Surname Modlmair - Meaning and Origin
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Modlmair: What does the surname Modlmair mean?
The last name Modlmair is a German surname derived from the Middle High German words “moder” (“mother”) and “mair” (“famous, renowned”). This translates to “mother of renown”, indicating that the Modlmairs may have come from descent from a prominent ancestor. It is sometimes spelled Modiemair, Modemair, or Maudmair.
The earliest known people with this name were Austrian and Bavarian, living in the area that eventually became modern Germany. One of the earliest documents recording the name is a 1683 deed of sale from the town of Spitz an der Donau, located near Vienna, Austria. The name then spread all over Germany, with records indicating that people with the surname lived in Braunschweig, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Baden-Württemberg, and many other regions.
The Modlmairs have had a long history in Germany, going back hundreds of years. Although the origins of the name are uncertain, one thing is certain: for as long as they’ve been around, the Modlmairs have been respected as a family of great renown.
Order DNA origin analysisModlmair: Where does the name Modlmair come from?
The last name Modlmair is most commonly found in Austria. It is believed to have originated in the region of Austria known as Upper Bavaria, near the city of Munich. There is also a small presence of the name in Germany, particularly the northern states of Lower Saxony and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
The surname Modlmair is a locational name derived from the Bavarian phrase "molt auf dem mair," meaning "on or near the mayor." This was likely because the mayor's court in this area of Bavaria held authority over the surrounding area.
Because of its proximity to Austria, Bavarians emigrated to Austria in the 18th and 19th centuries. This likely explains why Modlmair is most commonly found in Austria today. Individuals with this name may still be found in the capital city of Vienna, as well as the alpine regions of Salzburg and Tyrol.
The Modlmair surname is also borne by some communities throughout the US, the UK, Australia, and other countries throughout the world. These communities likely have roots in Bavaria and Austria, and the name may have been adopted by their ancestors who migrated abroad.
Variations of the surname Modlmair
The surname Modlmair has several different variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These include: Modlmaier, Modlmayer, Modlmeyer, Modlmeier, Modlmayr, and Modlmyer. It is believed that the variant spellings of the surname Modlmair originated in Germany or Austria.
The different variants of this surname would have also developed as a result of migration to other countries. For example, some families may have changed the spelling to Modlmayer or Modlmyer to better fit in the countries they immigrated to.
Modlmair is generally thought to be derived from the German word “mold,” which means “soil” or “earth.” This suggests that the surname originated with someone who lived in an area where the soil was of a particular type or quality.
Many families with the surname Modlmair also have related surnames, such as Modlmaierer or Modlmauzer. These are derived from the same root, but have different spellings and/or pronunciations.
The surname Modlmair also has several variations in other languages. In Germany, the surname can be spelled as: Modlmaier, Modlmayer, Modlmeyer, Modlmeier, Modlmyer, and Modlmayr. And in the Czech Republic, the surname is translated as Mlýnek.
No matter the spelling or pronunciation, the surname Modlmair remains a proud and storied family name associated with a long and rich history.
Famous people with the name Modlmair
- Fabian Modlmair: Austrian skier who competed in the 2014 Winter Olympics.
- Simon Modlmair: Austrian luger who competed in the 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympics.
- Felix Modlmair: Austrian freestyle skier.
- Franz Modlmair: Austrian composer of avant-garde classical and electronic music.
- Sabine Modlmair: Austrian female ski jumper.
- Helmut Modlmair: Austrian physicist.
- Robert Modlmair: Austrian musician and composer of electronic music and new age music.
- Patrik Modlmair: Austrian snowboarder who competed in the 2014 Winter Olympics.
- Camilla Modlmair: Austrian female snowboarder.
- Irene Modlmair: Austrian singer and songwriter.