Surname Wintermair - Meaning and Origin
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Wintermair: What does the surname Wintermair mean?
The last name Wintermair is of German origin and is thought to have originated in the Bavarian region of Germany. The name is derived from the German words “winster” and “mayer”, which mean “master of [some] winter tasks”. It is believed that those who bore the Wintermair surname were most likely professionals or workers associated with winter tasks such as logging, tanning, or farming during the harsh winter months. The occupational name is also believed to have been given to workers who were responsible for caring for and driving cattle during the cold season, a practice that was especially important in rural regions where large herds of livestock were kept.
In modern times, the surname Wintermair can be found across Germany, in all walks of life. It is also common in countries where German immigrants settled, such as the United States and Canada. Today, those who bear the surname Wintermair may still connect to the name’s agricultural roots, or they may simply see it as an identifying mark of their German heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisWintermair: Where does the name Wintermair come from?
The Wintermair surname is most commonly found in Bavaria, Germany. It is especially endemic to the rural regions of the area, where many of the small villages and hamlets have kept the same name for centuries. As of 2018, the surname is still most commonly found in the rural areas of Bavaria.
In recent years, the Wintermair surname has been spreading to other regions of Germany. It has become increasingly common in cities such as Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, Stuttgart, and Frankfurt. The surname is also more common in certain regions of northern Germany, including Thuringia and Saxony.
Outside of Germany, the Wintermair surname is not as widely distributed. It can be found in other parts of Europe, such as Austria and Switzerland, as well as in North America. It is also beginning to spread to Australia and New Zealand, thanks in part to a small but growing number of German immigrants in those regions.
In summary, the Wintermair surname is most common in rural regions of Bavaria, Germany. There are also small pockets of the surname in other countries as well, including Austria, Switzerland, and North America. The surname is slowly beginning to spread to Australia and New Zealand, thanks to a small but growing population of German immigrants in those countries.
Variations of the surname Wintermair
The surname Wintermair (also spelled Wintermayer, Wintermeier, Wintermaier, Wintermayr) can be traced back to the Middle Ages of Bavaria. It is most likely derived from the German words “winter” and “mair” meaning “winter” and “mayor” respectively. Thus, the surname Wintermair or its variants likely referred to a town mayor or magistrate in a specific Bavarian town.
Variants of the surname Wintermair include Wintermaier, which is a combination of the words “winter” and “maiher” (the Bavarian spelling for “mayor”). Wintermeyer is a variation on this same spelling, as it combines the German words “winter” and “meyher” (the Bavarian spelling for “mayor”).
Wintermayr is another variant of the same surname, which is derived from the German words “winter” and “meyr” (the Bavarian spelling for “mayor”). As well, last names beginning with a W, such as Wintmayer, Wintemeyer or Wintmeier, can also be traced back to the Bavarian Wintermair surname.
All of these variants share the same root and likely refer to the same occupation of mayor or magistrate in the Bavarian region. As such, it is highly likely that people with these surnames are related to each other, and can trace their linages back to the same area of southern Germany.
Famous people with the name Wintermair
- Peter Wintermair: Peter Wintermair is a German operatic bass-baritone and director. He is most famous for his performances at the Bavarian State Opera, where he was seen in a wide variety of roles including Count Almaviva in Le nozze di Figaro, Don Giovanni, and Leporello.
- Wilfried Wintermair: Wilfried Wintermair is a former Austrian football player. Born in 1954, he played for Grazer AK, Wiener Sportclub and Swarovski Tirol throughout his career before retiring in 1988.
- Franz Wintermair: Franz Wintermair is an Austrian former association football player. He made 64 appearances for the Austrian national side and scored 9 goals.
- Mathias Wintermair: Mathias Wintermair is an Austrian film and television actor. He is best known for his role as Franz Kiefer in the television series Cumulus.
- Rupert Wintermair: Rupert Wintermair is an Austrian Olympic cross country skier. He won the bronze medal at the 1980 Winter Olympics.