Surname Unterreitmayr - Meaning and Origin
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Unterreitmayr: What does the surname Unterreitmayr mean?
The last name Unterreitmayr is an occupational surname of German origin. The suffix “-mayr” was used to identify those who worked as a foreman or mayor, and the prefix “Unter-” means “under.” Therefore, the name likely refers to someone who worked as a subordinate or assistant to a mayor or foreman.
As a result of the Medieval German practice of using nomenclatural devices to indicate occupation, the Unterreitmayr name could come in many forms. Variants include Unterreithmayr, Unterreitmaier, Untertimier, Unterheider and Unterheutmayr.
From the 15th century onward, Unterreitmayrs had their start in the Silesian region of Germany, where they resided for over four centuries. This family was comprised of farmers and tradesmen who worked diligently to provide for themselves and their families. In addition, some Unterreitmayrs found success in entrepreneurial endeavors, leading families into the 16th and 17th centuries with financial stability and wealth.
Today, the Unterreitmayr last name can be found scattered across Bavaria, Austria, and Silesia. Throughout the world, the Unterreitmayrs are recognized for their hardworking spirit and dedication to their heritage. The name is a proud reminder of the family’s dedication and resilience throughout centuries of German customs and practices.
Order DNA origin analysisUnterreitmayr: Where does the name Unterreitmayr come from?
Unterreitmayr (also seen spelled Unterreitmeier) is a German surname which is quite uncommon today. It has its roots in the Bavarian region of Germany and is believed to be derived from the German word "reitmeister", meaning "riding master". It is thought that the original bearer of this name was a nobleman who was the riding master or head groom of some feudal lord. There have also been Unterreitmayrs recorded in other parts of Germany, such as Kassel, and elsewhere in Europe, such as the former Czechoslovakia.
Today, the last name Unterreitmayr is most commonly found in Bavaria and the surrounding area. It is estimated that there are fewer than one hundred people bearing this name in Germany today, most of whom are descended from the original Bavarian family. The few Unterreitmayrs who have made name for themselves are mostly found among the academic and professional fields.
It is likely that Unterreitmayr will soon become a vanishing surname as most of its modern-day bearers are quite elderly. However, there is still a chance that some of the original lineage may have survived and perhaps even flourished in generations not yet documented.
Variations of the surname Unterreitmayr
Unterreitmayr is an Austro-Bavarian surname that has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin.
The original spelling of the surname was Unterreithmaier, however this has evolved over time to become the widely known Unterreitmayr. Some other variants that have derived from this name include Unterreither, Unterrieder, Unteydaer, Underryther, Untereyther, Untereydaer, Underreither, Untereyder, Underreyder, and Undereyder.
Similar surnames of the same origin include Unterreitmeier, Unterreitmayer, and Untereitmeyer.
The Unterreitmeyers were a noble family in Bavaria in the 1500s to 1600s. The family seat was located at Wasserburg am Inn, where they held court as hereditary landowners.
In the 1800s, Unterreitmeyer and Unterreitmaier families immigrated to America, specifically to Pennsylvania and Ohio.
Unterreitmeyers can now be found throughout the United States, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
Today, the Unterreitmayer/Unterreitmeier/Unterreitmayr surname is still beloved and recognized throughout these countries and is seen as a sign of authority, nobility and strength.
Famous people with the name Unterreitmayr
- Hartmann de Unterreitmayr (1891: 1977), German Professor of Ethology
- Maria Unterreitmayr (1933: 2010), Austrian ice hockey player
- Xavier Unterreitmayr (1912: 2004), German physicist
- Robert Unterreitmayr (born 1945), Austrian lawyer and Band Vice Chairman
- Bernhard Unterreitmayr (1853: 1923), German oil painter
- Michael Unterreitmayr (born 1962), German Otolaryngologist
- Alexander Unterreitmayr (born 1974), Austrian industrial manager
- Johann Baptist Unterreitmayr (1750: 1814), German composer and musician
- Josef Unterreitmayr (1896: 1945), Polish colonel and military pilot
- Max Unterreitmayr (born 1971), Austrian soccer player