Surname Breiter - Meaning and Origin
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Breiter: What does the surname Breiter mean?
Breiter is a German surname derived from the Middle High German word "breiter", meaning "broad". It is found throughout Germany, as well as in Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Poland, and other parts of Europe. In the United States, the surname is found most commonly among Pennsylvania Dutch and Bavarian immigrants.
There is a variety of possible meanings connected to this surname. Firstly, it could refer to the physical characteristics of those with the surname – "broad people", or those of broad and strong build. Secondly, it could have been used as a nickname for someone who owned or worked with wide land, or who farmed on large tracts of land. Lastly, it could also have been used as a mark of distinction for those of wide importance, suggesting that those with the surname may have come from families of wealth and influence.
The Breiter surname is typically associated with industriousness and devotion to hard work; whether due to their physical attributes or their farming success. This is particularly true among Pennsylvania Dutch emigrants who settled in the American Midwest during the late 19th Century. It is said that the Breiter family was renowned for their work ethic and devotion to the farming industry.
Today, those with the Breiter surname are spread across the world, and it remains a proud symbol of the hardworking immigrant spirit.
Order DNA origin analysisBreiter: Where does the name Breiter come from?
The name Breiter is an Austrian and German surname, originating from the medieval word meaning ‘broad’. It is most commonly found in Austria, Germany, and the surrounding areas today, though it is also present throughout the United States. In the US, states such as Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Illinois are particularly likely to report Breiter as a surname.
The roots of the Breiter surname can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when the word was used to refer to someone with an especially broad physicality. Over time, it was adopted by surrounding areas, and eventually came to America with German and Austrian immigrants.
For the past century, Breiter has been steadily growing in popularity across the US. The largest concentration of Breiter families can be found in Ohio, followed by Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Illinois, although it also appears regularly in many other states. The most common professions of Breiter families include mechanics, painters, blacksmiths, tailors, and agricultural workers.
The Breiter surname is also present elsewhere in the world, particularly in Canada, Australia, and Israel. While the majority of Breiter families can be found in Europe and North America, the increasing success of this surname across the globe has made a truly international surname.
Variations of the surname Breiter
The Breiter surname originates from the German word "breit," which means wide. As a result, many variations of the name have developed over time, such as Breit, Breite, Breiten, Breither, Breithers, Breitmann, Breitmeyer, and Breiterman.
Breiter is a common surname found across many German speaking countries that have adopted different spellings of the name, often depending on the dialect or local language spoken. Variations found in German-speaking countries include Breiterer, Breiters, Brewater, Brigit, Breedmaker, Breitermann, Breyter, Breeycther, Breyerer, and Breytar.
In other parts of Europe, the same name can be found with slightly different spellings. Common variations found in the Netherlands include Brider, Breede, Breeder, and Breeders. In Scandinavian countries, the name can be spelled Breiterus, Breidertz, Breider, and Breed.
In south-eastern Europe, the Breiter surnames typically take on a different form. Parts of Hungary and Romania has adopted Brejter, Breathits, Breath, Breits, Breatarsh, Brest, Brests, and Brecs. Variations also exist in Russian speaking countries such as Belarus, Lithuania, and Ukraine with spellings such as Brejter, Breathz, Braijtser, and Brest.
In the United States, Breiter is not as commonly found due to the changes in spelling and the anglicization of surnames. Other variations such as Bright, Brightman, Brightmaier, Breitenbach, and Breyter, among others, have emerged.
Overall, the Breiter surname is a very common one with numerous variations across many countries. Whether spelled with a single ‘t’ or an ‘e’ at the end, or with a ‘z’ or ‘s’ at the beginning, it is a name of wide influence and history.
Famous people with the name Breiter
- Gary Breiter: American author, attorney, legal consultant, and global strategist.
- Ronald Breiter: German painter and graphic artist.
- Hannah Breiter: One of the earliest female surgeons in the United States.
- Jonathan Breiter: American comedian, actor, writer and producer.
- Katie Breiter: American television personality.
- Bobby Breiter: American comedy-musician.
- Aaron Breiter: American composer and multi-instrumentalist.
- Jason Breiter: American media professional and film producer.
- Valentin Breiter: German politician and author.
- Curtis Breiter: American actor, voice over artist, stuntman, and martial artist.
- Martin Breiter: Austrian physicist and professor.
- Wolfgang Breiter: German psychoanalyst and philosopher.
- Pat Breiter: American sports anchor.
- Michael Breiter: German folk singer and author.
- Michael Breiter: American banking executive and entrepreneur.
- Robert Breiter: American executive, investor, and philanthropist.
- Steven Breiter: American professor of accounting and finance.
- Joshua Breiter: American professional wrestler.
- Adam Breiter: American entrepreneur, photographer, and filmmaker.
- Lars Breiter: German professional footballer.