Surname Kreitmaier - Meaning and Origin
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Kreitmaier: What does the surname Kreitmaier mean?
The last name Kreitmaier is thought to be of Germanic origin. It is derived from two words, "Kreit" (a German variant of the word Krähe, which means "crow") and "Maier" (the German word for "mayor"). The name therefore means "the mayor or leader of the crows". It is sometimes also used to refer to an individual who is particularly brood-like and possess excellent leadership qualities.
The surname is first recorded in 12th century Germany when a powerful family of this name held the prestigious title of 'Freiherr' or 'baron'. The first recorded bearer of the surname was Kaiser Forstat Kreitmaier in 1200, who was a law officer and administrator in the greatest of the Germany medieval courts.
Kreitmaier families spread throughout Europe, with branches in Russia, Austria, Italy, Czech Republic, and Hungary. In America, the first recorded Kreitmaier is Etta Susanne Kreitmaier in 1837, who settled in Ohio. In England, the name Hajner Kreitmaier is recorded as early as 1664.
Today, members of the Kreitmaier family are still observed in various parts of the world. They are known for their excellent leadership skills, strategic knowledge, and strong sense of loyalty. They have also been active throughout history in politics, economics, sciences, and law.
Order DNA origin analysisKreitmaier: Where does the name Kreitmaier come from?
The last name Kreitmaier is a German surname which is commonly found today in some parts of Germany and neighboring countries. The name is primarily concentrated in the Central German states, particularly in the states of Bavaria, Baden-Wurttemberg, and Thuringia. People with the last name may also be found in other countries of German heritage such as Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, as well as in parts of Canada, the United States, South America, and Australia, which have large German populations.
The name is made up of the German words for “Kreuz” (“Cross”) and “Maier” (“Miller”). As a result, the original origin of the name is believed to refer to someone who worked at a mill or at a milling complex. Traditionally, “Kreuzmaier” (“Cross Miller”) was a title for whoever was in charge of the mill or a miller. Depending on the region, it could even be used as a title for those who worked at the mill.
Today, the last name Kreitmaier is still relatively common in some parts of Germany. Those who carry the name often still own small businesses that are related to milling, such as water-powered mills for sawing wood, palm production, and other agricultural and flour-processing activities. The name isn’t as common in the United States, but you may encounter a few people with the last name in German-speaking communities as well as in the Midwest and East Coast.
Variations of the surname Kreitmaier
Kreitmaier is a German and Austrian surname derived from a combination of the German words "Kreit" and "Maier." Kreit is an old German word which means court, while Maier is derived from the Latin word "maius" meaning "keeper or tenant of the court." In various dialects, the surname can have various spellings and variants.
Kreitmaier is the most common form. Alternatives could include Kreitmeyer, Kreitmayer, Kreitmeir, Kreitmair, Kreytmeyer, Kreytmayer, Kreytmeir, Kreytmair.
Its variants with the von prefix could include Von Kreitmaier, Von Kreitmeier, Von Kreitmayer and Von Kreitmeir.
For short forms of the surname, there could be Krer, Kreit, Kreitmai, Kreitmaiers, Kreyt and Kreytmaiers.
In the United States, the surname can also be found spelled as Craytmaier, Creytmaier, Craytmyer, Creytmyer, Creytmeyer, and Craytmyer.
In England, the same name can be spelled as Creitmaier, Creitmeier, Creitmayer, Creitmeir, Creitmair, Creytmaier, Creytmeier, Creytmayer, Creytmeir, and Creytmair.
Kreitmaier is also related to various surnames of the same roots, such as Kreitl, Kreitlein, Kreitlmeier, Kreitmueller, and Kreitzinger.
Famous people with the name Kreitmaier
- Paul Kreitmaier: Paul Kreitmaier is a former All-Star point guard in the Austrian Basketball League and current assistant coach of German professional basketball team FC Bayern Munich.
- Jürgen Kreitmaier: Jürgen Kreitmaier is a former German football player, who played in the Bundesliga for Alemannia Aachen and served as the co-founder of the non-profit organisation God in Action.
- Countess Patricia Kreitmaier: Countess Patricia Kreitmaier is a Austrian philanthropist, whose social engagement greatly support charities helping with youth education, health care in developing countries, and the fight against cancer.
- Brigitte Kreitmaier-Konrad: Brigitte Kreitmaier-Konrad is an Austrian diver, who represented her country in diving competitions in multiple Olympics and World Championships.
- Johannes Kreitmaier: Johannes Kreitmaier is a Austrian painter and sculptor, known for his sculptures of human figures made from steel.
- Sabrina Kreitmaier: Sabrina Kreitmaier is a Austrian-born Canadian actress, most known for her role in the Canadian drama series The Shadow Within,
- Benedikt Kreitmaier: Benedikt Kreitmaier is a German actor, who is known for appearances in several TV series and movies in Germany.
- Karl Kreitmaier: Karl Kreitmaier is a former German footballer, who made 92 appearances in the Bundesliga for VfL Bochum and FC Nürnberg.