Surname Ottingmeyer - Meaning and Origin

Ottingmeyer: What does the surname Ottingmeyer mean?

The surname Ottingmeyer is a German surname most commonly found in southwestern Germany's Rhineland-Palatinate region. The name is derived from a combination of two German words, "Otten" meaning "ancestor" and "meyer" which is a form of the word "meijer," meaning "mayor" or "steward."

In modern times, the Ottingmeyer name is often linked with a tradition of strong work ethic and responsibility. The connotations of the name suggest that those bearing it take their duties and positions seriously and accept the tasks that come with them willingly. On a more personal level, the name could also indicate that a person is keenly aware of his or her family's legacy and lineage, likely aware of the ancestry that flows through him or her.

The Ottingmeyer name has a certain old-fashioned quality to it, as something out of a bygone medieval era when the lords and ladies of ye olde castles held all the power within the kingdom's court. These days, though, most people with the Ottingmeyer name are probably just regular folk, living out regular lives with regular jobs and regular dreams, while still carrying with them the grandiose echoes of their family's proud past.

Ottingmeyer: Where does the name Ottingmeyer come from?

The last name Ottingmeyer is not especially common today. In the United States, according to recent US Census data, only 201 people in the entire country bear the surname. Most of these people live in Illinois (54) and Wisconsin (92), making up 47% of the Ottingmeyer population in the US.

The remaining 53% of the Ottingmeyer population in the US is scattered across a number of states, with a few more than ten people in each state. Michigan (11) and California (16) have the third and fourth most Ottingmeyer populations, respectively.

Internationally, the Ottingmeyer population is much smaller. The last name is most prevalent in Germany, although Germany's Ottingmeyer population is still very small, comprising less than 1% of the entire surname population worldwide.

It appears as though the last name originated in Germany, and likely made its way to the US in the 19th century, judging by the regional distribution of the name in the country. However, without more detailed research, we cannot know for sure the exact origin and history of the Ottingmeyer surname.

Variations of the surname Ottingmeyer

The surname Ottingmeyer is a surname of German origin, and has many variants, spellings, and surnames that all derive from this origin.

Variants of the name include Ottenmeyer, Oettingmeier, Ottenheimer, Oettingmeyer, Oettingmeir, and Ottenmayer. Spellings such as Oettingmäier, Oettenmiers can also be encountered in some regions. All of these variants arise from the same root as the original surname Ottingmeyer.

The surnames originating from Ottingmeyer are also numerous. These include Othmeyer, Oltman, Oltemeyer, Oltemyer, Oltemayer, Ottinger, and Ottman. Other less common variants and spellings can be found as well. Historically, some of these names might have been associated with other spelling variances due to regional dialects or linguistic peculiarities, but most are now viewed in relation to one or more of the more common variants and spellings of Ottingmeyer.

Regardless of the variant, spelling, or surname, all of these surnames originated in Germany as Ottingmeyer or some variation thereof. This name typically referred to someone whose beliefs and customs were associated with the village of Otting, Germany. As such, all of the mentions variants, spellings, and surnames all have the same origin and can be traced back to the same source.

Famous people with the name Ottingmeyer

• Eddie Ottingmeyer: actor and martial artist, best known for his roles in TV shows such as Miranda and Law and Order: Criminal Intent.
• Bernice Ottingmeyer: wildlife conservationist who aided in the reintroduction of bald eagles into the wild in the United States.
• Mark Ottingmeyer: former NFL running back, spent most of his professional playing career with the Cincinnati Bengals.
• Richard Ottingmeyer: Former President and CEO of GEICO, an auto insurance company.
• Michael Ottingmeyer: professional lacrosse player, most notably for the New York Titans.
• Gary Ottingmeyer: Hockey Hall of Famer, was responsible for leading the New York Islanders to four consecutive Stanley Cup victories.
• Linda Ottingmeyer: author of several highly acclaimed parenting books and family therapist.
• Lionel Ottingmeyer: award-winning author, his works include the popular children’s book series “Chronicles of the Golden Toilet Paper”.
• Mary Ottingmeyer: an artist and sculptor who won the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship for her pioneering work in papier-mâché sculpture.
• Chris Ottingmeyer: professional racecar driver and entrepreneur, competed in the Formula One series from 1989 to 1996 before founding Ottingmeyer Racing in 1997.
• Charles Ottingmeyer: New Orleans jazz musician, most famous for his album “Dixieland Delight.”

Other surnames

Ottingmeier