Surname Steinmeir - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'S'
Steinmeir: What does the surname Steinmeir mean?
The last name Steinmeir originates from German and is derived from the Middle High German words "Stein," meaning "stone," and "Meir," meaning "celebrated." These two words were combined to form a single name that literally translates to "celebrated stone." This may have been intended to portray someone who was thought to be of great value and worth like a precious stone.
The name Steinmeir also has roots in the 16th century when many families emigrated from central Europe to search of a better life. During this period, Steinmeir was used as a surname for a variety of people. It was especially common among Jewish populations throughout German-speaking areas.
Today the last name Steinmeir is still prevalent in Germany and other parts of Europe. It is a unique name that is often met with unique spelling variations such as Steinemer, Steinmair, Steinmeyer, and Stanmeyer. The last name Steinmeir continues to represent a notable stone-like figure, as it did centuries ago.
Order DNA origin analysisSteinmeir: Where does the name Steinmeir come from?
The surname Steinmeir is most common today in Germany and other German-speaking countries like Austria and Switzerland. According to the World Names Profiler, which uses data collected from telephone directories and other sources, nearly 1,000 people with the surname Steinmeir currently live in Germany. While the surname is also present in other countries, like the United States, it is much less common outside of German-speaking nations.
The origins of the surname Steinmeir are not definitively known, but it likely has Germanic roots. It is thought to be derived from the German words “stein,” meaning “stone,” and “meier,” meaning “steward”; combined, Steinmeir is likely an occupational name for a person responsible for the collection and delivery of supplies such as stone and wood. It is also possible that the name simply refers to a person who lives near stone fences or works with stones in some way.
The Steinmeir surname is found in the earliest records of Germany; by the 1500s, its variants, Steinmeier, Steinmeyer, and Steinmayer, had already established themselves in various parts of the country. As Europe and the world became increasingly connected, the surname Steinmeir was spread further. Today, while far from the most common surname overall, it continues to be favored among German-speaking populations.
Variations of the surname Steinmeir
Steinmeir is a German-language surname which originates from Germany and Austria. It is an occupational name derived from the words “Stein”, meaning “stone” and “Meier”, meaning “master” or “leader”, and is therefore translated to mean "Stone Master". Variations of the surname consist of Steinmayer, Steinmair, Steinmaier, and Steinemer.
In the U.S., some variations of the spelling of Steinmeir have been adapted over time, such as Steinmier, Steighmier, Steinmeier, and Stegmeier. Alternate spellings of the surname can also include Stynmeyer, Steinmeier, Steinmayr, Steineyer, Steinmaier, and Steinman.
Other derivations of this surname can be found in other language-speaking countries where it is called Steijnmeijer in Dutch, Steinmeyer in Yiddish, and Steinamyer in Luxemburgish.
Many variations of this surname can also be found all over the world, such as Straumyir in Norway, Steiman in Russia, Stymeir in Belgium, and Steinmeier in South Africa.
Surnames with similar origin but a different spelling include Steigman, Steinbauer, Steinhauer, and Steiners. Some variants may have risen due to changes in dialect developed over time, or a modified spelling used when recording names in records.
The same origin surname Steinmeir is widely used by families that are traditionally agricultural or who work in stone cutting and quarrying. It is often passed down from generation to generation and is now seen in families around the world.
Famous people with the name Steinmeir
- John Seinmeir: John Seinmeir is the lead singer of the metalcore band Atreyu. He is known for his powerful vocals and his energetic stage presence.
- Brad Steinmeir: Brad Steinmeir is an American Mixed Martial Arts fighter who competed in The Ultimate Fighting Championship for five years.
- Chris Steinmeir: Chris Steinmeir is an American actor and director. He is best known for his role as Vince in the 1992 cult horror classic The People Under the Stairs.
- Joseph Steinmeir: Joseph Steinmeir is a Austrian professional figure skater. He has won three gold medals and one silver medal in the World Championships.
- Andrew Steinmeir: Andrew Steinmeir is an American tech billionaire. He is the founder and CEO of the online retail company PopSocks.
- Kevin Steinmeir: Kevin Steinmeir is an American NFL player. He is currently a running back for the Denver Broncos.
- Hannah Steinmeir: Hannah Steinmeir is an American gymnast who competed in the 2012 Summer Olympics. She won three bronze medals.
- Robert Steinmeir: Robert Steinmeir is an American painter, best known for his abstract and surrealist works.
- William Steinmeir: William Steinmeir is an American politician. He has served in Congress since 2001 and is currently the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.