Surname Kreitmeir - Meaning and Origin
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Kreitmeir: What does the surname Kreitmeir mean?
The last name Kreitmeir is of German origin and is derived from the words “krei”, meaning “to spin,” and “meier,” meaning “farmer.” As such, the name can be translated to mean “spinner farmer.” This type of name was typically used to indicate the occupation of a forebear in that they were a farmer who contributed to the spinning of wool, or other fibers, into thread.
The vast majority of those bearing the surname Kreitmeir can likely trace their family lines back to Germany, as the name was first found in Hamburg in the 17th century. German immigrants later brought the name to America, where many settlers ventured in search of a better life.
Alternative spellings of the name include Kreitmeyer, Kreitmayer, Kreitmayr, and Kreitmaier. Though the name is not especially common, there are still many Kreitmeir’s living in Germany, the United States, and other countries around the world.
Despite its German origin, those who bear this surname have made their mark on many countries and cultures outside of Germany. Prominent individuals with the name include German Olympic swimmer Lovis Krietmeyer, Canadian writer Ben Krietmeyer, and American poet Chris Krietmeyer.
Order DNA origin analysisKreitmeir: Where does the name Kreitmeir come from?
The last name Kreitmeir is most commonly found in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is a German surnamethat is derived from the Old German word “kriutman”, meaning “one who lives near the cherry tree”.
The surname Kreitmeier is most common in Bavaria, the largest federal state of Germany. The name appears in many regions of the country, and is often seen in records spanning back to the 16th century.
In modern times, the frequency of the surname Kreitmeier is still highest in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Outside of German-speaking countries, the surname is also found in the United States, Canada, and other countries with German heritage.
The most common variations of the Kreitmeier name are creid-moir, kreytmyer, kreitmeyer, kreidmeier, and kreutemeyer.
If you trace the lineage of the surname Kreitmeier back, you will find that it is still very much alive and well today. It is a common surname among German-speaking people, and though it might not be the most popular name, it still has an important place in history.
Variations of the surname Kreitmeir
The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Kreitmeir include:
Kraitmeier, Kraytmeir, Kraytmeier, Kraitmeir, Kraytmeyr, Kreatmeir, Kreatmeier, Kraytemeir, Kreitmeyr, Kreitmeyer, Kreitmaier, Kraytmaier, Kraytmeyr, Kreatmeyer, Kreitmaer, Kreitmayer, Kreitmaeir, Kraytmaer, Kraytmeer, Kraytmayer, Kreatmayer, and Kreatmaer.
Kraitmeier, Kraytmeir, and Kraitmeir are German versions of the name. The variants reflect various German dialects and spellings from the 18th and 19th centuries. The prefix Kreit- (or its variants Kreat, Krayt, and Krait) is derived from the Middle High German word "kreide", meaning "chalk". The suffix -meir, -meier, or -maer is derived from the Middle High German word "meier", which was a term for a tenant farmer of the local lord's estates. Thus, the whole surname likely refers to someone who in some way was associated with chalk or limestone, either in terms of trade or residence.
Kraytmeyr is the Yiddish spelling of the name, likely used by Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants in the United States in the 19th century. The suffix -meir in Jewish custom is often interchangeable with the prefixes ben or bar, meaning "son of" or "descendant of". Therefore, it is likely that the Jewish Kraytmeyr variant of the name is not an occupational designation, but a name generated from the first name of a father or another relative.
The Kreitmeyr, Kreitmeyer, Kreitmaier, Kreitmaer, and Kreitmayer variants can be found in Germany and throughout the United States. These are likely spelling variations of the original German version of the surname, but due to variations in German dialects, pronunciations, and transliterations over time. Finally, the Kreitmaeir variant is often found among Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants in the United States in the 19th century, and is likely a transliteration of the Yiddish Kraytmeyr version of the name.
Famous people with the name Kreitmeir
- Ralf Kreitmeier, German chef, television presenter, and restaurateur
- Egon Kreitmeier, a German politician
- John Kreitmeier, professor at the University of North Carolina
- Laura Kreitmeier, a German actress
- Philipp Kreitmeier, former German Board Member of Telekom
- Anna Kreitmeier, German paralympic athlete
- Peter Kreitmeier, German politician
- Uta Kreitmeier, German American professional stage actress
- Mathis Kreitmeier, German journalist
- Werner Kreitmeier, German cartoonist and artist