Surname Steinmayr - Meaning and Origin
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Steinmayr: What does the surname Steinmayr mean?
The surname Steinmayr is German in origin and is derived from the words “Stein” meaning “stone” and “Mayr” which refers to a magistrate or mayor. Consequently, the surname Steinmayr can be loosely translated to mean “stone mayor.”
Steinmayr is a representative of the many patronymic and occupational surnames found in German-speaking countries indicating an ancestral relationship to a person in a specific profession or role. Patronymics derived from the first name of the father, and while Steinmayr is a clear example derived from the career of the father, others may also serve as a reminder of an ancestor’s profession.
Throughout history, most surnames were derived from a variety of sources, such as physical traits, occupations, or even place of origin. Among many German surnames, the surname Steinmayr originated from the profession of the father. Those with the surname Steinmayr likely hail from a lineage overseen in the past by a magistrate or mayor who was made of stone.
Given that there are many other occupational surnames related to this profession, such as Maurer, or Schuster (people who create or repair items using stone or leather), this suggests that there may have once been a community where stone was the main material used for construction or the repair of important items.
Today, the surname remains a reminder of a distant ancestor’s hard work, and the craftspeople of the time whose skills and talents have been passed down for generations.
Order DNA origin analysisSteinmayr: Where does the name Steinmayr come from?
The last name Steinmayr is most common in Austria, Bavaria, and Bohemia where it has been in place for centuries. Throughout these countries, it can be found scattered yet concentrated around various regions such as Vienna, Lower and Upper Austria, Munich, Nuremberg, Graz, Salzburg, Linz, Innsbruck, and other areas.
Steinmayr is a diminutive of Steinmeier and a well-known occupational name for those who have worked with and shaped stone into various projects such as building foundations, roads, town squares. Over time, the name has been pronounced in different dialects and evolved to take on different forms such as Steinmair or Steinemer.
In addition to Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic, Steinmayr can also be found in other parts of Europe such as Switzerland, Hungary, and Poland. It can also be found in the United States, Canada, and Australia where the extended families of Steinmayr’s ancestors have immigrated and settled.
Today, it’s estimated that the global population of individuals carrying the Steinmayr surname is close to 50,000 people.
Variations of the surname Steinmayr
The surname Steinmayr can have various variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Some of the more common forms of this surname include Steinmair, Steinmayer, Steinmeier, Steinmaier, Steinmair, and Steinmeyer.
Steinmair is derived from the German "Steinwelle" which translates to "stone mountain". It likely originated in the south of Germany where the provinces of Bavaria and Wurttemberg are located as this region is known for its stone mountains. An example of this would be the Swabian Alps.
Steinmayer originated from the Jura Mountains of Switzerland and Germany. This form of the surname is more common to the area of the Jura Mountains although it can also be found in the former German Empire.
Steinmeier is a truncated form of Steinmayer that originates from Germany. The suffix "-meier" is derived from the middle German term for "mayor", wigemero, and likely refers to a person who had some sort of authority in a particular area.
Steinmaier is also a variant of Steinmayer and is more common in Austria, Bavaria, and Switzerland. The spelling is believed to be derived from Latin, with the "ma" prefix transforming the term to "mayer" or "mayor".
Steinmair is another shortened form of Steinmayer that originated in the Germanic area. This version of Steinmayer has also been spelled Steinmaier, though this spelling is less common.
Steinmeyer is the final variant on this list and is derived from German and Dutch-speaking parts of Europe. It is believed to be derived from the German term "steinmo" which means "stone wall" and was used to refer to a family that lived close to a rocky wall.
Famous people with the name Steinmayr
- Ralf Steinmayr: An Austrian footballer who played as a midfielder for Red Bull Salzburg, Real Madrid Castilla, and Hertha BSC.
- Marinus Steinmayr: An Austrian music producer and composer who was the first CEO of Wiener Symphoniker, an orchestra in Vienna, Austria.
- Ronald Steinmayr: A former soccer player from Austria who played for Red Bull Salzburg, SV Redl-Weiss Klein-Neusiedl, and other teams.
- Johann Steinmayr: An Austrian ice hockey player who played for EHC Villach, EC KAC Klagenfurt, MOL Graz 99ers, and many other teams.
- Wolfgang Steinmayr: An Austrian ski jumper who competed in the 1954 and 1958 Winter Olympics, as well as several world championships.
- Roman Steinmayr: A former Austrian ski jumper who competed in the 1952 Winter Olympics and placed sixth.
- Dietmar Steinmayr: An Austrian ski jumper who competed in the 1968 and 1972 Winter Olympics.
- Michael Steinmayr: An Austrian football goalkeeper who played for LASK Linz.
- Maude Steinmayr: An actress and singer from Austria, best known for her comedic performances in Berlinale Talent Campus films.
- Philipp Steinmayr: An Austrian mathematician and professor at the University of Linz in Austria.