Surname Sellmeyer - Meaning and Origin
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Sellmeyer: What does the surname Sellmeyer mean?
The last name Sellmeyer is of German origin. It is derived from the Old German words “Salt” and “Meyer”, which combined to form the name Selmeyer. The name Selmeyer is derived from Saal, which means “hall”, and Meyer, which means “master”. Therefore, the name Sellmeyer literally translates to “master of the hall”, or a noble of high standing and authority.
In the Middle Ages, the name Sellmeyer was given to those with a high social ranking in Germany, particularly those who owned a great many lands. It is believed to have its origins in what was known as a ‘Grundherr’, which was a feudal lord who owned and managed a landed estate. This estate would likely include several houses, barns, and outdoor areas which the Grundherr was responsible for managing and disposing of.
Today the Sellmeyer name is still carried by many in Germany and in other parts of Europe, and it is used as part of a surname, a first name, or a middle name. It continues to be a powerful surname with a strong connotation of nobility from its centuries-long legacy.
Order DNA origin analysisSellmeyer: Where does the name Sellmeyer come from?
The last name Sellmeyer can be found in many countries around the world today, with the majority of individuals with the surname residing in the United States. Sellmeyer is a German surname, which suggests the surname appears more prominently in countries where individuals with a direct German heritage or ancestry may have settled.
The United States is the primary land where Sellmeyers can be found in substantial numbers. Sellmeyers have resided in Pennsylvania, particularly in Philadelphia, since the 1700s, and have also made their home in many other states. New York, Michigan, Wisconsin, Texas, Ohio, Florida and California are some of the states where significant numbers of Sellmeyers can be located today.
Sellmeyer is also commonly found in Germany. It is believed that individuals bearing the surname typically hail from the region of Franconia, Bavaria. Austria, Poland, and France are other countries where smaller numbers of Sellmeyers can be found.
The surname Sellmeyer is not overly common in any of the listed countries. Most public records suggest that there are fewer than 10,000 individual people with the surname Sellmeyer, spread out over the globe. It is uncommon to meet other Sellmeyers than those in one's immediate family.
Variations of the surname Sellmeyer
The surname Sellmeyer, pronounced "sel-meyer," has roots in Germany and other Germanic regions. It is thought to have originated as a place name from a location in Germany known as Salmendorf or Selmendorf. The spelling and surname variants related to Sellmeyer include Sellmair, Sallmaier, Selmaier, Sallmaire, Salmayer, Selmayer, Sellwind, Selwind, and Schwarzmaier.
The earliest records of the Sellmeyer family can be traced to the ancient town of Glattbach in Bavaria, Germany. In the 1500s, members of the Sellmeyer family migrated to the United States and settled in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Throughout the centuries, other members of the family have moved to other parts of Europe and the world.
The Sellmeyer family name still remains active in America’s heartland, with many descendants having adopted the alternative spelling of their surname, such as “Selmeyer” or “Sellmaier.” There is even a Sellmeyer Road in New Port Richey, Florida. As the Sellmeyer surname continues to spread, the variants of the name will continue to proliferate.
Famous people with the name Sellmeyer
- Josh Sellmeyer: A Pickleball pro who has made top 8 finishes in multiple national tournaments.
- Mike Sellmeyer: An American actor who is best known for his roles in films like ‘Finding Neverland’ and the NBC drama series ‘Heroes’.
- Frank Sellmeyer: The founder and former CEO of the home-building services company Builders FirstSource.
- Marty Sellmeyer: An American professional athlete, specialising in cross-country ski racing.
- Steve Sellmeyer: Former president and COO at OceanFirst bank, and current board member at several organisations.
- Eddie Sellmeyer: An American football coach who has been featured on documentaries about the sport.
- Paul Sellmeyer: Former president and CEO of SeaWorld San Antonio, who advocated for the conservation of marine life.
- Dr. Christine Sellmeyer: A paediatrician and family medicine doctor in Indiana.
- Jeff Sellmeyer: A retired US Navy officer who served for over 25 years.
- Gary Sellmeyer: An associate professor in the Math Department at Colorado State University.