Surname Meyrhofer - Meaning and Origin
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Meyrhofer: What does the surname Meyrhofer mean?
The last name Meyrhofer is of German origin and is derived from two words—meir, which means famous, and hof, which means court. The name was used to denote someone who was associated with a noble court or was a noble personal servant. The Meyrhofer family received this name from a feudal lord and it has been in use since at least the 16th century.
The Meyrhofer crest consists of a castle with three turrets. This symbolises nobility, power and strength. The castle represents strength and place of nobility, a reflection of their distinguished history.
The Meyrhofer name can also be traced back to several different German regions in the Middle Ages. It is known to be most prevalent in Bavaria and Austria. It has been suggested that many of the people who bear the name today come from the same original stock.
The Meyrhofer surname has also been associated with certain trade practices. In the 1600s, Meyrhofer family members were known to be associated with dyeing and weaving clothing, tools for parchment, and cloaks.
Regardless of the association with a noble court or past trade practices, today the most important distinction for an individual with the Meyrhofer surname is the family's rich history of honour and service. The name stands for unshakable values, an illustrious past, and a bright future.
Order DNA origin analysisMeyrhofer: Where does the name Meyrhofer come from?
The last name Meyrhofer is primarily associated with the Austrian region of Burgenland, where it can be found in consistently high concentrations. This is attributed to the 18th century emigration of several Meyrhofer families from what is now the Czech Republic into Burgenland, as well as the adoption of the last name by many peasant farmers living in the region.
Today, Meyrhofer remains common in Burgenland, as well as many other parts of Austria, including the nearby Styria province. It is also common among members of the historic Austro-Bavarian diaspora who settled in different regions of the United States, primarily in the Midwest and in California. This includes the large German-speaking populations in cities such as Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
In addition, there are a few Meyrhofers scattered throughout various other parts of Europe, including Germany, the Netherlands, and France. This results from the out-migration of Burgenland Meyrhofers in search of better economic opportunities during the early 20th century.
Despite these out-migrations, the Meyrhofer last name continues to be a well-known and distinct Austro-Bavarian name in many parts of the world today.
Variations of the surname Meyrhofer
Meyerhofer, Meirhofer, Mayerhofer, Meijerhofer, Meierhofer, Mairhofer, Meirhofe, Mayerhofe, Mayrhofer, Mehrhof, Mayrhof, Meurring, Meiringh, Meurer, Merring, Meierings, Mayring, Meyering, Meyerings, Meiering, Meijering, Meihering, Meyrink, Meirink, Meyerink, Meirinki, Mayerink, Meining, Meininger, Meininghaus, Maierink, Meyeringh, Meyeren, Maerinck, Maerink, Maierinck, Myerinck, Meyrinck, Mairinger, Maringer, Maering and Mairink.
The surname Meyrhofer has many variants and spellings due to its Germanic roots. The original form of the surname is most likely Meyerhofer. This is a combination of the Middle High German words meier, which means farmer; and hofer, meaning court. The surname may have been originally used to describe a farmer who worked for a noble family or was associated with an aristocratic court.
Variants of the surname include Meirhofer, Mayerhofer, Meijerhofer, Meierhofer, Mairhofer, Meirhofe, Mayerhofe, Mayrhofer, Mehrhof, Mayrhof, Meurring, Meiringh, Meurer, Merring, Meierings, Mayring, Meyering, Meyerings, Meiering, Meijering, Meihering, Meyrink, Meirink, Mayerink, Meirinki, Maierink, Meyeringh, Meyeren, Maerinck, Maerink, Maierinck, Myerinck, Meyrinck, Mairinger, Maringer, Maering and Mairink.
The surname has also variously been anglicised in different countries including Mehrings, Mercer, Maesers, Meckers, Mairs, Marses, Marches, Marins and Maron.
The surname has several distinct branches in Europe, most notably those originating from Austria and Germany. A second branch of the family is found in the UK and Scandinavia, where the surname has been adapted and anglicised. The family is believed to have emigrated from the continent to the British Isles in the mid-17th century.
Overall, there are many variants, spellings and surnames of Meyrhofer which can all be traced back to the Middle High German word meierhofer. The surname has been adapted and anglicised in different countries, resulting in a number of different spellings.
Famous people with the name Meyrhofer
- Karah Meyrhofer: an American singer-songwriter based in Michigan.
- Emily Meyrhofer: a professional skier and member of the United States Ski and Snowboard Team.
- Patricia Meyrhofer: a British actress, known for her roles in the films 25th Reich and The Crypt.
- Jochen Meyrhofer: a German film and television actor, best known for his roles in Ku'damm 56 and Polizeiruf 110.
- Lawrence Meyrhofer: a professional dancer and choreographer, known for his choreography for the musicals Cats, The Color Purple, and Ragtime.
- Brad Meyrhofer: a professional paintball player, currently playing for Team Tampa Bay Damage.
- Martin Meyrhofer: an Austrian speed skater and Olympic medallist, who won a silver medal in the 10000 metres event at the 1992 Winter Olympics.
- Lydia Meyrhofer: an American artist and sculptor, best known for her sculptures of animals and botanical forms.
- Robert Meyrhofer: a Swiss artist and photographer, known for his photography of landscapes and architecture.
- Ricardo Meyrhofer: a Chilean architect, best known for designing the Centro Cultural GAM and Teatro Caupolican.