Surname Merettig - Meaning and Origin

Merettig: What does the surname Merettig mean?

The last name Merettig is of German origin and is derived from the word maretz (meaning "Monster" or "Troll"), which first appeared in records from the Middle Ages. This surname was likely given to families living near woods or other areas where folk stories often included monsters and trolls.

In addition to the geographical origin, the Merettig surname is derived from the Old Germanic words maretz and rezzen, with rezzen referring to the strongest parts of an animal such as a lion or deer – again symbolizing strength and power.

The Merettig surname is relatively rare, likely due to its more limited geographical area of origin. Those with the Merettig surname are often found in the south of Germany, in areas such as Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Hesse. In recent years, the surname has spread to areas outside of Germany, such as the United States, Australia, and Canada.

Overall, those with the Merettig surname are descended from a long line of people who were strong and powerful leaders, likely given the symbolic strength of the surname's words of origin. The Merettig surname is a reminder of this family's history of strength and courage, and continues today as a testament to its power and influence.

Merettig: Where does the name Merettig come from?

The last name Merettig is mainly found in Germany today, with the vast majority living in the south of the country. While the name is by no means unique, it is rather uncommon, with only a small handful of people bearing it in the rest of the world.

The origin of the name Merettig is most likely derived from the Latin word “mer”, meaning “sea” or “ocean”. It likely originated in the south of Germany, where many of the Merettig family still live today.

The first recorded instance of the Merettig name dates back to the 16th Century in Germany, though it has grown more widespread over time.

Today, the Merettig family is possibly most prevalent in the German states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, though it does have a sizable presence in the region of Swabia and in North Rhine-Westphalia.

However, it is also possible to find Merettig people living in other areas all over Germany, as well as a few families living abroad. There are even a few in the USA, Australia and other countries, though these are likely modern transplants rather than descendents of the original Merettig line.

Variations of the surname Merettig

Merettig is a patronymic surname of German, Dutch, and Frisian origin. Patronymic surnames originate from a paternal ancestor’s given name. The spelling variations associated with Merettig include Merrettich, Merretich, Merratic, Merratiche, Merredich, Merrettich, Merretiche, Merrettig, Merretig, McRettig, McRettich, and MacRettig.

In addition to the English-based variants of the surname Merettig, numerous German spellings of the same origin exist. These include Meretti, Mereti, Mereetig, Mereetich, Meretzig, Meretzich, Merretig, Merretig, Merretzich, Merrizg, Merrizich, Meritzg, Meritzich, Merratti, Merratt, and Merrattig. French variants include Mercedech, Mercede, Meridez, Meridech, Meritte, Meritt and Merritte. In Dutch, the surname appears as Merenteich.

Variations of Merettig can also encompass surnames that appear similar and have distinct origins. Examples include barring a connection from a single ancestor, Marritt, Meritt, Merrett, Merritt, Merritts, Merritte, and Merrditch, which are all English surnames. Dutch surnames that may appear similar include Merwe, Meerwijk, Merel, and Meulen. Some German variants may include LaMeret, Marit, Maritt, Marrete, Merget, Murr, and Merkt.

Overall, variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for Merettig come from the same root while still maintaining subtle and distinct variations across various languages.

Famous people with the name Merettig

• Paul Meretteg: professional ice hockey player with a resume that boasts being part of the 2014 U17 World Hockey Champions.
• Viktor Meretteg: former professional football (soccer) player from Spain who played in the Liga de Fútbol Profesional for various clubs in Spain.
• John Meretteg: former professional golfer who won five tournaments on the US PGA Tour and 12 on the Champions Tour.
• Gary Meretteg: jazz guitarist, record producer, and songwriter who has been a part of various bands, such as Life of the Party, The Skirting Boards, and The Sisters of Mercy.
• Bram Meretteg: Belgian footballer who is currently active in the Belgian Pro League, playing midfield for Club Brugge.
• Alexandre Meretteg: French composer most famous for composing the soundtrack for the movie La Vida Es Bella.
• Larry Meretteg: American football running back who was a part of the Los Angeles Rams for a brief time in the early 80s.
• Charlie Meretteg: Dutch Olympic swimmer who won a bronze medal in the 200m freestyle event at the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics.
• Anthony Meretteg: professional mixed martial arts fighter who is the current Rebello FC Lightweight Champion.
• Gino Meretteg: Italian sculptor, primarily of marble statues, such as his 2015 sculpture La sfida immortalata, which was given to Pope Francis when he visited the Vatican.

Other surnames

Merettich