Surname Zinsmeyer - Meaning and Origin
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Zinsmeyer: What does the surname Zinsmeyer mean?
The last name Zinsmeyer is of German origin and is derived from the words “zins” meaning “custody” and “meyer” meaning “mayor, steward, or bailiff.”
The earliest tracing of the Zinsmeyer name was found in an official record in the area of Prussia in the 13th century. The surname was popular in southeastern Prussia, but also in areas along the Swiss and French borders. People with the Zinsmeyer surname were likely officials of some kind, likely as stewards or bailiffs legally managing land for a nobleman or church.
The Zinsmeyer surname continued to spread as people with the name moved to other countries in search of work or a better life. Here in the United States, many with the name eventually became farmers or laborers.
The Zinsmeyer surname today retains its meaning of a steward, official, or bailiff and its roots still trace back to its German origin. For those with the last name Zinsmeyer today, it serves as a reminder of the humble past of their ancestors and the strength and determination it took for many to make their new homes in a new world.
Order DNA origin analysisZinsmeyer: Where does the name Zinsmeyer come from?
The last name Zinsmeyer is most commonly found in Germany today, with some individuals carrying the name in the United States. The majority of records associated with this surname are located in Germany in places such as Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. While the origin of the name is obscure, records suggest that it is likely derived from the medieval German personal name Zinke. Records trace the presence of the surname Zinsmeyer in Germany to at least the early eighteenth century, particularly in the city of Stuttgart and its surrounding areas. Individuals with this name may have come from this area, but with the increasing mobility of the population it is likely that the Zinsmeyer name has spread around the world.
In the United States, some records of individuals with the Zinsmeyer name date back to the late nineteenth century. Many of these individuals appear to have originated from Germany, particularly from Bavaria. Today, the name is still found in the United States, often in states with large populations of German-American descendants such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Ohio.
Aside from Germany and the United States, the name Zinsmeyer may also have spread to other places with significant Germanic populations, such as the Netherlands, Sweden and Croatia. It is impossible to know for certain how widely dispersed the name has become over time, as the records of this surname are limited. However, it is clear that Zinsmeyer is a relatively uncommon surname in today’s world, with most of its presence originating in Germany.
Variations of the surname Zinsmeyer
The surname Zinsmeyer is a German surname believed to have originated in Bavaria. It is most commonly spelled Zinsmeyer, but variants and spellings of the surname found in records and documents are Zinzmeyer, Zinßmeyer, Zinßmeier, Zinmeier, Zinsmaier, Zinsmayer, Sinzmeyer, and Zintmeyer. Many of these spellings suggest it was once spelled with an 'ß' rather than an 's', as is common in certain German dialects.
The variants of the surname Zinsmeyer are believed to have been in use since at least the 18th century among families living in Bavaria. It is likely that the various spellings arose as a result of different dialects and regional pronunciations. The surname has spread to other parts of Europe and the Americas as families migrated over the years.
Other modern surnames thought to be of the same origin and related to Zinsmeyer are Zinz, Zinzmaier, Sinz, Sinzmaier, Sinzmayer, Zinsmeister, and Zinsmeyr. These may be variations on the original surname due to changes in spelling over time or they may be derived from a nickname or another surname of the same origin.
The spelling Zinsmeyer may also have been adopted by families who originally had a different surname. In some cases, families may have changed the spelling of their original surname to the more common Zinsmeyer in order to make it easier for everyone in the family to pronounce. It is also possible that immigrants from Europe changed the spelling of their surname in order to more easily pronounce the Americanized version of their original surname.
Famous people with the name Zinsmeyer
- James Zinsmeyer: an American civil engineer who worked in the top secret Manhattan Project during WWII. He received the Bronze Star Medal for his service.
- Harry Zinsmeyer: a prominent American architect who is credited with designing the 5 star Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles.
- Matt Zinsmeyer: a mutual fund manager and former hedge fund trader who is now a senior advisor at Guggenheim Partners, LLC.
- Rod Zinsmeyer: an American chartered financial analyst and financial advisor based in Chicago.
- Peter Zinsmeyer: a professor of health economics and researcher at Oregon State University.
- Ed Zinsmeyer: a renowned American jazz guitarist.
- Karl Zinsmeyer: a German actor, best known for his roles in television movies such as Die Rückkehr and Tatort.
- Anton Zinsmeyer: an American artist and professor at the University of New Mexico, best known for his abstract compositions.
- Karen Zinsmeyer: a contemporary American sculptor who has exhibited her works in various art galleries around the United States.
- Rebecca Zinsmeyer: an American medical doctor and research scientist who specializes in the treatment of skin diseases.