Surname Obermayr - Meaning and Origin
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Obermayr: What does the surname Obermayr mean?
The last name Obermayr is German in origin and is derived from two words, "ober" meaning "high" and "meir," meaning "mayor." This suggests the name is likely to have been originally given to someone who held a municipal office in Germany during the Middle Ages.
This surname was likely to have been a hereditary title passed down through generations. It is thought to have been especially associated with the German province ofWestphalia, where it is still numerous today.
Given the etymology of the surname, those bearing it may occupy prominent positions in their local community or have famously held prestigious roles in the past. It can also function as a symbol of prestige within families, and a reminder of their ancestors' successes.
The original meaning of the name Obermayr can also imbue family members with a sense of justice and propriety. This latter trait may have had strong ties to the original municipal office held by their ancestor. A strong sense of responsibility, respect for authority, and compassion for the needs of others, could all be traits associated with this last name.
In addition to its German etymology, the surname has made its way to the United States, where its various spelling variants can be found. It is yet one more example of how cultural and social influence can spread through the ages, carrying with it messages of pride and tradition.
Order DNA origin analysisObermayr: Where does the name Obermayr come from?
The surname Obermayr is most commonly found in Austria. Records from the Austrian State Archive show that the family has been present there since at least 1405. Obermayr is also a fairly common surname in Germany, Switzerland, and Hungary.
Obermayr is thought to have derived from the German word ofer, meaning "over". It was likely originally a name given to someone living on or near a hill lying above other settlements in the area. The variant spelling Oehmayer can also be found in some parts of Austria.
The surname can still be found in Austria today, with a noticeable presence in the state of Upper Austria, in particular in the district of Grieskirchen. It is also found in the region of Burgenland in Austria, as well as in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and the Ukraine.
Obermayr is an uncommon surname in the United States, although some records of the surname appear in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Minnesota. Overall, the surname is most commonly found in Austria and other Central and Eastern European countries.
Variations of the surname Obermayr
The surname Obermayr is an interesting and ancient one with various spellings and regional variants all having the same origin. It is a classic German family name and can be written in various forms, such as Oermeir, Obermeier, Obermair, Obermaier and Obermeyer. It is one of the regional German surnames indicating the area of origin and the particular family traces.
The surname Obermayr is derived from a Middle High German word 'Oberman' for 'overman', which marks the higher position of the family in their region. It is a derivation of the Old High German words 'oboro' meaning 'over' or 'above' and 'maer' meaning 'famous'. The family could have had a higher status in the social strata of their region, so they adopted this name or had it assigned to them as a title.
The Obermayr surname is still prevalent in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and some parts of the U.S and other parts of the world where the ancestors of this family migrated. In some places the surname has been changed to other spelling variants, such as Obermayar, Obermeyer, Obermaier, Obermaier and Obermaer. This is due to the phonetic nature of the local languages and variants spoken in those regions.
Although surnames have their origins in the ancient Middle Ages, some families have adopted variations of their surnames over time. The Obermayr family is one of those families that has retained its ancient roots with slight variations. Nevertheless, all originating from the same source.
Famous people with the name Obermayr
- Nikolai Obermayr: Writer, poet, and painter from Innsbruck, Austria.
- Michael Obermayr: Austrian fencer and winner of three Olympic medals in the 1980’s.
- Sebastian Obermayr: Two-time All-MAC Lacrosse player from Hobart College.
- Elisabeth Obermayr: Austrian footballer and World Cup medalist.
- Heinz Obermayr: German former footballer.
- Caroline Obermayr: Austrian actress.
- Immanuel Obermayr: Austrian Big-Band Leader and jazz musician.
- Erwin Obermayr: Austrian police chief, author, and believes in the credibility of UFOs.
- Marcus Obermayr: Austrian journalist and author.
- Siba Obermayr: Austrian figure skater and four-time Austrian National Champion.