Surname Schachmeier - Meaning and Origin

Schachmeier: What does the surname Schachmeier mean?

The last name Schachmeier is a German and Dutch surname meaning chess player. It is derived from the two Middle High German words 'schah' and 'meier', which together roughly translate to "king's master". This term was used to describe an early form of chess player, or one who was in charge of teaching or playing the game.

The first Schachmeiers began appearing in records from the mid-1700s, primarily in Bavaria, Germany. During this time period, chess was a popular game amongst the upper class, so it’s not surprising that many of the early Schachmeier families were associated with the nobility. Other associated professions included master craftsmen, teachers, officers, and businessmen among others.

Today, the Schachmeier family is fairly widespread in both Germany and the United States. In America, many of the Schachmeier families have moved away from their noble background and are now involved in a diverse set of professions. This includes fields such as engineering, healthcare, business, and education. Today’s Schachmeiers are proud of their unique heritage and continue to honor their name through their professional achievements.

Schachmeier: Where does the name Schachmeier come from?

The last name Schachmeier is a German surname meaning "chess master". It is most common in Germany, where it is found in mostly all states, but is also most prevalent in the southern states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria.

It is also found in other countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, as well as parts of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Croatia, and Slovenia.

The last name Schachmeier can also be found in the United States among those of German descent. The earliest documentation of the name in the US is from the late 19th Century, which suggests that the family name was brought over by immigrants from Germany. The US states where Schachmeiers are most commonly found today include Michigan, Texas, Wisconsin, Illinois, Nebraska, Iowa, North and South Dakota, California, Washington, Minnesota, and Ohio.

Schachmeiers can also be found in other parts of the world, such as in Australia, Canada, South Africa, Argentina, and Brazil. In addition, there are a significant number of German-descended Schachmeiers in India, Singapore, Indonesia, and other countries.

The spelling of the name has also evolved over time, with variation such as Schachmayer and Schachmaier. The last name Schachmeier is common and widespread today, and it is a testament to its roots in German culture and heritage.

Variations of the surname Schachmeier

The Schachmeier surname originated in Prussia and has variations of spellings and surnames. Common spelling variations include Schachtmeie, Schachtmeier, Schactmeir, Schachemier, Schackmeier, Shockmeier, Schochmeier, Schoockmeier, Schochmeir, and Shockmeir. Alternate surnames associated with the Schachmeier surname are Shockmeie, Schachmeare, Schacht Mair, Schachtmyre, Schockmeir, Schokmeyer, and Schochmair.

The Schachmeier surname is often associated with the Northern German location of Schleswig-Holstein. Historical evidence suggests that the surname was brought to Prussia by a family that traveled from the Bavarian region of Germany in the early 18th century. The family likely immigrated to Prussia in search of new opportunities or to escape persecution. The surname is still common in the German states of Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Vorpommem.

Schachtmeir is a variation of the Schachmeier surname that is believed to have originated in the Saxony-Anhalt region of Germany. The Schachtmeir name is thought to be derived from the medieval “Schacht” which was a word used to describe a ditch where craftsmen mined and worked in metal. The Schachtmeir name is also associated with many families who were coal miners living in the Rhineland Palatine region of Germany.

The Schachmeier family can also be found in Austria, where the name is sometimes written as Schackmeir or Schoxmeir. In Austria, the surname is thought to have originated in the regions of Tyrol and Salzburg.

Ultimately, Schachmeier is a surname of German origin and there are various spellings and surnames that are derived from the same origin. Whether spelled Schachmeie, Schachtmeir or Schockmeir, all of these names offer genealogists a glimpse into the history of the Schachmeier family.

Famous people with the name Schachmeier

• Bill Schachmeier: An American radio personality, he hosted a morning show on 106.1 KISS-FM in Chicago.
• Karl Schachmeier: a German zoologist and professor at the University of Regensburg.
• Kurt Schachmeier: a German architect who built numerous historic buildings in the country.
• Michael Schachmeier: a German philosopher and senior lecturer at the University of Freiburg.
• Otto Schachmeier: a German historian and professor at the University of Berlin.
• Walter Schachmeier: a German film director and writer, credited with the success of many classic films.
• Adam Schachmeier: an American baseball pitcher in Major League Baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs.
• Bernhardt Schachmeier: a German-born American actor who appeared in a variety of television series and films.
• Fred Schachmeier: a German-born American engineer, best known for his invention of the hot air balloon.
• Helmut Schachmeier: a German-born American composer, most famous for his works in the video game industry.

Other surnames

Schachmeyer