Surname Wegmaier - Meaning and Origin
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Wegmaier: What does the surname Wegmaier mean?
The surname Wegmaier (also spelled Wegmeyer, Wagmaier, and Wagmeyer) is thought to have originated in Germany and is derived from the German words “weg” and “mayer” meaning road and mayor, respectively. This suggests the early origins of the name's bearers likely held some form of local government or administrative authority over certain roads or lands in their village. It also strongly suggests that the family is probably descended from the same small village in Germany, since the bloodlines of a certain family are traditionally passed down through the father's surname.
To further investigate the meaning of the last name, it is important to look into the history of the local area from which the familyoriginates. Through further research, it can be determined that the Wegmaier surname can trace its roots to the Hartenberg area of Germany, which is located in the south of the Baden-Wuerttemberg state.
The region's landscape is mostly low-lying and heavily forested, with many of its meandering roads leading up into the hills and mountains of the nearby Alps. The local area is known for its wine production, and the villages surrounding Hartenberg have been home to vintners for centuries.
Most likely, the inhabitants of Hartenberg would have been serving as local stewards of the land, whether that be overseeing roads and vineyards, or maintaining the natural environment. It is safe to assume that the Wegmaier name was borne by those families who, like their predecessors, served as locals stewards and gatekeepers of the surrounding lands, in whatever capacity that may have been.
Order DNA origin analysisWegmaier: Where does the name Wegmaier come from?
The Wegmaier surname is most commonly found in Germany and Switzerland today. Areas near the Swiss-German border, such as Liechtenstein, Austria and South Tyrol, record higher percentages of Wegmaiers than other parts of these countries. In Germany, the Wegmaier surname is most common in Bavaria and Baden-Wurrtemberg. The same goes for Switzerland: the cantons of Appenzell Ausserrhoden and Glarus are where most Wegmaiers are found.
The concept of the Wegmaier surname existing dates as far back as the 12th century, in which the first-documented Wegmaier with influence was recorded. Records show that many Wegmaiers occupied important positions in the Middle Ages, such as advisors for Kings and Presidents. Some of the more well-known Wegmaiers include the doctor, Johann Georg Wegmaier, and Mathias Wegmaier, a theologian.
From the Middle Ages to today, often times, multiple branches of Wegmaiers have branched off from one royal family, including various spelling variations, such as Wegmeyer and Wegmair. The most common variation of the Wegmaier surname found in Germany is “Wegmeier.” It is likely that the Wegmaier surname has evolved over the years due to the variety of language spoken in the area where the original Wegmaier lived.
Furthermore, studies of the Wegmaier surname reveal that historically, the name was linked to the possession of land and property. This suggests that at one time, the Wegmaier surname was exclusive to prosperous people.
Today, many Wegmaiers still live in the same communities in Germany and Switzerland, and around the world. In the United States, the Wegmaier surname is widely spread in various locations, such as Florida, Texas, California, and New York.
Variations of the surname Wegmaier
The surname Wegmaier has a variety of different spellings and surnames of similar origin. Some of the variant spellings include Wegmeyer, Wegmeir, Wegmeyr, Wegmayer, Wegmair, Wegmire, Wegmayr, Wegmiere, Wagnermayer and Wagnermeyer.
Wegmaier is a German surname derived from the term “Wagner” which means wagon maker, referring to the profession of wagon building. Many of the variant spellings and surnames of similar origin also include the term Wagner, attributed to the same profession of carriage building. The additional term “maier” or “mayer” is derived from the German word meister, meaning master or specialist, which literally translated suggests master wagon maker or specialist wagon maker.
The variants Wegmayer and Wegmayer have also been used throughout German and Swiss history. These two names are derived from the Old German term wehgemei, meaning wagoner or one who builds wagons.
Wagnermeyer and Wagnermayer are two surnames of similar origin, often found in the same geographical area and originating from a similar profession. The naming convention contains two words, “Wagner” meaning wagon maker and “meyer” or “mayer” similar to the term maier, meaning master or specialist.
At one point in time, all of the variant spellings and surnames of similar origin were attributed to the traditional profession of wagon building, which was a craftsman skill. In today’s world, the surname Wegmaier and the variant spellings found throughout German and Swiss history are still used and have been generalized into many other modern professions.
Famous people with the name Wegmaier
- Armando Wegmaier: Argentinian professional volleyball player
- Carina Wegmaier: Austrian tennis player
- Frank Wegmaier: German professor at the University of Mainz
- Hannes Wegmaier: Austrian snowboarder and skier
- Otto Wegmaier: Swiss alpine skier
- Uli Wegmaier: German comedian and actor
- Wolfgang Wegmaier: Austrian artist
- Konrad Wegmaier: Swiss musician and composer
- Ferdinand Wegmaier: Austrian psychologist and school reformer
- André Wegmaier: Swiss wrestler
- Stefan Wegmaier: Austrian cross-country skier
- Maxim Wegmaier: German football goalkeeper
- Michael Wegmaier: German composer and conductor
- Emmanuel Wegmaier: Swiss professor of telecommunications
- Ernestine Wegmaier: German swimmer