Surname Meirhofer - Meaning and Origin
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Meirhofer: What does the surname Meirhofer mean?
Meirhofer is a German surname derived from the Old High German words “meiger” and “hove” which mean “tall” and “ford”, respectively. Together, the two words imply a tall man who either lived by a ford or was fond of crossing rivers. Given its geographical roots, Meirhofer is likely of Bavarian origin and a variation of the more-common Mayerhofer.
It’s possible the name also reflects the tradition of naming a child after a powerful ancestor or symbol. Meirhofer itself may have been derived from the name “Meir,” meaning ruler, which was popularized during medieval times. In this case, the name may have been symbolic of strength and power, thereby honoring an illustrious ancestor.
Further, Meirhofer was likely a popular name among Jews due to its literal translation meaning “lord from the river.” This religious association could have been symbolic of a river as a source of strength or faith.
Overall, the surname Meirhofer is significant in that it reflects a combination of historical, geographical, and religious influences. The name hints at both the power associated with rulers and the rich history of Bavaria, and likewise symbolizes the strength and faith of a powerful ancestor or all-knowing deity.
Order DNA origin analysisMeirhofer: Where does the name Meirhofer come from?
The last name Meirhofer is most commonly seen today in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland as well as countries with high German immigration such as the United States and Canada. It is classified as a German-Austrian name and originated in the Germanic-speaking region of Central Europe. The surname is believed to be derived from Middle High German ‘maehre’ and ‘hofer’ which both translated to the English ‘farmer’. This indicates that the name may have originated with a family of agricultural tenant farmers, or have subsequently been adopted by such a family.
The exact geographic distribution of the surname is difficult to pinpoint, but census records from the early to mid-1900s show a widespread presence in both Austria and Germany. There were concentrations of the name in key cities such as Vienna and Munich. During this period, the Meirhofer family had emigrated to the United States, primarily along the East Coast. By the present day, the Meirhofer surname is found throughout the United States and Canada, but it remains most common in the German-speaking countries of Central Europe.
Variations of the surname Meirhofer
The surname Meirhofer has a number of possible variants, spellings and surnames due to its German origins. Most common variants involve changing the letter ‘h’ to either ‘ch’ or ‘k’, such as Meierhofer becoming Meierchofer or Meierkofer. Other variants may include omitting the ‘h’ altogether, turning Meierhofer into just Meierofer.
In some cases, Meirhofer might be seen in its slightly modified form, Mehrhofer. This is usually due to phonetic spelling.
The various spellings and surnames seen in different countries can also come into play as well. In the United States, for example, it may appear as Meyerhoefer, Meyerhofer, Mayerhofer, and Mehrerhofer. Common in the United Kingdom is Meyerhoffer or Meyrhofer.
In other parts of Europe, such as the Netherlands and Belgium, the surname could be seen as Meyerhoffer or Meeuwissen, while in Denmark it might appear as Meyerhoffer, Meierhoffer, or Meyerhoefer. However, some of these variations could be due to English-speaking people mispronouncing the German surname.
The original spelling of the surname, Meirhofer, comes from the stage name of the Switzerland-born actor Ernst Meirhof, who lived from 1852-1931. Meirhof took on the stage name Meirhofer to differentiate himself from another prominent actor. He made a name for himself throughout Europe with his performances.
Ultimately, it’s important to remember that any of these surnames, spellings, and variants could be related to the original Meirhofer and are worth exploring.
Famous people with the name Meirhofer
- Philipp Meirhofer: A popular singer and musical star from Switzerland, Philipp Meirhofer has released several albums in both German and English. With a wide range of musical styles, fans will be sure to find something they can enjoy in his music.
- Elena Meirhofer: A model, fashion designer, and social media influencer from Austria, Elena Meirhofer is well known for her strong views and commitment to promote sustainability within the fashion industry.
- Peter Meirhofer: A Swiss businessman, Peter Meirhofer holds the position of CEO at Falcon Capital, an investment firm he founded.
- Kai Meirhofer: A Swiss-born musician and songwriter, Kai Meirhofer has released several successful albums in his homeland and is also a composer for various theater productions.
- Stephan Meirhofer: An Austrian politician, Stephan Meirhofer is a member of the Austrian People’s Party and has served in various legislative capacities since 2003.
- Baya Meirhofer: A well-known Austrian artist, Baya Meirhofer is best known for her landscape paintings and often uses her work to comment on environmental issues.
- Margarete Meirhofer: A scientist from Austria, Margarete Meirhofer is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering and has done extensive research into low-carbon technology and renewable energy sources.
- Matt Meirhofer: An American professional basketball player, Matt Meirhofer has played in the NBA for the Milwaukee Bucks and is also the founder of the foundation “Action Against Hunger.”
- Franz Meirhofer: A Swiss painter, Franz Meirhofer is well known for his Expressionist style and his many depictions of Alpine scenes.
- Giorgio Meirhofer: An Italian fashion designer, Giorgio Meirhofer is the founder of the luxury fashion brand Giorgio Meirhofer, which is now sold in stores around the world.