Surname Magerhans - Meaning and Origin
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Magerhans: What does the surname Magerhans mean?
The surname Magerhans is a toponymic name deriving from an area in the German language-speaking region of Switzerland. It is believed to be derived from the old Swiss German words mager hans, meaning "skinny Jack". Jack, or Hans, is a common nickname used in German-speaking regions and Mager is commonly used to refer to something that is thin or lean.
In some dialects, the term mager hans is also used to describe someone small and thin with an active manner. This is thought to be the origin of the Magerhans surname.
Magerhans is a common surname in the German-speaking region of Switzerland. Those with this surname can trace their origins back approximately hundreds of years to the small towns and villages in Switzerland’s Alpine region. The surname has gained a great popularity in part due to the mountain and countryside lifestyle of the people who occupy these areas.
Nowadays, many people in Switzerland with the Magerhans surname have tended to disperse to cities, leaving this rural Swiss hillside lifestyle behind. Subsequently, Magerhans is now widespread across Switzerland and other parts of the world. This name continues to be seen in many different forms, as some have adapted it for the countries they live in.
Order DNA origin analysisMagerhans: Where does the name Magerhans come from?
The last name Magerhans is most commonly found in South Germany today, particularly in the area around the Rhine River in northwestern Germany near the border of France. The name is most likely derived from an old German name, Magerhans, that was used throughout the Middle Ages in Germany. The name is most commonly spelled as Magerhans, or sometimes in its anglicised form, Magerhansen.
The name is believed to have originated from the Latin word ‘mager’, which literally translates to mean ‘skinny’. The family name likely evolved from a nickname bestowed on a thin ancestor. Due to the Middle Ages roots of the name, it is believed to have formerly been quite prevalent throughout the continent before the occurrence of large population migrations in the post-medieval period.
The name Magerhans does not appear to have a particularly large concentration in one area of Germany today. It is most commonly found in the lowlands of Lower Saxony, along the Rhine Valley, and in some areas of North Rhine-Westphalia. However, it is also known to exist in small numbers in other countries including Switzerland, Austria, and Sweden. In the United States, the name is most common among German-Americans whose ancestors migrated from Germany and Switzerland in the 1700s and 1800s.
Variations of the surname Magerhans
Magerhans is a surname of German origin, primarily found in areas that once belonged to the German Empire. It is believed to have originated from the Middle High German word mager, meaning "meagre," and hans, meaning "John." Thus, the surname Magerhans is the combination of these two words, and it is likely that the name bearer was a lean and frugal man.
The major variants and spellings of the surname Magerhans include Majorhans, Markershans, Mahrshans, Maurhans, Maurerhans and Matzkerhans. Minor variants and spellings can also be found.
The surname Magerhans has generated many surnames in the countries that formed the German Empire. Some of these include Mahrsen (East Prussia), Marzahn (East Prussia), Magrath (Bavaria), Mahrhold (Austria) and Maitz (Bavaria).
In the United States, the spelling may have been modified when immigrants arrived; some variations are Magers, Mager, Majors, Majora, Marker, Mahrs and Maurer.
Overall, the surname Magerhans is typically associated with German-speaking countries and those who once belonged to the German Empire. It is believed to be derived from the Middle High German words mager and hans, and is often found spelled in variants and minor spellings. The surname has also generated several surnames based off of the original form, primarily found in the countries which were once part of the German Empire. In the United States, the spelling may have been modified due to immigration.
Famous people with the name Magerhans
- Katrin Magerhans: Katrin is a Swiss curler from Aarau, Switzerland. She is a five-time Swiss Champion and has competed in the Olympics four times.
- René Magerhans: René is a Swiss politician and was formerly a member of the Swiss Federal Council.
- Maria Magerhans: Maria is a Swiss sailor and former Olympic gold medalist who participated in the Women's 470 class during the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul.
- Beat Magerhans: Beat is a Swiss former bobsledder who competed during the 1950s.
- Willem Magerhans: Willem is a Dutch footballer who plays for the Dutch national team.
- Markus Magerhans: Markus is a Swiss ice hockey player who plays for Kloten Flyers in the Swiss National League A.
- Ramon Magerhans: Ramon is a Swiss Paralympic alpine skier who competed at the 2010 Winter Paralympics in Vancouver.
- Jack Magerhans: Jack Magerhans is an American actor who has appeared in numerous television shows and films.
- Elly Magerhans: Elly is a retired Dutch field hockey player who won a gold medal at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal.
- Martial Magerhans: Martial is a French former professional basketball player who has represented the France national team.