Surname Meisterhans - Meaning and Origin
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Meisterhans: What does the surname Meisterhans mean?
The last name Meisterhans originates from a German occupational surname derived from the Middle High German mestrehans (master-servant), which in turn is a combination of “Mestre”, meaning master, and “hans”, meaning servant. The name is thought to have originated in the Middle Ages when it was used to refer to people who were the most senior of servants to a lord or a master. Today, it is quite a common name in Germany and Switzerland.
In German, the name Meisterhans is composed of the root words “Meister”, roughly translated as "master”, and “hans”, roughly translated as "servant”. Together, these two words may be translated to mean either “master of the servants” or “servant of the masters”. The name communicates a sense of loyalty and service.
The name Meisterhans is a great reflection of a proud German heritage and an admirable family trait. The qualities of loyalty and servitude are the foundation of strong families and communities. Those who carry the name today should take pride in the fact that their surname carries such respectable attributes throughout generations.
Order DNA origin analysisMeisterhans: Where does the name Meisterhans come from?
The last name Meisterhans is most commonly found in the German-speaking parts of Europe today, with Germany having the largest concentration of individuals with the surname. This is likely due to their historically strong presence in the area. Records indicate that the earliest instances of the name can be traced to what was once the German State of Mecklenburg-Schwerin between the late 16th and early 17th centuries.
Since then, records have indicated the presence of the name Meisterhans in Hessia, Hannover, and Bavaria/Saxony, although this may not indicate that the same people moved between these places. It is likely that different branches of the same extended family stayed in different regions, thus dispersing the name.
As of 2021, Meisterhans is still a very popular name throughout German-speaking countries (primarily Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and parts of the Netherlands and Finland). Recent estimates suggest there are upwards of 54,000 individuals currently registered with the name. It is likely that the name will continue to be popular due to its strong cultural significance in this part of the world.
Variations of the surname Meisterhans
Meisterhans is a German surname that can be found associated with families from Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany, and France. The surname has numerous variants, spellings, and alternate surnames derived from the same origin. It is most commonly found spelled as Meisterhans, Maisterhans, Maisterhand, and Maisterhands. In some cases, it is also spelled Maisterhants and Meisterhantz.
The surname was derived from the medieval Middle Low German word "meisterhand," which means "master hand." It was a common occupational name referring to anyone that practiced some sort of skilled craft or trade. When written as Meisterhans, the name is translated as "Master John."
Common alternate surnames for Meisterhans include Meister, Meierhans, Maierhans, Meijerhans, Meijerhand, and Meyerhans. Other variants include Mayerhans, Mayerhand, Meyerhand, Mayherhans, Mayrhans, Mari, Maier, and Meyher.
Meisterhans is also related to a variety of patronymic variants derived from the given name Hans. Danish and Swedish variations include Hansen and Hansson while Dutch variations include Hansse, Hansen, Hansma, Hansema, Hansemann, and Hanselmann. In Germany, it is also found associated with Hantzmann, Handsche, Handschey, Handscheer, and Handshoeffel.
Despite the numerous variants, spellings, and alternate surnames, all are believed to have derived from the same origin of the Middle Low German word "meisterhand," which was commonly used to describe a person who practiced a certain skilled craft or trade. This is why Meisterhans families from diverse countries can still trace their common ancestry.
Famous people with the name Meisterhans
- Yves Meisterhans, Swiss photographer.
- Horst Meisterhans, German physician.
- Dagmar Meisterhans, German physician and acupuncturist.
- Johannes Meisterhans, German painter.
- Louis Meisterhans, Belgian footballer.
- Wolfram Meisterhans, German composer and music theorist.
- Dieter Meisterhans, German former professional footballer.
- Frank Meisterhans, Austrian architect.
- Christine Meisterhans, German figure skater.
- Jürgen Meisterhans, German dermatologist.
- Lars Meisterhans, German classical pianist.
- Nadine Meisterhans, German distance runner.
- Robert Meisterhans, German scientist and professor.
- Ruth Meisterhans, Swiss actress.
- Sabine Meisterhans, Swiss singer-songwriter.
- Veit Meisterhans, German sociologist.
- Ulrich Meisterhans, German sculptor.
- Willy Meisterhans, Dutch Olympic sailor.
- Greta Meisterhans, French former Olympic ski jumper.
- Olaf Meisterhans, German Olympic swimmer.