Surname Lechermayer - Meaning and Origin

Lechermayer: What does the surname Lechermayer mean?

The last name Lechermayer is of German origin. The name is thought to have derived from the Middle High German words “lecher” meaning “lecherous” or “unrestrained” and “Mayer” meaning “mayor” or “headman”, thus making Lechermayer a name for someone who had been in a position of power and authority.

The name is often associated with those of a political background, as the “Mayer” portion of the name has been used to describe an individual given special authority to act as a leader. Prior to Germany unifying as a country, cities and towns had a mayor or headman to maintain order.

However, the “lecher” portion of the surname has been a topic of much debate. While some speculate that it is derived from an occupation of inheriting a flock of sheep to be herded during season, others believe that it may have referred to an individual of lustful character or a characteristic they were born with.

The Lechermayer family traces its roots back to Moyshe Lechermayer who was documented in Frankfurt, Germany in 1237. It has since been found in various parts of Germany, such as Brandenburg, Saxony and Bavaria. Today, the name is still quite common throughout Germany, especially in Bavaria.

Lechermayer: Where does the name Lechermayer come from?

The last name Lechermayer is a French surname and could be found today in France and other French-speaking countries, such as Canada, Belgium, and various parts of Africa. It is most common in France, where it ranks in the top 17,000 most common last names. The Lechermayer name can also be found in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, where it is more rare.

In the United States, on the other hand, the last name Lechermayer is much less common. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, it ranked 22,655th among last names in 1990. It was found in relatively small numbers in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and California. Of these American states, the highest concentration of Lechermayers was found in Massachusetts.

The surname Lechermayer likely derived from the French word leche, which means 'table', and maire, a Norman title meaning 'mayor'. Thus, the surname originated as a nickname for a mayors' table. Over time, this name has spread to other countries and cultures, where it may have evolved into various derivative names.

No matter where the Lechermayer name is found today, it is clear that the bearers of this last name were once linked to a Norman social status of aristocracy. The name is a reminder of the past and may offer insight into the history and origins of its bearers.

Variations of the surname Lechermayer

The surname Lechermayer can be spelled in a few different ways, including Lechermaier, Lechmayer, Laechermaier, and Laechmayer. Most of these variants originate from the German surname “Lechermeier”. Depending on how the name developed after being brought to the different countries, the spelling changed over time and adopted new surnames outside Germany. For example, the spelling of the Lechermaier settled in some countries is pronounced as Lechermeier, and in other countries is pronounced as Laechermaier. The surname Lechermaier has also been adopted as Lechmair, Leuchmayer, Leuchnaier, and Leuchner.

The variations in spelling of the surname can be traced further back to the Middle High German word "Lechern" which initially meant “people from the Low German regions”. The meanings of this word changed over time and it eventually came to mean “learned people”.

The surname has been traced to the following areas; Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Switzerland, Hungary, Slovenia, Belgium, Netherlands, and parts of England. Each of these countries has been populated with varying spellings of the same surname over the years.

For the sake of distinguishing between people of the same name, variations in spelling and surnames of Lechermayer are often used. This helps to prevent confusion and to highlight the differences between people with a common ancestor. This explains why the surname has different variations dependent on the country.

Famous people with the name Lechermayer

• Alexander Lechermayer: An Austrian entertainer, writer, producer and director.
• Rupert Lechermayer: A British industrialist and philanthropist.
• Charles Lechermayer: A French painter.
• Madeline Lechermayer: An Australian entrepreneur and business executive.
• John Lechermayer: An American politician.
• Waltraud Lechermayer: A German artist.
• Julie Lechermayer: A Swiss singer and songwriter.
• Gilles Lechermayer: A Canadian actor and filmmaker.
• Annick Lechermayer: A French actress.
• Sonja Lechermayer: An Austrian artist.

Other surnames

Lechermann