Surname Overmeyer - Meaning and Origin
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Overmeyer: What does the surname Overmeyer mean?
The surname Overmeyer is of German origin and is thought to come from a location name deriving from a combination of the German words Over, which means "above," and Meyer, which is a variation of the name Meier, or "farmer." This suggests that the Overmeyer name began as a reference to someone who came from an area or estate above a landowner's farm. It is possible that one of the earliest ancestors of the Overmeyer family was employed by the landowner, thus taking the name of this estate.
Today, Overmeyer is still a popular surname in parts of Germany, but is also carried by families of German heritage who have emigrated to other countries. In the United States, descendants sharing the Overmeyer last name are found in all 50 states, where it may have been Anglicized to Overmyer or Overmyers.
The Overmeyer name is associated with a strong sense of family heritage, with individuals showing respect for their family ancestors through researching their history, sharing family stories, and gathering for reunions. It is this sense of tradition that has kept the Overmeyer name alive over the generations, ensuring that it continues to be passed down from one generation to the next.
Order DNA origin analysisOvermeyer: Where does the name Overmeyer come from?
The last name Overmeyer is most commonly found in Germany today. While the name is not as widespread as surnames of other origins, it is estimated that there are at least 12,848 individuals who bear the surname. It is also known in Austria, the Netherlands, and France.
Although its exact origin is unknown, the name is believed to first have appeared in Germany, where it can be traced as far back as the late 16th century. Records show that it was mostly prevalent in the states of Bavaria and Saxony during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Later, in the early 20th century, many families bearing the surname Overmeyer migrated to the US. Today they are most highly concentrated in the region of Pennsylvania, most likely due to many of our ancestors having taken part in the Pennsylvania Dutch immigration of the time.
Though not overly common, the name Overmeyer is recognizable, especially in the areas of Germany and Pennsylvania where it has made its home. Its unique history and story, as many names do, can provide a fascinating glimpse into our past.
Variations of the surname Overmeyer
The surname Overmeyer is a patronymic surname derived from the given name of a father or other ancestor. It is of German, Dutch, and Scandinavian origin. Variants of this surname include Övermari, Overmar, Overmarr, Övermar, Övermarr, and Övermyer. Alternate spellings include Ohvermeyer, Oevermeyer, Obermayer, Obermeijer, Oversmier, Oversmyer, and Oversmyre.
The exact origin of the name Overmeyer is not known but it is likely to have its roots in the Middle German word for ‘over’, which is ‘ober’ or ‘ufer’, and ‘mayer’ or ‘meijer’ which means ‘farmer’. Therefore, the full literal translation of Overmeyer is ‘farmer of the upper part,’ which can refer to land located at the higher end of the village or just in general higher up in the fields.
The surname Overmeyer is also found among the Dutch people. This name may have been derived from the Dutch word "Obemans" which means "man from the upper part”, or alternately, "von uberall" which means "from everywhere”. As with the German variation of the name, the Dutch version is a descriptive name for a person living higher up or at the higher end of the village.
In Scandinavia, the name Overmeyer is usually spelled Övermari or Övermyer and is likely to have been derived from the Old Norse personal name Úlfr, which means ‘wolf’. This creates the surname meaning of ‘son of the wolf’ or ‘son of Ulfr’.
In conclusion, the surname Overmeyer is likely to have started out in Germany but has widespread variants in Europe and Scandinavia. It is likely to have had its origin in an occupation name for someone living higher up in the village and is also derived from the Old Norse personal name Úlfr. The various spellings and variants of this surname are likely to have stemmed from both their national origin and various interpretations of the surname.
Famous people with the name Overmeyer
- Johann Overmeyer (1858–1929): German playwright and poet
- Lubina Overmeyer (born 1959): German Peace activist
- Joe Overmeyer (born 1928): American football coach
- Ernst Overmeyer (1868–1935): German poet
- Shelia Overmeyer (1937–2021): American hairstylist and makeup artist
- Will Overmeyer (born 1922): American cinematographer
- Franz Overmeyer (1876–1947): Austrian military officer
- Mathew Overmeyer (born 1972): American sculptor
- Rose Overmeyer (1863–1936): German novelist
- Hannah Overmeyer (born 1908): American activist