Surname Wegmayr - Meaning and Origin
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Wegmayr: What does the surname Wegmayr mean?
The last name Wegmayr is of German origin. It likely originated from the Middle High German words “weg,” meaning “road” or “path,” and “maer,” meaning “famous” or “renowned.” Taken together, the name Wegmayr can be translated to mean “path of the famous one.”
The root of this name was popular in the Middle Ages, but it was not until the 16th century that a family became associated with this name. During this time, many families throughout Germany began to take on surnames that established them as a distinct family among their peers. It was during this period that the Wegmayr family adopted their name.
Today, the Wegmayr family is still scattered throughout Germany and Austria, primarily found in small towns and rural areas. The most common spelling of the surname is “Wegmaier,” although variations such as “Wegmar” and “Wegmeyer” also exist.
The name Wegmayr is likely a reminder of their ancestors’ honorable past and of their trust in a higher power. It reflects a goal of path-finding that guides their lives even today and holds a deep significance to those who bear it.
Order DNA origin analysisWegmayr: Where does the name Wegmayr come from?
The last name Wegmayr is most commonly found in Germany and Austria. It is likely derived from the German word 'weg', meaning 'way or path.' Wegmayr was possibly an occupational name for individuals who worked with roadways or pathways, such as builders or maintenance workers. Today, Wegmayr is a relatively uncommon surname, but is still found in regions of Germany, Austria, and other German-speaking countries. It is most heavily concentrated around the Bavarian regions of Germany such as Upper Bavaria and Lower Bavaria, as well as the Alpine region of Bavaria. Wegmayr is also found in Austria, particularly in the states of Tyrol, Vorarlberg, and Salzburg. Additionally, Wegmayr is also found in parts of Switzerland and Hungary, although less frequently.
For people of German heritage outside of Europe, the surname Wegmayr is relatively rare. It is likely to be found among families who immigrated to countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia in the 19th and 20th centuries. People of this surname in these countries could likely trace their ancestry back to German-speaking European countries, although this cannot be known for sure without conducting genealogical research.
Variations of the surname Wegmayr
Wegmayr is a German surname, most commonly found in Bavaria. Variations of the name include Wegmeir, Wegmeyer, Wegmay, Wegmair, Wegmeir, Wegmaire, Wegmayer, Wegmayr, Wegmaiers, Wegmair, Wegmeier, Wegmeye, Wegmayer, Wegmairs, and Wegmaer. Depending on the spelling, the name can also be translated to the English Wei(e)s(e)mayer or Wemyer.
The surname is most likely derived from a patronymic form of the name, “Weg”, which was short for “Wegener”. This was a medieval profession for a person who was a toll collector, or one who was a wheelwright or someone who worked on road maintenance. Considering its root, the name was most likely given to a family of wheelwrights or road maintainers.
Due to its regional origin, Wegmayr is most commonly found in German speaking countries, such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland. However, the name can be found in various parts of Europe, including the United States, South Africa, and Canada.
The name has been anglicized over time, and thus can now be found with many alternate spellings. For example, the name could be changed to Wemyer, Wemyers, Wemer, Wemers, Wymers, Weacers, Weegers, Weimers, etc. Depending on the particular spelling, the surname can also mean “son of the wheelwright” or “son of the road maintainer”. Whatever its origin, a descendant of the name is sure to be a true Wegmayr.
Famous people with the name Wegmayr
- Eugen Wegmayr (German-Austrian composer)
- Don Wegmayr (American football coach)
- Teddy Wegmayr (Swiss skier)
- Peter Wegmayr (Hungarian footballer)
- Maria Wegmayr (Austrian heptathlete)
- Günther Wegmayr (Austrian footballer)
- Robert Wegmayr (German actor)
- Max Wegmayr (German infantryman)
- Michael Wegmayr (German footballer)
- Claus Wegmayr (German-Austrian footballer and coach)