Surname Mitlöhner - Meaning and Origin
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Mitlöhner: What does the surname Mitlöhner mean?
The last name Mitlöhner (also spelled "Mitloehner") is of German origin. It is derived from the German word "Mitteler" meaning "middle" or "middle class", and the word "Löhner" which means "merchant" (or possibly "laborer"). Therefore, it can be interpreted to mean "middle class merchant" or "middle class laborer".
The name likely originated in the medieval period when merchant activity and landowning were a prominent part of society, and prior to the industrial revolution. During this time, Mitlöhner would likely have been involved in the manufacturing, trade and sale of goods, as well as a variety of other tasks related to business and commerce.
The name could also have been a signifier of social status in certain areas during the medieval era, as the term “Mitteler” implied that the family belonged to the middle class of society. Furthermore, since the merchant class were considered more honorable than the laborers of the time, people bearing the Mitlöhner surname might have been specifically associated with the merchant class rather than the working class.
Today, Mitlöhner can be found throughout Germany, as well as parts of Austria, Switzerland, and the United States. Those carrying this surname are likely disconnected from the original meaning of the name, but still bear a sign of Germany's history and culture.
Order DNA origin analysisMitlöhner: Where does the name Mitlöhner come from?
The surname Mitlöhner is most commonly found today in western and central Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic.
The first recorded instance of the name Mitlöhner is from the 19th century, and is thought to have originated in Bavaria in southern Germany. It literally translates to “one who rents land” which likely meant that those with the name originally worked as established landowners. The Mitlöhner family is renowned and was awarded the right to bear the coat of arms of this name in 1417.
The most famous Mitlöhner is the Austrian filmmaker/musician Kurt Mitlöhner, who has been very active since the 1970s with his creative projects. He received the Golden Globe Award for Best Documentary Film for his film "The Face of the Earth" in 1984.
Through the years, many of the Mitlöhners have been part of the upper classes in their respective countries, and the well respected family has actively contributed to the Austrian arts and culture.
Today, there are thousands of Mitlöhners living across Europe, with the name being particularly prevalent in Bavaria and Vienna in Austria. Because of their upper class status, they hold high esteem and influence among their local communities, and its a reputation the Mitlöhners continue to uphold to this day.
Variations of the surname Mitlöhner
The surname Mitlöhner is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "mitlohner" which means "servant". This name is also known by many spelling variations, including Metlohner, Mitelohner, Mitlöhner, Mittlehner, Mittelohner, Mitlohner, Mettlohner, and Mittlöhner.
In Germany, the most common and historically oldest spelling is Mitlöhner, and other variants of this surname appear to be derived from that. The form Metlohner seems to be prevalent around southern Germany, while Mitlöhner is most commonly found in western Germany, and Mittlöhner is found mainly in central Germany.
The use of this surname in the Jewish community of eastern Germany is likely a result of name-changing, as this surname was a very popular Jewish feminine name until more recently. The variants Mittelohner and Mittlöhner were most likely adopted by Jews who lived in Germany during the early 1700s, when Jews were required to take on German names.
In the United States, Mitlöhner is the most prevalent spelling of this name, and it is most commonly found among those of German origin. Other variants, such as Mittelohner and Mittlöhner, can be found among German-Americans as well.
Though the surname Mitlöhner may be German in origin, it has spread to other European countries such as Slovakia, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic. In these countries, the variants Mettlohner, Mitelohner, and Mittlehner are the most common.
Famous people with the name Mitlöhner
- Harry Mitlöhner, Germany's famous folk music performer and composer
- Linda Mitlöhner, Austrian alpine ski racer
- Johann Mitlöhner, Austrian-Bavarian sculptor and medallist
- Elisabeth Mitlöhner, German actress
- Pierre Mitlöhner, Austrian-Canadian operatic tenor
- Maximilian Mitlöhner, German soccer player
- Elsbeth Mitlöhner, German businesswoman
- Simon Mitlöhner, Swiss vendor, painter, and theatre director
- Markus Mitlöhner, Austrian journalist
- Daniela Mitlöhner, Austrian paralympic athlete