Surname Wintermeier - Meaning and Origin
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Wintermeier: What does the surname Wintermeier mean?
Wintermeier is a German surname that translates to "winter mayor". In terms of etymology, the name derives from the fact that in Middle Ages, in certain German jurisdictions, a mayor was appointed to hold office during a given winter season and was consequently referred to as the 'winter mayor'.
Apart from suggesting an official function in the past, the surname carries a symbolic meaning of resilience and undaunting spirit. 'Winter' is typically associated with a particularly long, cold and unforgiving season, and for someone to hold that public role during that time speaks to their determination, firmness and courage.
Given the origin of the surname, people who share that last name are traditionally from German regions and the name is still quite widely spread in that area. On an international level, however, there are still a great number of people with the surname scattered around the world.
Overall, the last name Wintermeier can be seen as the embodiment of strength and fortitude and is connected to the idea of perseverance and bravery.
Order DNA origin analysisWintermeier: Where does the name Wintermeier come from?
Today, the last name Wintermeier is most commonly seen in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Though it has been around since the 12th century, it is also seen in certain parts of the United States, especially in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Chicago, Illinois.
Descendants of the original Wintermeier family now hold a variety of nationalities, living in countries such as France, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The exact origin of the name Wintermeier is uncertain, though it is believed to be derived from the old Germanic personal name Wintram and the Old German word meier which meant mayor.
The reason for the shift in population is likely related to migration patterns, with average citizens fleeing unrest in Europe and seeking refuge and a new life in the United States.
In 2016, an estimated 4,818 people held the last name in the United States, with a majority of people bearing the name living in Pennsylvania, California, and Texas. It is also found throughout the Midwest and East Coast.
In German-speaking areas, the given name is still one of the most common in the region, with an estimated 4,500 people in Austria and nearly 500 in Switzerland carrying the name. It can also be found in pockets of Finland, Sweden, and Slovenia.
In general, the last name Wintermeier is still widely seen and can be found spread throughout various regions of the United States, Canada and Europe. It is widely viewed as an old, traditional name of Germanic origin, with there being a notable presence of the surname throughout the Midwest and East Coast of the United States.
Variations of the surname Wintermeier
Wintermeier is a German surname deriving from the Middle High German word 'wintemer'. It is mainly found in Northwest Germany, and originated from the word 'winther', which was an occupational term for a farmer that plowed the winter grain field.
Variants of Wintermeier include Wintermair, Wintermayr, Winthermayer, Winthermeijer, Windermair, Wintmayer, Wintmeir, Wintmeijer, and Wintmeyer.
Spellings of Wintermeier include Wintemer, Wintemair, Wintemayr, Wintemeer, Wintmeer, Wintmeir, and Wintmir. All these spelling variations come from different dialects and cultures.
Surnames of the same origin as Wintermeier are Winther, Winthers, Winstedt, Wintheiser, Wintsch, Wintschin, Wietschner, Wetschner, and Weltsch. These surnames are derived from the same Middle High German term, but each has their own unique variant and spelling.
The numerous variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for Wintermeier reflect the many languages and cultures that have contributed to this surname over the centuries.
Famous people with the name Wintermeier
- Graham Wintermeier is a film producer who has worked on films such as The Holiday and Starsky & Hutch.
- Paul Wintermeier is a competitive German cyclist who is the current world champion in the men’s category and has represented Germany in international competitions.
- Heidi Wintermeier is a professional tennis player who has won multiple Grand Slam titles.
- Janet Wintermeier is a German-born sculptor known for her figurative bronze works.
- Ingrid Wintermeier is a renowned fashion designer who has had collections featured in some of the world’s biggest fashion shows.
- Joelle Wintermeier is a German-born actress and model who has appeared in films such as The Mummy and The Mask.
- Steven Wintermeier is an award-winning American film editor who has worked on films such as The Sum of All Fears and War of the Worlds.
- Helmut Wintermeier is a renowned German neurologist and researcher best known for his work on sleep disorders.
- Frank Wintermeier is a top level German chess player who currently holds the record for most wins in the German national tournament.
- Antje Wintermeier is a German-born author best known for her young adult novel, Das Kind des Winters.