Surname Ottmair - Meaning and Origin
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Ottmair: What does the surname Ottmair mean?
The last name Ottmair is of German origin and does not have an exact definition. It is a regional name believed to come from the Medieval Germanic given name 'Otto', which is derived from the name 'Odalric', which means "riches and prosperity". The suffix of 'mair' is related to the Middle High German word 'meir', which means mayor or governor. Therefore, it is thought that the last name Ottmair is an occupational name for a local leader or mayor.
The family is believed to have originated in the area of Bavaria and Franconia in central Germany, as well as other regions of the country. They were renowned for their exceptional avocation in farming, often producing fine quality hops for beer production. The Ottmairs were also known for their commitment to their religious denomination of Protestant Lutheranism.
Overall, the last name Ottmair has a long and rich history. They were a hardy people, devoted to their families and their faith, and they continue to represent the traditional German values of thrift and hospitality.
Order DNA origin analysisOttmair: Where does the name Ottmair come from?
The last name Ottmair is most commonly found in Germany, a country where it has been used since at least the 16th century. Today, the name is especially common throughout southern Germany, particularly in the northern Bavarian region. It is also frequently found in Austria and Switzerland, as well as scattered communities in central Europe.
The name is thought to have originated as a patronymic, or a surname derived from the father's name, in this case Johannes Ottmair, with the "Ott" prefix coming from Johannes' father. It is unclear if Johannes was a local of the area, though records suggest he was a family presence in the region during the 1500s.
Since its inception, the name has almost entirely remained within its geographical boundaries. Records from the early 20th century show that there were a few examples of the Ottmair family name in the United States, as well as small concentrations in Canada and South America, but these minority populations have since disappeared or dwindled.
As a result, the last name Ottmair remains one of the more localized last names in the world. However, due to its many popular bearers in Germany and neighboring countries such as Austria and Switzerland, it is easily one of the most widespread last names among German-speaking communities.
Variations of the surname Ottmair
Ottmair is an ancient German surname, derived from the old German personal name "Otto," meaning wealthy or prosperous. The variants and spellings of this surname include Aitmair, Atmair, Atte Mare, Autemeyer, Autmeyer, Attemeyer, Oetemeyer, Oytemeyer, Otte-Mair, Ottamire, Ottamayer, and Ottemair.
Oetemair is derived directly from "Otto," with the suffix "-mair," which means "ferryman." This variation is often found in Bavaria, while its rarer spelling, Oytmeir, is found primarily in Schleswig-Holstein.
Attemeyer is another variant that combines the name Otto with a suffix meaning "man or farmer from the ocean or sea," and has been linked to blankenstrasse families from the Westphalia area. This spelling of the surname is usually found in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Autemeyer combines Otto with the German suffix -mayer meaning "owner and adminstrator," and is most common in the Sachsen-Anhalt region. Autmeyer is a variation of this spelling, and Autemeyer is often found in the northwest area of Germany.
Atmair and Aitmair are also found, both of which combine Otto with "mar," a variant of -mair. These variations are often found in Hessen and the Thuringen region.
The spelling Ottemair is another variant of the surname which uses the same suffix but does not combine it with the name Otto; this variation is most common in the Rheinland-Pfalz region.
Overall, Ottmair has several variations and spellings, all of which are derived from the old German name Otto. Depending on the geographical area in which it is found, the surname may be spelled differently, but all variants and spellings are from the same origin.
Famous people with the name Ottmair
- Michael Ottmair: Austrian film composer.
- Anna Ottmair: German actress.
- Bernd Ottmair: German football manager.
- Steffen Ottmair: German football player.
- Katharina Ottmair: German judo practitioner.
- Angelika Ottmair: German stage actress.
- Chris Ottmair: Retired Canadian ice hockey player.
- CHRISTOPH OTtMAIR: German violonist.
- Andree Ottmair: Austrian actress.
- Lothar Ottmair: German Architect.
- Wolfgang Ottmair: German gymnast.
- Isabelle Ottomair: German handball player.
- Siegfried Ottmair: Austrian skier.
- Maria Ottmair: Austrian alpine skier.
- Elisabeth Ottmair: German tennis player.