Surname Behrendsmeyer - Meaning and Origin

Behrendsmeyer: What does the surname Behrendsmeyer mean?

The last name Behrendsmeyer is a German surname derived from the old root berh, which means "bear" or "protection," and the word mêr, derived from the verb merian, meaning "to love." This means that the literal translation of the name Behrendsmeyer is "one who loves a bear" or "one who loves protection".

The Behrendsmeyer surname originated in the German areas of Dortmund, Essen, Bochum, and Wuppertal, as well as parts of the Netherlands, with records dating back as far as the 1600s.

Behrendsmeyer is typically a patronymic surname, with the name passed down from the father to the children. Because of this, there are many variations of the name, including Bearendsmeijer, Behrendsmaier, Behrendt, Berendsen and more.

The name Behrendsmeyer can also be found in other countries outside of Germany, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. It's likely that these families originated either from Germany or the Netherlands, although the specific origins are unclear.

The connotations of the Behrendsmeyer name are varied, depending on the origin of the family. Generally, it alludes to a strong sense of protection and love. Those who bear the name may have a strong sense of self-protection and can feel strongly about their family and loved ones. Additionally, they may be more likely to be willing to put themselves in the position of a protector and to make sacrifices for the good of their families.

Behrendsmeyer: Where does the name Behrendsmeyer come from?

The last name Behrendsmeyer is most common in Germany, where it is found in over 400 towns and villages. The earliest records of the name trace it back to the mid-16th century, when the Behrendsmeyer family acquired land near Tostedt in Lower Saxony.

The name is also found in various parts of the United States. There are numerous documented occurrences of the last name Behrendsmeyer in the region of central Texas. These records suggest the family may have moved there in the late 1800s. Other occurrences of the name appear in Illinois, Pennsylvania, California and Wisconsin.

Today, the Behrendsmeyer family is widely dispersed around the world. Some members are directly descended from Johann Behrendsmeyer, founder of the Tostedt branch of the family. Others are probably descended from more recent immigrants.

Whatever the case, it seems that the Behrendsmeyer last name has endured and is still found in Germany and in many places around the world. Today, the last name might be changing slightly depending on the country and its language, but the common thread between them all is a shared heritage and a legacy of courageous individuals.

Variations of the surname Behrendsmeyer

The surname Behrendsmeyer has several variant spellings and surnames of the same origin. They include Behrendsmayer, Behrendsmayor, Behrendenmeyer, Behrendenmayor, Behrendtmeyen, Behrendtmeyor, Behrendttmayen, Behrendtzmeye, Behrendtzmeyer, Behrenmeier, Berendemeyer, Behrensmeyer, Behernsmeyen, Berrendsmeyer, and Berrendsmeye. All of these surnames have the same core meaning in German, which is “to guard” or “to observe”. This could refer to the activity of a guard or sentry, which could explain why many of these surnames originate in Germany.

In America, variations on the surname Behrendsmeyer have become quite common. While many of the variants are still used sporadically, some of the more popular spellings include Behrensmeyer, Behernsmeyen, Behrendsmeyer, and Berrendsmeyer.

The variations on the surname Behrendsmeyer could ultimately be traced back to the Middle Ages when people started using surnames in their place of origin. At this time, many individuals did not have a true, inherited surname, so the use of place names and occupations became a common way to differentiate people. It is likely that Behrendsmeyer was derived from an individual’s occupation of guarding or sentry duty.

Famous people with the name Behrendsmeyer

• Wolfgang Behrendsmeyer: A German-born American entrepreneur and business executive. He is primarily known for co-founding the online retailer Drugstore.com and for being the chairman and CEO of VISA International.
• Ulrich Behrendsmeyer: A German conductor and music director, who conducted a number of famous German and international orchestras.
• Shine Behrendsmeyer: An American entrepreneur and social media influencer, who has worked in the fashion and beauty industries.
• Dieter Behrendsmeyer: A German composer, arranger and record producer, who worked on numerous productions, including the Eurovision Song Contest and the film score for The NeverEnding Story.
• Christina Behrendsmeyer: A German marketing specialist and business strategist, who has held several high-profile positions and founded her own marketing consultancy.
• Amy Behrendsmeyer: An American attorney and entrepreneur, who serves as the president of Spark Wealth and sits on the board of several companies, including UPS and Northrop Grumman.
• Dieter Behrendsmeyer: A Swiss politician who is currently the Minister in Charge of Relations with the Cantons at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and the head of the cantonal directors of the Swiss Federal Office of Justice.
• Tom Behrendsmeyer: A Swiss actor best known for his role in the Swiss television series, "Vier im Röhrenformat".
• Jürgen Behrendsmeyer: A German professional footballer who played as a centre back for Eintracht Frankfurt, FC Kaiserslautern, and Bayer Leverkusen.
• Adam Behrendsmeyer: An American film producer, who is the co-owner of the production company, Radical Studios. His credits include the films Pitch Perfect 3 and The Brink.

Other surnames

Behrendsmeier