Surname Winklmueller - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'W'
Winklmueller: What does the surname Winklmueller mean?
The last name Winklmueller is of German origin. It is derived from the German word ‘winkl’, meaning ‘corner’ and ‘mueller’, meaning ‘miller’. This suggests that the original bearer of this name was likely a miller who resided in or near a corner of their village.
The surname Winklmueller is quite common in both Germany and the United States. It is likely one of the oldest German surnames, first appearing as early as the 13th century. Many of the early German ancestors bearing this name were involved in the milling business, where they processed the grain of their local villages. This was a very profitable trade in medieval times, and the Winklmuellers prospered.
Later on, the name was carried to other parts of the world. Winkillmuellers were among the many immigrants to the United States during the 19th and 20th centuries. They settled in many parts of the country, including the Midwest and South, and their descendants still remain in the United States today.
Overall, the last name Winklmueller is a reminder of our hardworking German ancestors who carved out a life for themselves and their descendants with their perseverance and dedication to their craft. It is also a reminder of our country’s long and varied history of immigration and the many cultures and backgrounds it is made up of.
Order DNA origin analysisWinklmueller: Where does the name Winklmueller come from?
The last name Winklmueller is not particularly common today though it is found in some countries in Europe, particularly Germany, Austria and Switzerland - all countries where it originated centuries ago. In Germany, records indicate that the name has been in use since 1234. It is unclear how long the name has been used in other countries.
The highest concentration of people with the surname Winklmueller is in the south of Germany from the city of Munich down to Lake Constance. A smaller concentration is found in the further south and east - central Austria and parts of Switzerland.
It is not, however, limited to these regions. Migration has brought Winklmuellers to many other countries throughout the world including the United States, Canada, and Australia. Records suggest the name spread out to other countries mainly in the 19th century.
In the United States, the surname Winklmueller is rare, but it can be found in the most populated areas such as Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City and San Francisco. In terms of numbers, there are only a few hundred people listed with this surname in the U.S. It also appears in small numbers in other countries, with the largest concentrations of the name being in countries which are historically connected to Germany.
Variations of the surname Winklmueller
The surname Winklmueller is derived from the German woinkl, meaning ‘meadow’, and muller, meaning ‘miller’, hence suggesting a literal translation of ‘meadow miller’ or ‘farmer in a meadow’.
Variants and alternate spellings of the surname Winklmueller include: Winkelmueller, Winkelmuller, Winkelmeier, Winkemeier, Winklermeier, Winkelmeier, Wiinkelmeier, Weinklemeier, and Wenkelmuller.
The Italianized version of the surname is Concemi, as the Germanic ‘W’ often turned into a ‘C’ when the surname crossed into Italy.
Cognates of the surname Winklmueller are also found in the Slavic countries of the former Yugoslavia (now Croatia, Slavonia, Serbia, Bosnia) and elsewhere (e.g. Poland). In this region, the surname can be found as: Vendljmüller, Vendlmueller, Wendlemueller, Podbregar, Pantelic and Bankovic.
On a more general level, some families with the same root surname -- but not necessarily the same direct origin -- include: Winkelmann, Wildermuth, Widmann, Wenzel, Weingarten and Weigand.
Finally, some bearers of the surname Winklmueller may have shortened or simplified the original name to Winkler or Mueller for easier pronunciation and spelling.
Famous people with the name Winklmueller
- Inge Winklmueller, German skiing coach.
- Tobias Winklmueller, Austrian Olympic slalom skier.
- Maria Winklmueller, noted Austrian painter and illustrator.
- Ursula Winklmueller, concert pianist and professor of piano at Kingston University, London.
- Walter Winklmueller, German contemporary artist, specializing in oil painting and drawing.
- Paul Winklmueller, German graphic artist and designer.
- Michael Winklmueller, American fashion photographer living in New York City.
- Max Winklmueller, German composer, arranger, and conductor.
- Tony Winklmueller, German music producer, songwriter and music supervisor.
- Anna Grace Winklmueller, Austrian novelist, playwright, and theater director.