Surname Gansmeier - Meaning and Origin
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Gansmeier: What does the surname Gansmeier mean?
The surname Gansmeier is of German origin, and derives from the name Gans, meaning “goose”. The suffix -meier is an occupational name, indicating someone who was employed in a farming or agricultural role, such as a tenant of a manor, or a steward. The combination of Gans and -meier, thus, suggests someone who was associated with the raising of geese, often for their meat or to be sold as prizewinners.
Gansmeier is an uncommon surname, found mainly in the German region of Gotha, as well as the states of Thuringia and Saxony. It is also found in the Netherlands, with records indicating that it was present in the province of Utrecht in the 17th century. The name is found in a lesser frequency in the United Kingdom, France and the United States, indicating more recent emigration of members of the Gansmeier family.
The Gansmeiers are believed to have lived in the land surrounding Weimar, Germany for centuries, and in the 17th century, records indicated many Gansmeiers from the prominent Menchlitz and Gans families in the region. Notable people with this surname include Johannes Gansmeier, a diplomat and Chamberlain of the German empire under the rule of Kaiser Friedrich, who held office from 1898 to 1903. Kurt Gansmeier (1908-1977), a German impresario popular in his home country as well as in Broadway and London, also made an impression on the artistic landscape of the 20th century.
The name Gansmeier continues to be present across the world, but remains a lesser-known surname. Those who carry this name bear a proud legacy of their forbears, through its connection to the German language, customs and traditions.
Order DNA origin analysisGansmeier: Where does the name Gansmeier come from?
The last name Gansmeier is most common in western and central Germany. Historical records show that the name dates back to the 15th century, originating in the Rhineland and Bavaria region. Today, it is most widely found in the states of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Lower Saxony, Hamburg, Bavaria, and Hessen. It is also common in the Czech Republic and other regions of Central and Eastern Europe.
Gansmeier is an occupational surname thought to have been derived from the old German word gansenmaire, which means gooseherd. This likely suggests that the original bearer of the name was a farmer or herdsman responsible for tending and keeping geese on a farm or estate.
The name is also present in the United States, as substantial immigration from Germany to America took place during the 19th and 20th centuries. Specifically, many Gansmeier families migrated to the Midwestern states and flourished there. States such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Illinois have significant numbers of individuals bearing the name.
Research indicates that there are still Gansmeier families living in Germany today. The largest concentrations are found in the cities of Hamburg, Berlin, Dusseldorf, and Hannover.
Variations of the surname Gansmeier
The surname Gansmeier, also spelled Gansmeyer and Gansmeyeria, is a Germanic name of origin, with the earliest recorded use of the name dating back to early 13th century. It is thought to be derived from the Old German words "gantz," meaning "whole" or "all," and "meiger" meaning "town mayor." The original meaning of the name is likely to refer to someone who was the town mayor of an entire Township, or a local ruler.
Variations of the name include Gansmaier, Gansmeier, Gansmeyer, Gansmeyera, Gansmer, Gansmers, Gansmair, Gansmeir, Gansmert, Gansmeire, Gansmair, Gansmayr, Gansmare, and Gansmaire.
Within Germany, there are three distinct branches of the Gansmeier family, located mainly in Thuringia, Bavaria, and Hessen. Many of the names are scattered around Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, particularly in Bavaria, where the most popular variant of the name, Gansmaier, is found.
In the United States, the alternative spellings of Gansmeier are the most common, while Gansmeyer and Gansmeyera are rarely seen. The other alternative spellings of Gansmeier are also encountered to a lesser degree.
In the New World, the Gansmeier surname has undergone a process of name adaptation, as families of German immigrants and their descendants settled in the United States, Canada, and other countries. Examples of name adaptation include Gansmaier, Gansmeir, Gansmire, Gansner, Gansnerr, Gansser, and Gansbury.
Ultimately, the Gansmeier name has become internationally dispersed, but retains much of the original meaning associated with the Old German roots from which it was derived.
Famous people with the name Gansmeier
- Laura Gansmeier: Laura is an American editorial stylist and wardrobe consultant. She is the founder of GZM Creative, a website that helps women to shop for clothing and accessories that fit their style.
- Dr. Thomas Gansmeier: German orthopaedist specialising in musculoskeletal injuries and reconstructive surgery. He is active in research and is an author of numerous scientific publications and book chapters.
- Franz Gansmeier: Franz is a former German football coach, manager and assistant. He is the former head coach of the Schalke 04 youth team, and has more than 15 years of experience in coaching.
- Michael Gansmeier: Michael is a German actor and comedian, most famous for his roles in the television shows “Auf Wiedersehen” and “Alles was zählt”.
- Eberhard Gansmeier: Eberhard is a German physical chemist and professor at the University of Hamburg. He received the Otto Hahn Medal in 2014 for his excellent research in the fields of physical, polymer and colloid chemistry.
- Christian Gansmeier: Christian is an Austrian-American entrepreneur. He is the CEO of PivotJourneys, a company aimed at inspiring entrepreneurs to make a difference.
- Reiner Gansmeier: Reiner is a German physicist who works on the research of laser-plasma interactions in the area of laser-driven electron accelerators.