Surname Sonnenmeier - Meaning and Origin
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Sonnenmeier: What does the surname Sonnenmeier mean?
The last name Sonnenmeier is of German origin, derived from the words ‘sonne’ meaning ‘sun’ and ‘meier’ meaning ‘mayor’ or ‘landlord’. The full term was used to distinguish a local lord – an elder, and holder of the manor – from the rest of his community. As a result, the surname suggests a familial relationship to noble title, or a hereditary connection to estate-holding.
Although the Sonnenmeiers were not typically considered part of the major nobility in the Middle Ages, they still often held important positions in local government and society. It is likely that the family name was established as a kind of informal title to signify its bearer in a social and political context; either to signify their wealth or authority, or to differentiate themselves from another locality or family.
Given the noble origins of the word, it is likely that the surname has evolved in many different ways since its creation. In addition to the German spelling, it has since been anglicized into many spelling variations, such as Sunemeyer, Sonnemeyer, and even Sunnymeyer.
While the specific details of its creation may now be lost to antiquity, the meaning of the term ‘Sonnenmeier’ itself is still clear. Meaning ‘lord of the sun’ or ‘sun-landlord’, the name suggests a family history of nobility and power.
Order DNA origin analysisSonnenmeier: Where does the name Sonnenmeier come from?
The last name Sonnenmeier is common in several countries in Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. In Germany, it is most common in the states of Bavaria, Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Baden-Württemberg. It is also present in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
In Germany, the name is most commonly found in various spellings such as Sonnemeyer, Sonnenmeir, and Sonnemeyer, among other variations. The name is rooted in Middle High German and appears to have originally meant 'protector of the sun' or 'belonging to the sun'.
In addition to Germany, Sonnenmeier is a popular last name in Switzerland, where it is particularly common in the cantons of Zurich and Schaffhausen. The same goes for Austria, where it is most frequent in the states of Burgenland and Vienna.
In North America, Sonnenmeier is present in the United States and Canada, where it is found throughout the two countries in various spellings such as Sonnemeyer, Sonnenmeir, and Sonnemeyer. It is an especially popular name in Canada, particularly in the provinces of Manitoba and Alberta. Finally, the last name is found in Australia, where it appears throughout the country but is most popular in the state of New South Wales.
Variations of the surname Sonnenmeier
Sonnenmeier is an unusual inherited name that belongs to the large category of continental German surnames. It is derived from the ancient Middle German word ‘sunne’ meaning ‘sun’ and ‘meiere’ referring to ‘a resident of a dwelling’. The earliest known recordings of the surname date back to the 13th century and are found in the many states of German-speaking Europe.
Some common variants and spellings of Sonnenmeier are Sonnemeier, Sonnemeire, Sonmayr, Sonmeyer, Sunemeir, Sunemaire, and Sunmeir. In some cases, the final “e” on the end of the name has been dropped.
Surnames of similar origin include Sohne, Sonneborn, Sonnenblick, and Sonnenfeld. Such surnames were popular among the Middle Ages because of a specific decision to adopt a displayed name, which was based on prevailing trends of that time. The adoption of such hereditary surnames was a common practice during the Middle Ages, and it was easy for the populace to distinguish the bearers of the more popular names.
In France, this surname is also found in its various spellings such as Sonnemaire, Sonnemaître, Sonnemaitre and Sunemaître. In England this surname is also common in its various spellings such as Sunnemaire, Sunemeir, Sunemayr and Sunmeir.
In modern times, Sonnenmeier surname holders are found across Europe, as well as in some countries in other parts of the world.
Famous people with the name Sonnenmeier
- Trae Sonnenmeier- Former Professional Basketball Player.
- Moritz Sonnenmeier- International Film Editor.
- Dominik Sonnenmeier- German Musician.
- Winford Sonnenmeier- Writer and Historian.
- Marisa Sonnenmeier- Brazilian Intuitive Designer.
- Christa Sonnenmeier- Illustrator, Animator & Author.
- Ella Sonnenmeier- Actress, Voiceover Artist & Singer.
- Hermann Sonnenmeier- German Footballer.
- Paul Sonnenmeier- American Football Player.
- Ursula Sonnenmeier- German Politician.
- Joan Sonnenmeier- Canadian Entrepreneur and Philanthropist.
- Mark Sonnenmeier- American Long-Distance Runner.
- Urs and Heidi Sonnenmeier- Swiss Musicians and Music Educators.
- Christopher Sonnenmeier- Author & Educator.
- Ulrich Sonnenmeier- Mountain Climber and Photographer.
- Annett Sonnenmeier- German Actress & Voice Actress.
- Reiner Sonnenmeier- German Neuroscientist.
- Johanna Sonnenmeier- German Writter.
- Johannes Sonnenmeier- Politician from the German Free Democratic Party.
- Beatrice Sonnenmeier- Swiss Fashion Designer.