Surname Zeitlmeier - Meaning and Origin

Zeitlmeier: What does the surname Zeitlmeier mean?

The last name Zeitlmeier is an old German name meaning “timing of an inheritance.” It likely originated in the region of southern Germany, where the Alps form a natural border with countries such as Austria and Switzerland. It likely began as a way to indicate the hereditary status of an individual or family, as those with more noble bloodlines would have been more likely to inherit larger amounts of money or land.

The name Zeitlmeier itself is composed of two elements: “zeit,” which means “time,” and “meier,” which is derived from the Middle High German word “mâre,” meaning “homesteader.” Thus, the last name translates literally as “timekeeper of the homestead.” This suggests that the original bearer of the name either managed the timing of land division or inheritance even within a family, or possibly kept track of the communal land in their region.

Today, the last name Zeitlmeier continues as a proud German surname referring to its original meaning. It is still mostly found in its homeland of southern Germany and neighboring countries, and has been passed down to ancestors for many generations. It is also relatively rare, which can add to its uniqueness and intrigue.

Zeitlmeier: Where does the name Zeitlmeier come from?

The last name Zeitlmeier is a German surname that is still quite common in Germany today. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 8,400 people with the last name Zeitlmeier currently reside in Germany.

Though the last name appears to be most prevalent in Germany, it does have a few other country-specific concentrations – namely in Estonia, Latvia, Austria, and the United States – where approximately 118 people have the surname.

It is not clear exactly where the Zeitlmeier surname began or what it might symbolize, but its prevalence in Germany is likely the result of centuries of movement between families throughout the region. Some experts believe that surnames in the area were derived from geographic locations, occupations, and other aspects of each family's past.

In addition to its use in Europe, there are records of the Zeitlmeier name appearing in a few other contexts. For example, it appears as a variation of the surname on some early American immigration records. It has also shown up in military records and as signatories on a few legal documents.

Since the Zeitlmeier last name has been around for centuries, it is unclear if it is still commonly used as a given name or if it is only seen in its original form as a surname. Nevertheless, it is clear that the name still exists today and is concentrated mainly in Germany.

Variations of the surname Zeitlmeier

Zeitlmeier is a German surname derived from zeit, meaning 'time' and Meier, which originally meant 'farmer.' It is found with various spelling variations such as Zeitlmeier, Zietlmeier, and Zietlmaier.

It is also sometimes spelled Zoitlmeier, Zaitlmeier, and Saytlmeier. The Americanized spelling of the surname is Zetlmeier.

This surname is also sometimes found with the prefixes Ehr-, meaning 'honorable', and van- meaning 'of the'. This results in the surnames Ehreitlmeier, Ehreitlmaier, and Vonzeitlmeier.

Other variants of the name include Zeitlemeier, Zeitlmeir, Seydlmeir, and Seitelmeier. There are also variations of the name combining two phrases such as Zeitendmeir and Zeittendmeir.

Some of the surnames which are believed to have the same origin as Zeitlmeier include Zuelmeier, Toylmeier, Zietelman, Coylemeier, Zendlmeier, Schoenmeier, and Roylemeier.

In the United States, many people with the surname Zeitlmeier have shortened it to Times or Time.

Famous people with the name Zeitlmeier

• Anton Zeitlmeier, German painter
• Paul Zeitlmeier, German actor
• Emil Zeitlmeier, German photographer
• Christian Zeitlmeier, German composer
• Felix Zeitlmeier, German sculptor
• Johannes Zeitlmeier, German designer
• Johannes Zeitlmeier, Italian primary school teacher
• David Zeitlmeier, German record producer
• Ludwig Zeitlmeier, German journalist
• Johann Zeitlmeier, German music producer

Other surnames

Zeitlmeir