Surname Petermeyer - Meaning and Origin

Petermeyer: What does the surname Petermeyer mean?

The last name Petermeyer is primarily a German surname, and it appears to have originated in the Rhineland area of Germany. The name is derived from the Old German word ‘meier’, meaning a steward or official in charge of an estate, such as a mayor of a small village. The given name Peter is a common male name that dates back to the New Testament times. The combination of Peter and meyer is thought to mean either ‘the mayor of Peter’ or ‘Peter the mayor’.

The name Petermeyer became popular in Germany during the Middle Ages, as a way to distinguish people with the same given name. Some bearers of the name moved to other countries in Europe in the eighteenth century, which resulted in the spreading of the surname throughout Europe.

The surname Petermeyer is still common today. Bearers of this name can be found in numerous countries, including Germany, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, England, and the United States. Some Petermeyers have made significant contributions to society, such as German politician Bruno Petermeyer, and Swedish author Elisabeth Petermeyer-Barnlöv.

The origins of the Petermeyer surname will likely continue to be debated and discussed for many years to come. However, its meaning is clear: Peter, the mayor, or the mayor of Peter.

Petermeyer: Where does the name Petermeyer come from?

The last name Petermeyer is usually associated with Germany and the surrounding region. It can be found in modern records from Austria, Germany, and other Central European countries. It is also common in the Netherlands and other parts of Northern Europe.

In the United States, primarily those of German ancestry bear the name Petermeyer. It was especially common among the mid- to late-19th century immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania and Ohio. In these two states, it remains a well-known name today.

Canada is another country in which the Petermeyer name is commonly found. The majority of Canadian bearers of this last name can trace their immigrant roots back to Germany.

It is also believed that some Petermeyer families originated in South America. In particular, there are records of descendants of German immigrants bearing the name Petermeyer living in Brazil and Argentina.

The name Petermeyer is still quite common today, both in Europe and in the United States and Canada. It is still primarily associated with German lineage, though its prevalence in other countries indicates that it has spread beyond this original origin.

Variations of the surname Petermeyer

The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Petermeyer are numerous. These variants include Peterman, Petermann, Petermans, Petterman, Pietermann, Pieterman, Pettermans, Petermon, Pettrman, Petroff, Petrovic, Petrow, Pierman, Pytrman, Pietermaat, Pietermayr, Petermany, Petterson, Petrman, Petryman, and Pier-mayr.

The surname Petermeyer is of German origin, with its earliest occurrences as "de Peterman" recorded in 1150. It is thought to derive from the Old German words "petri," meaning "rock," and "man," meaning "man." As such, this surname would have been given as a descriptor of a person who was from a rock or rocky area. The variants of this surname follow common surname spellings and patterns in the German language.

Over the centuries, this surname has developed many spelling variations, such as Petermann, Pietermaat, Petterman, and Petrovic. As families migrated to various regions, they adopted the spelling of their surname to fit the local language. As a result, spelling variations of the surname have surfaced in various cultures across Europe. In some cases, this surname has become fully adapted and amalgamated in the local language. For instance, the Swedish variants of this surname are "Petrson" and "Petersson" and the French variant is "Petrus," from the Latin word for "rock."

No matter the variation, the surname Petermeyer is a tribute to the powerful symbolism that the rock holds in many cultures. From the Epic of Gilgamesh to Christianity, the rock has been revered for its indestructibility. Today, those bearing this surname can carry on the legacy of their ancestors.

Famous people with the name Petermeyer

• Brigitte Petermeyer: A German politician in the Social Democratic Party (SPD)
• Gert Petermeyer: A former German football player and manager
• Henning Petermeyer: A German actor, best known for his work in the soap opera, Gute Zeiten, Schlechte Zeiten
• Jan Petermeyer: An American watercolor artist
• Mark Petermeyer: A former professional football player
• Peter Petermeyer: A Dutch cyclist
• Uwe Petermeyer: A German composer and producer
• Wilhelm Petermeyer: An East German sprint canoeist
• Christa Petermeyer-Kammer: An East German sprint canoer and Olympic champion
• Stefan Petermeyer: A German sailor and Olympic champion

Other surnames

Petermeier