Surname Meisner - Meaning and Origin
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Meisner: What does the surname Meisner mean?
The surname Meisner is of German origin. This name is derived from the Middle High German term "meise", which translates to "titmouse", a small bird. It was often used as a nickname for someone who was thought to resemble a titmouse, perhaps indicating a small stature or lively, chirpy personality. Over the years, this pet name transitioned into a surname. Like many surnames, Meisner comes from a time when families lived in a specific geographic area and it served as an identifier linked to that area. Thus, it belongs to the category of hereditary surnames. This surname is most prevalent in Germany and also found in the United States, Canada, and Brazil in significant numbers. Of course, with global migration patterns, this name can be found in many other parts of the world as well. The variations in the spelling of the surname over centuries and across regions include Meissner, Meisner, Meusner, Maisner, and others.
Order DNA origin analysisMeisner: Where does the name Meisner come from?
The surname Meisner is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German term "meisner," meaning "cutler" or "knifemaker." Therefore, it is an occupational surname, indicating that the original bearers were likely involved in making knives or sharp-edged tools. The surname could also be locational, coming from a place called Meissen, located in Germany.
Today, the Meisner surname is most commonly found in Germany, and is especially prevalent in the northern region of the country. Over time, due to waves of migration and diaspora, bearers of the surname Meisner can be found in other parts of the world as well, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. However, it remains most typical in its country of origin, Germany.
Variations of the surname Meisner
The surname Meisner has a few variants owing to different cultural dialects, alterations over time and geography. Meisner can be spelled as Meissner, Meisener, Meißner (with an umlaut in German), and Myssner. Other spellings might include Miesner, Mysner, Misner, and Mesner.
The surname originates from Germany, specifically from the profession of 'measurer,' such as a tailor or carpenter, who had the responsibility of measuring cloth or wood. Meisner, and its variations, may also originate from the German word 'meise' meaning titmouse, suggesting the name may have originated as a nickname.
Other surnames with the same or similar origin may include Meister, Meistring, Meisling, and Meiss. It is also important to note that Jewish (Ashkenazic) carried the same surname which was an occupational name for a producer or seller of spiced foods or gingerbread, derived from the Yiddish 'moiz', meaning ‘spiced food’ or ‘gingerbread’. Radical changes were made to the spelling of surnames after emigration to English-speaking countries during times of persecution or migration, leading to multiple variations in the surname of the same individuals or families.
Famous people with the name Meisner
- Dennis Meisner: German Thalia Theatre award-winning actor, former artistic director of Theater Erfurt, and current Managing Director of the Dutch-Flemish theaters.
- Justin Meisner: American actor and singer, best known for his roles in the television series Grimm, True Blood, and Life Sentence.
- Jack Meisner: American child actor best known for his roles in films like 13 Going on 30 and Home Alone: The Holiday Heist.
- Elaine Meisner: American television and film actress, most noted for her role as Det. Marie Stoner in the TV show L.A. Heat.
- Judy Meisner: American costume designer and seamstress, best known for her work on projects such as Die Hard, Bright Young Things and The Dinner Party.
- Sandra Meisner: German actress, best known for her work in German television and films.
- Frank Meisner: German documentary filmmaker specializing in topics related to nature and environmental conservation.
- Paul Meisner: American actor best known for his roles in the films Knight and Day and the television shows Door to Door and The Untouchables.
- Niklaus Meisner: Swiss composer and pianist, known for his diverse body of works including film scores, pop music, and classical compositions.
- Simone Meisner: American model and actress, best known for her roles in films such as The Brothers Bloom and Passengers.