Surname Hermesmeier - Meaning and Origin

Hermesmeier: What does the surname Hermesmeier mean?

The surname Hermesmeier is a German, topographic name derived from the Middle High German term hermitsminne, meaning ‘Hermit’s meadow’. This term was used to describe select low-lying areas or meadows near a hermitage or solitary monastery.

The surname first arose in the mid 14th century and is still found in Germany today. The different spelling and variation in the dialect of the area in which it originated meant that the spelling of the surname changed throughout Germany over the centuries.

Hermesmeier is an example of a habitation name, derived from a place or geographic feature, rather than an occupational name derived from a trade or profession. The families bearing this surname were most likely landowners or had some connection to the property from which the name was derived.

The genealogical records of the Netherlands show the earliest known record of the name Hermesmeier to be in 1552, when Tjeerd Hermesmeier was born in Scharmer, Netherlands. Other early records of the surname in Germany can be found with Peter Hermesmeyer, who was born in 1591, and Abraham Hermes, who was born in 1618 in Hessisch Oldendorf.

Over the centuries, the Hermesmeier surname spread to other parts of Germany and eventually to other countries due to migration and emigration. Today, people bearing the surname can be found all around the world.

Hermesmeier: Where does the name Hermesmeier come from?

The last name Hermesmeier is most commonly found in Germany today. It is especially predominant in the northern and eastern parts of the country and is particularly concentrated in the state of Bavaria. People with this last name can also be found in smaller numbers in Austria, the Netherlands, and other parts of Europe.

Hermesmeier is a German name derived from the old Germanic personal names Herma (army man) or Herm (glorious protection) and Meier (farmer). In the Middle Ages, many people bore such patronymic names, which were commonly carried through to the next generation, creating surnames.

Today, the name Hermesmeier is most commonly found in Bavaria. It is particularly concentrated around the Upper Bavarian city of Straubing, where it is the 8th most common name. Bavarians account for 52% of all people bearing the name Hermesmeier in Germany while those in the other German states make up 48%.

In addition to Germany, Hermesmeier can also be found in Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and other parts of Europe. In the United States, it is mainly found in the states of Illinois, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. Many people with this last name can also be found in South America, Canada, and around the world.

Variations of the surname Hermesmeier

The surname Hermesmeier is believed to have originated in Germany and is derived from the German words 'Hermes' and 'Meier'.

Hermesmeier is spelled in many different ways, mostly due to historic record keeping practices and varying dialects. Common variants include Hermannseimer, Hermansheim, Hermannsheim, Hermanni, Hermansi, Ermansimer, Ermansmeir, and Ermansmeyr. Other more modern spellings include Hermansmeier, Hermansmyer, Hermensmyer, Hermsmyer, Hermansova, Hermsmeyer, and Hermansmeir.

The surname also has a number of related surnames that are of similar origins. These include Herm, Hermes, Harms, Harmse, Herrmann, Heerman, Harmann, Herres, Hermsen, Herbusch, Hermann, Hirmanns, Hermanson, Hameister, Haimer, Hemmert, Hammerschmidt, and Hermesmann.

Although the surname Hermesmeier is most often found in Germany, it is also found in other countries including Austria, Denmark, and parts of the United States.

Famous people with the name Hermesmeier

• Jakob Hermesmeier: German animated film director, animator and artist.
• Martin Hermesmeier: German football player, who currently plays as a defender for Alemannia Aachen.
• Pat Hermesmeier: American professional wrestler, best known for his appearances in World Championship Wrestling from 1997 to 1998.
• Karl-Heinz Hermesmeier: German footballer who played for Werder Bremen for two seasons.
• Wolfgang Hermesmeier: Austrian scientist and physicist, specializing in laser optics, nonlinear optics and quantum optics.
• Ingrid Hermesmeier: German actress who was active in the 1960s and 1970s.
• Michael Hermesmeier: German mountain biker and long-distance cyclist who has competed in several world championships.
• Helmut Hermesmeier: German marathon runner who won several major races throughout his career.
• Brigitte Hermesmeier: German singer and songwriter who was active in the 1980s.
• Peter Hermesmeier: German golf player who competed in several major tournaments throughout his career.

Other surnames

Hermesmeyer