Surname Winkelmaier - Meaning and Origin

Winkelmaier: What does the surname Winkelmaier mean?

The last name Winkelmaier is an interesting and unique name with Germanic roots. The origin of the name dates back to pre-medieval times when it was used to indicate a person from the village of Weinkelheim near Bingen. The literal translation of Winkelmaier is ‘corner-vendor’ or ‘shopkeeper’. The name was also used for someone who sold goods on the corner of the street, it can also be interpreted as ‘one who cornered the market’.

In more modern times, the name Winkelmaier has become more widespread across Europe, especially in countries such as England, Ireland, and the United States. As people began to immigrate to these countries in the late 19th century, they brought their own customs, language, and cultures with them, including the last name.

Today, the surname is primarily found in Germany, England, the United States, and other western countries. While the family may have originally been associated with business, today there is a wide range of occupations which people with the Winkelmaier surname have taken up. From artists, scientists, and writers, to politicians, doctors, and lawyers, the surname is represented in many different fields.

The name Winkelmaier is an interesting and unique surname with a rich history. It has been passed down through generations and has expanded to many different countries across the world. Today, the surname is still widely used and is a reminder of our shared past and heritage.

Winkelmaier: Where does the name Winkelmaier come from?

The last name Winkelmaier is most commonly found in certain parts of Germany. The surname is mainly concentrated around Biberach, an area in the southwestern part of the country in the state of Baden-Württemberg. It is also somewhat common in Austria and Switzerland. The surname is believed to have originated in a small city within Biberach, known as Riedlingen.

The origin of the name Winkelmaier is thought to be a combination of two German words: “winkel”, which means ‘corner,’ and “maier”, which means ‘head of the household.’ The name ‘Winkelmaier’ then translates to ‘head of the corner household.’ This is believed to have been a term used to refer to someone who ran a household at the edge of a village or town, making the Winkelmaier a dependable adviser for those living nearby.

Today, the name Winkelmaier is still mainly concentrated in Biberach. It is particularly common in the cities and towns of Herbertingen, Laupheim, and Mössingen. The name can also be found in parts of Austria and Switzerland, and is even found in various parts of the United States as well. The number of Winkelmaier families living in the US may be small, but its presence in various parts of the country reflects the global migration of this surname over the centuries.

Variations of the surname Winkelmaier

Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Winkelmaier include: Winkemeier, Winkmeier, Winklemeier, Winklemyer, Winkelmeyer, Winckelmaier, Vinckelmeir, Vinklemeyer, Vankelmeyer, and Winkle.

The name Winkelmaier is likely derived from German. It is derived from the German words 'winkel' and 'meier' which mean 'corner' and 'mayor' respectively. Thus, the name can be translated to mean 'mayor of the corner'. The same origin may be reflected in other variants and spellings as the spelling of European names was not consistent until the 19th and 20th centuries.

Winkelmaier and its variants, spellings, and surnames may have been used by families in various parts of German-speaking Europe and spread throughout the area as people moved around. Such areas may include Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Northern Italy, and the Low Countries.

Variants and spellings of the Winkelmaier surname often appear as 'Vinkelmeir', with 'Vinkel' being a more archaic version of 'Winkel' especially in the Dutch-speaking provinces. Spelling of the name may have also varied in other German-speaking areas. Thus, the name may appear as 'Vinckelmaier', 'Vinklemeir', and 'Winckelmaier'.

The Winkelmaier surname may also appear as 'Winckelmeyer', 'Vinklemeyer', 'Winkmeier', 'Winklemyer', and 'Vankelmeyer'. All these surnames follow the same Germanic origin and likely refer to 'mayor of the corner'. Similarly, they may have been used in various places throughout German-speaking Europe.

Famous people with the name Winkelmaier

• Joachim Winkelmaier: a German entertainer, actor, singer, and writer. He is often referred to as the “King of German television”. His works include popular shows like Die Drehscheibe, Die Pyramide, and Sesamstraße.
• Jennifer Winkelmaier: an American actress and model, best known for her roles in Valley of the Dolls, Andromeda, and Cold Case.
• Madeleine Winkelmaier: a Swiss- Canadian author and poet, whose works focus on nature, silence, and the dark side of existence.
• Joe Winkelmaier: a Dutch comedian and presenter, best known for his work on the popular TV shows De Zoekers and Het Klokhuis.
• Richard Winkelmaier: an Austrian filmmaker and scriptwriter, who is known for his eco-documentaries and films about nature and the environment.
• Michael Winkelmaier: a German ice hockey player and coach, who has served as assistant coach for multiple teams in the German Ice Hockey League.
• Matt Winkelmaier: an American independent game designer and animator, who is known for his innovative creations such as OddChoenix, Logan's Maze, and Noxia.
• Freya Winkelmaier: a Luxembourgian politician, who is currently serving as Member of the European Parliament for the SWS.
• Ramon Winkelmaier: a Spanish soccer player, who has played as a left back or a left winger for several teams throughout Europe.
• Paulina Winkelmaier: a Canadian fashion designer, who has created collections for leading companies such as Dior, Gucci, Burberry, and Versace.

Other surnames

Winkelmayer