Surname Wiesmeier - Meaning and Origin
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Wiesmeier: What does the surname Wiesmeier mean?
The surname Wiesmeier is derived from the German language and is composed of two words: wiese and meier. 'Wiese' translates to 'meadow' or 'pasture', and 'meier' translates to 'steward'. Therefore, the name Wiesmeier can be roughly translated to 'meadow steward'. This likely refers to someone who was responsible for tending to a meadow or pasture, such as a gamekeeper or caretaker.
The surname is thought to be much older than the modern German language, and records of its existence date back to at least the early 13th century. During this era, people’s last names were often linked to the type of work they practiced or where they lived. Therefore, it is likely that the first individuals with the surname Wiesmeier were stewards responsible for caring for meadows.
At present, the surname Wiesmeier is most common in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. It is a relatively uncommon surname, and as of late 2020, it is ranked as being the 11,088th-most common surname in the world. Its rarity is due to its relatively limited geographic range and a small number of individuals who carry this surname.
Though the surname has Germanic roots, many people bearing it have moved elsewhere over the centuries. Today, the surname is found across the world, primarily in Europe and the United States. Notable individuals with the Wiesmeier surname include Karl August Wiesmeier, an Austrian diplomat and politician who served as the Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Herbert Wiesmeier, a German-American lawyer and jurist.
Order DNA origin analysisWiesmeier: Where does the name Wiesmeier come from?
The last name Wiesmeier is most common in the German-speaking areas of Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is also found in various North and South American countries, in particular in the United States, Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina.
In Germany and Austria, this last name is particularly associated with the state of Bavaria. Here it is especially popular in the south and east of the state, including the cities of Munich, Nuremberg, and Augsburg.
The Wiesmeier family is believed to have originated in the Bavarian region and in some cases its roots can be traced back to the 12th century. It is believed to be derived from the Germanic “Wiefs” which means a simple man from the forest, a hunter, or a soldier.
In the USA, the last name Wiesmeier has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with more than 10,000 Americans bearing the name. It is particularly associated with the Midwestern states such as Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota.
Overall, the last name Wiesmeier is quite uncommon and the estimated population of people with the last name is around 15,000, most of whom live in Europe and the Americas.
Variations of the surname Wiesmeier
The surname Wiesmeier, sometimes spelled Weismeyer, is a Germanic name with roots in both Westphalia and Bavaria. The meaning of the name is derived from the Old German words wies, meaning “cornfield”, and meier, meaning “lord”.
Other variants of the surname include Weismeier, Wiesemeyer, Wiesmeyer, Weismeyer, Weismeyer, and Wiesmeieri. In some cases, the “e” of the second syllable may be replaced with an “u,” resulting in Wiesmuyer.
Another variation of the surname is Weitzmeier, which is formed by combining the Middle High German words weiz, meaning “wheat”, and meier.
The surnames Viezmeier and Weismuller can also have the same origin. Viezmeier is a combination of the German words for “wheat” and “lord”, and Weismuller is a hybrid of the words “cornfield” and “miller”.
Surnames such as Wiesner, Wiesnermeir, Wischmeier, Wiesenger, and Wissmeier can also have their roots in the Wiesmeier name, with Wiesner being a combination of old German words for “cornfield” and “meadows”, and Wischmeier and Wiesinger being two different versions of the combination of Old German words for “cornfields” and “shepherd”.
Finally, Wiza, Wisa, Wieser, and Wies can all be found as alternate spellings of the surname.
Famous people with the name Wiesmeier
- Kurt Wiesmeier: an Austrian musical director, producer and sound editor best known for working on cinema classics like The Deer Hunter, Apocalypse Now, and Raging Bull.
- Helmut Wiesmeier: an Austrian cinematographer and film director known for his work in numerous films over the years, including Dr. Holl and Lovesick.
- Heinz Wiesmeier: an Austrian film and television actor best known for his performance in such films as The Marriage of Maria Braun, Das Boot, Die Hard 2, and Enigma.
- Stefan Wiesmeier: a German actor who starred in a multitude of films and television works, including Phase IV, Moonlighters, Funeral in Berlin, and The Firm.
- Florian Wiesmeier: an Austrian stage and screen actor best known for his roles in A Matter of Size, Nine Lives, and I Love Vienna.
- Stephan Wiesmeier: a German cinematographer who has worked on notable films, such as Wolfen, The NeverEnding Story III, and Autobahnraser.
- Andreas Wiesmeier: a German film and television actor who has appeared in a number of projects, including Calling Northside 777, Danger Man, and Die Wacht am Rhein.
- Sabine Wiesmeier: an Austrian actress and Playboy model who has had roles in numerous films and television series, many of which have been shot abroad, such as Perfect Crimes, Montalbano 2, and Rasputin.