Surname Schirrmeister - Meaning and Origin
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Schirrmeister: What does the surname Schirrmeister mean?
The last name Schirrmeister is an occupational surname of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Middle High German 'schirrmeister' which translates to 'teamster' or 'wagon master' in modern English. This indicates that the original bearer of the name was a professional driver and/or manager of a team of horses.
In many cases, this was a very high status position. Not only would Schirrmeister have been responsible for the well-being of the horses and equipment, he or she was also responsible for keeping careful account of money spent on team maintenance, feed, and equipment. Those that were proficient in this trade were highly sought after and gained a great respect from their employers.
Outside of Germany, the Schirrmeister name is also commonly found in Dutch and Swedish-speaking regions like Holland and Sweden, respectively. As a result, the name is found in countries such as the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, Australia, and even as far as South Africa.
While the importance of the name may have diminished with the invention of the automobile, it remains a reminder of the strong work ethic and dedication that shaped the Germanic people. The Schirrmeister name is a symbol of great perseverance and strength, and will continue to be honored by its descendants.
Order DNA origin analysisSchirrmeister: Where does the name Schirrmeister come from?
The last name Schirrmeister is not a very common name today and is primarily found in Germany. It is believed to be a German occupational surname, derived from the word Schirrmeister, meaning “harness-master” or “master of the horse harness.” This is evidence of the family’s long history as equine specialists, as harness-making was a specialty for the Schirrmeister family from at least the 13th century. Outside of Germany, the Schirrmeister name can be found in scattered areas such as the United States, Canada, and England.
In the United States, there were several Schirrmeister families who settled in Pennsylvania, as part of the great wave of German immigration in the late 19th century. Records indicate that they were successful farmers in both Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, and in one instance operated an iron ore mining business in Wisconsin. In the early 20th century, the Schirrmeister name had become more common in other parts of the country such as Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and Iowa.
Outside of the United States, the Schirrmeister name can also be found in England, mainly in the Bedfordshire area. There seems to have been a small cluster of Schirrmeister families living in the area, possibly from the same immigrant ancestor.
Today, the Schirrmeister name is uncommon and is primarily found in its original homeland of Germany, as well as in areas of the United States, Canada, and England.
Variations of the surname Schirrmeister
The surname Schirrmeister, also spelled Schirmeister or Schurmeister, is of German origin and is most commonly found in the Hesse region. It is a topographic surname which was originally given to a person living near a cherry tree or a cherry-shaped hill.
Variants of the surname include Schiramäster, Schirmaister, Schirmeister, Schirrmaster, Schirrmaister, Schiramaster, Schirmaster, Schurmeister, Schuramaster and Schurrmaister. As a patronymic form, the term Schirremäster was used in some varieties of the Hesse region.
The patronymic Schirrmeister can also be found in other Germanic areas, and is shared with the surnames Schirmaister and Schirramäster in other parts of Europe, including parts of Scandinavia. It can also be found amongst German immigrants to the United States of America and Canada.
Other variations in spelling and pronunciation are found in East Prussia, where the name has been recorded as Schirmaster and Schurmeister. Another variant is found in the Low countries, where it is spelled Schurrmaister.
In England, the surname Schirrmeister can be found in the Middle English period as ‘skrymister’ and ‘shermesteir’. In Scotland, the surname is recorded as Shirmeister and Shermaster. In Norway, the surname is recorded as Schirrmeste and Schirmaling.
A related surname is Schirm, which is a variant of Schurmeister in the Netherlands. This surname may have originated from a nickname meaning ‘shield bearer’. In Scotland, the surname Schirm is recorded as Shirmeister and in England, it is recorded as Shermister.
Famous people with the name Schirrmeister
- Hans Schirrmeister: A German painter and sculptor, known for his expressionistic paintings and drawings of allegorical figures.
- Werner Schirrmeister: A German author and philosopher who wrote extensively about theories of perception.
- Helmut Schirrmeister: A German actor who worked in films, theater and television. He acted in over fifty films and television series.
- Sebastian Schirrmeister: Sebastian is a German artist and ceramicist who started with making stoneware bowls and then shifted to sculptural work in steel.
- Carolin Schirrmeister: Carolin is a German actor and stage director. She has been part of various Berlin theater productions and also television series.
- Ralf Schirrmeister: Ralf is a German photographer and cinematographer. He has extensive experience in different fields of photography like fashion, product and reportage.
- Gretel Schirrmeister: Gretel is a German visual artist who is best known for her work with paper and graphite. Her pieces are often based on the idea of the passage of time.
- Lea Schirrmeister: Lea is a German film director and editor. Her films have mainly been set in the 1970s and 80s in Germany.
- Margarete Schirrmeister: Margarete was a German cabaret artist and actor. Her performances were known for their satirical style and her sharp wit.