Maerz, Maerus, Maierz, Meinirtz, Meineretz, Meiner, Meiners, Minere, Minnerz, Minertz, and Meyerz.
In German-speaking areas, Meinerz is derived from the Middle-High German word maeren, which is translated as “to celebrate or to honour”. Therefore, the surname Meinerz is associated with honourable accomplishments or achievements.
In Jewish communities, the surname Meinerz is sometimes spelled as Mener, Meiner, Meiners, or Maier. It is derived from the Yiddish word maner meaning “man of honour” or “honourable man”.
In the United States, the Meinerz surname is sometimes spelled as Manners, Myeres, Meyers, Mayers, Maier, Miner, Meyer, Minerich, Minerd, or Mears.
In Canada, the surname Meinerz is often spelled as Miner, Miners, Minertz, Menners, Minarz, Mineerz, Minersz, Minier, Mynars or Menar.
The origin of this surname may lie in the Netherlands and in the area around Luxembourg. In these areas, the Maerz family has produced several famous people over the generations, such as François Maerz, who was a politician in the 19th century.
Overall, the surname Meinerz is associated with honour and accomplishment and has numerous regional variants. It is still a common surname today, indicating that the proud tradition of this name is alive and well.
Famous people with the name Meinerz
- Carl Meinerz: American politician from Wisconsin who served on the Wisconsin Health Systems Agency Board and the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents from 1985 to 1992.
- Oberto Meinerz: Brazilian futsal player who competed for his country in the 2005 FIFA Futsal World Championship.
- John Meinerz: American Green Bay Packers offensive lineman who was selected in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
- Dr. John Meinerz: Wisconsin-based family physician and president of Physicians for a National Health Program.
- Mike Meinerz: Former college football offensive lineman who played for the University of Wisconsin: River Falls.
- Bo Meinerz: Quarterback for the Wisconsin Badgers football team.
- Debra Meinerz: Wisconsin-based emergency medical technician and Paramedic.
- William Meinerz: Architect who designed many historic buildings in Wisconsin, including the Renaissance Revival City Hall in Wisconsin Rapids.
- Carol Meinerz: Director of Children’s Ministry at Crossroads Church in New Berlin, Wisconsin.
- Karl Meinerz: German statesman who served as Prime Minister of Hessian from 1933 to 1945.