Surname Bichelmeir - Meaning and Origin
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Bichelmeir: What does the surname Bichelmeir mean?
The last name Bichelmeir is a German surname that originated from the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Middle High German “bichel”, meaning “small hill” or “knoll”, and “meir”, meaning “great”. Together, the two words form the literal meaning of “great knoll”.
In German speaking areas, the name was generally given to those who lived on a hill or a prominent elevation. Those who lived on a hillock or a lesser elevation were given names such as Metzger, meaning butcher, or Moser, meaning miller. This would explain why Bichelmeir was a popular name from as early as the 13th century, when many residents of Germany were concentrated in hill regions.
Today, the meaning of the surname Bichelmeir mostly reflects its original, literal meaning: great hill. It is seen less as a name given to somebody who lived atop a hill, and more as a symbol of strength, determination, and hard work.
Those who bear the last name Bichelmeir could also find a more spiritual connection to the name. The word “bichel” could be interpreted to mean “spiritual hill”, suggesting that those carrying this name may possess an inner strength and resilience, and the ability to persistently climb life’s hills.
Order DNA origin analysisBichelmeir: Where does the name Bichelmeir come from?
The last name Bichelmeir is most common today in the German-speaking countries of Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. It is also found in other countries with German-speaking communities such as Hungary, the Czech Republic and Romania. The last name Bichelmeir originates from the Germanic word “bichel” meaning “bent man.” This is likely due to its association with an old Germanic caste called the Bichelers, whose members were from an artisan caste and known for their skills with metal products including tools and horsehoes.
This name was likely first established in Austria and Germany during the Middle Ages, and along with other family names that originated during this time its prevalence and diversity has thus spread over the centuries. The Bichelmeir surname has a presence in the United States, mostly among those of German descent. The surname can also be found throughout Latin America, Canada, The United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.
In modern times, the last name Bichelmeir and its variations such as Bichelmeyer, Bichelmayr, and Bichemayr are all found across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and have been documented in numerous registries over the centuries. It is likely that at some point a line of the Bichelmeir surname spread to other parts of the world, meeting and blending in with other cultural influences.
Variations of the surname Bichelmeir
The surname Bichelmeir has several variants, spellings, and associated surnames of the same origin.
The spelling of the surname Bichelmeir may vary slightly according to regional and local customs, with some variations including: Bichelmeir, Bichelmeyer, Bichelmaier, Bichelmair, Bichelmaire, Bichelmayer, Bichelmeyer, Bichelmair, Bichelmaer, Bigelmeier.
Other surnames of similar origin, and sometimes mistaken for Bichelmeir, are: Bickelmeier, Bychmaier, Biehlmeier, Biehlmayer, Biehlmair, Bickelmeyer, Bichelmeier, and Bichelmaier.
In Austria, Bichelmeir is believed to have derived from the Middle High German words "bicheren", which means to redeem, and "mair," for mayor or magistrate. Its root likely refers to an individual of a royal court in the service of a lord or king who was responsible for exacting tributes and manorial goods. This would have made Bichelmeir a distinguished title of nobility.
In Germany, the surname Bichelmeir is derived from the Middle High German term "bihselmeir", which translates to "keeper of the honeybee hives."
In Switzerland, the surname often appears as Bichelmair, Bichelmaire, Bichelmayer, and Bichelmair, and is believed to have derived from the Germanspeech region of the Rhine valley.
In America, the variant spellings of Bichelmeier and Bickelmeier are also observed.
The Bichelmeier and Bickelmeier variants are believed to have been Americanized versions of the original Bichelmeir family name, due to the vast numbers of immigrants who left Germany in the 19th century.
In all instances, the Bichelmeir surname is associated with royalty, high officials of state, and beekeepers.
Famous people with the name Bichelmeir
- Ludwig Bichelmeir: professional bass guitarist from Munich, Germany.
- Werner Bichelmeir: former footballer from Germany who competed in the 1954 FIFA World Cup.
- Ludwig Bichelmeir Jr.: classical music composer from German who wrote for the piano, cello, and guitar.
- Paul Bichelmeir: award-winning chef from Germany who competed in the 2017 Bocuse d'Or International culinary competition.
- Franz Bichelmeir: famed Bauhaus-era designer and architect from Germany who is best known for his modernist works.
- Leopold Bichelmeir: 19th-century Austrian medical doctor who pioneered several advancements in the field of neurology.
- Günther Bichelmeir: 20th-century German expressionist painter whose art can be found in many leading international galleries.
- Ulric Bichelmeir: 19th-century Austrian playwright and poet who wrote popular avant-garde plays.
- Kristina Bichelmeir: contemporary German novelist and short-story writer.
- Alfred Bichelmeir: Swiss photographer who closely documented the cultural identity of the Swiss Alps in the early 20th century.