Surname Watermeier - Meaning and Origin
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Watermeier: What does the surname Watermeier mean?
The last name Watermeier is of German origin and is derived from the German language words “Wasser” which means “water” and “Meier” which means “mayor” or “lord.” The combination of these terms was originally used as a popular identifier for someone who was perhaps the mayor of a town or city located on a river –or a lord of land that included lakes or waterways. Alternatively, it could be a toponymic surname referring to someone from a place where bodies of water were found in abundance and which was ruled by a governor or mayor.
The Watermeier surname is found in many European countries today, and it continues to be strongly associated with Germany. The name has also been adopted in other nations and cultures; for example, those with Buyer or Waterman Germanic heritage sometimes changed the spelling of the last name to Watrous, Waters, or Watterman. The Watermeier surname has also been found in Canada, the United States, and some parts of Africa.
The meaning and origin of the name Watermeier have remained the same throughout the centuries, and those who bear the name can be proud of their heritage. Today, Watermeiers are generally known as friendly-natured people with great strength of character. They are thought to be gifted with leadership qualities and often have an eye for detail. They are sometimes known for their artistic and musical talents, as well, but they are most memorable for their kindness and generosity.
Order DNA origin analysisWatermeier: Where does the name Watermeier come from?
The last name Watermeier is primarily found in the United States and Canada. The first known occurrence of the surname in the United States was in 1844, when one family by the name of Watermeier settled in Bloom Township in Muskingum County, Ohio. Since then, the name has spread far and wide across the country, with concentrations in certain regions. Today, the most common states for Watermeiers to reside in are California, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and New York.
At the census of 2020, the estimated population of those with the surname Watermeier in the United States was 3,386; in Canada, it was 2,082. The numbers elsewhere in the world are significantly fewer, with an estimated 580 living in Germany, just 80 in the United Kingdom, and around 40 in Australia. Elsewhere, the name is so rare that accurate figures are difficult to come by.
In terms of modern day usage, it is likely that the surname is used by people of German and Dutch descent, both of which are historically connected to the Watermeier surname. The surname is also likely to be most commonly found in white- or European-majority areas, perhaps reflecting its immigration and population dispersal history. However, it is entirely possible that some families have adopted the surname in the past 150 years, particularly in areas where there are now more immigrants and people of mixed ethnicities than in the more 'traditional' regions of the United States and Canada.
Variations of the surname Watermeier
The surname Watermeier is of Germanic origin and is an occupational name derived from the term “wassermeier”, meaning “keeper of the water gates” or “guardian of the water.”
Variations of the surname Watermeier include Watremire, Wattemire, Wattermyer, Watremayer, Watermeyer, Wattemeyer, Watremeyer, Wattermeyer, Wattermire, Wattermirey, Watremire, Watremirey, and Wattamire.
Spellings for the surname Watermeier include Watremeir, Watremeire, Vatermeir, Vatremayr, Vatremayer, Vatremayre, Vatremeir, Vatremeire, Watremyer, Wattermeir, Wattermeire, Vottermire, and Vottermeir.
Surnames of the same origin as Watermeier include Watterman, Waterman, Wattermann, Vatterman, Vattermann, Watremant, Vatremant, Vatremont, and Watritter.
Overall, Watermeier has a wide variety of spellings, surnames, and variants associated with it. The most common variants are Watremire, Watermeyer, and Wattemeyer, while the most common spellings are Watremeir, Wattermeir, and Wattermeire.
Famous people with the name Watermeier
- John Watermeier: a retired multi-instrumentalist and founding member of the rock band Snake Oil.
- Giles Watermeier: a British actor, best known for his role as Captain Davros in the TV series Doctor Who.
- Mark Watermeier: an American voice actor who is well known for his roles in many popular animated films and TV shows.
- Michael Watermeier: an American television host, producer, and actor.
- Martin Watermeier: a German ticket broker and former football player.
- Frank Watermeier: a former German World War II fighter who received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross for his service.
- Vanessa Watermeier: a Swiss model and actress.
- Claude Watermeier: an American poet and playwright.
- Patrick Watermeier: an Austrian cyclist who won several national and international championships.
- Alan Watermeier: an American actor and stand-up comedian who has appeared in television and film.