Surname Kortmeyer - Meaning and Origin
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Kortmeyer: What does the surname Kortmeyer mean?
The last name Kortmeyer is derived from the popular German name Kortmeier, which originates in the southwest region of Germany around the Rhine river basin and has variants in both Switzerland and Austria. Kortmeier means "short farmer" or "short meadow farmer" from the German elements "kurz" meaning "short" and "meir" meaning "farmer" or "meadow farmer".
The name is thought to have originated as an occupational or locational surname for a family from a specific meadow, or for a person who owned land within a meadow known for its short grazable grass. Kortmeyer families were often farmers, and the popularity of this surname in the rural countryside indicates a long history of agricultural contributions.
Kortmeyer is a popular name in Germany and other German-speaking countries, but it is also found in North America, particularly among German-Americans who immigrated around the 18th and 19th centuries. The Kortmeyer name can be found in public records in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Kortmeyers continue to lead successful lives around the world, as farmers, entrepreneurs, and innovators. They are a testament to a timeless tradition of dedication, hard work, and a deep appreciation of the land.
Order DNA origin analysisKortmeyer: Where does the name Kortmeyer come from?
The last name Kortmeyer is most commonly found in Germany, as it is a surname of German origin. Its spelling may be seen in various forms such as Kortmeyer, Kortmeier, or even Kortmaier. It is most commonly found in the northern part of Germany, since the surname generally derives from names of locations in the North, with the ending meyer, meaning "meadow." The surname can also be found in other areas of the world, particularly the United States, where it is found in various states such as Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania. Germans immigrated to the U.S. during the 1700s and 1800s, as they sought religious freedom and economic opportunities, and the Kortmeyers were no exception. Today, Kortmeyer is especially common in Wisconsin, where it was among the top 8,000 last names in the 2020 census. However, the most populated area for Kortmeyers is still found in Germany.
Variations of the surname Kortmeyer
Variations of the surname Kortmeyer include Kortmeijer, Kortmeyer, Kortmajer, Kortmeijer and Kortmayer.
Kortmeijer is a Dutch variant of the surname. It is a combination of ‘Kort’ meaning "short" and ‘Meijer’ meaning ‘farmer’. This surname originates in the lower Rhine and Westphalia regions of Germany. It was commonly found in the Netherlands, Belgium, and areas of North America with Dutch settlements.
Kortmeyer is another Dutch variant of the surname, using the same ‘Kort’ and ‘Meijer’ combination. It is also derived from the Dutch location ‘Meyerhof’, meaning ‘mansion of a mayor’. This suggests the original bearer was a mayor of a small village who resided at the ‘Meyerhof’.
Kortmajer is a related form of the surname. This variant is primarily found in areas of East Germany, such as Prussia and West Prussia. It is derived from the German word 'mager', meaning ‘slim’ or ‘slight’ and ‘kort’ which means ‘short’. This suggests the original bearer was slight of build.
Kortmeijer and Kortmayer are common variations of the surname found in North America, specifically in areas with Dutch-speaking communities. The ‘Kort’ portion of the surname suggests the original bearer was short of stature, and the ‘Meijer’ or ‘Mayer’ portion indicates the original bearer was a farmer or mayor of a certain village.
Overall, the variants and spellings of the surname Kortmeyer share similar origins. Surname variations were derived from Dutch or German language, and often refer to the physical characteristics or occupation of the original bearer.
Famous people with the name Kortmeyer
- Sara Kortmeyer — professional basketball player who played for the Minnesota Lynx from 2002–2004.
- André Kortmeyer — German actor best known for his role in the 2006 fantasy comedy movie 'uchs£e'.
- Tom Kortmeyer — professor of media and communication studies at the University of Leicester.
- Helmut Kortmeyer — German conductor and composer, currently chief conductor of the Brandenburg Regional Orchestra and the Berlin Cathedral Choir.
- Walter Kortmeyer — German painter and graphic artist, known for his modern portraiture and abstract works.
- André Kortmeyer — Swiss football midfielder, who played for FC St. Gallen.
- Josef Kortmeyer — German classical guitarist, known for his interpretations of works by J.S. Bach and other Baroque composers.
- Wilhelm Kortmeyer — German architect and sculptor, known for his public monuments in Baden-Württemberg.
- Gilbert Kortmeyer — French sculptor, best known for his religious sculptures, particularly of Mary and the angels.
- Cornelis Kortmeyer — Dutch architect, best known for his town planning and engineering projects in the Netherlands.