Surname Ganslmaier - Meaning and Origin

Ganslmaier: What does the surname Ganslmaier mean?

The last name Ganslmaier is a German-based surname with roots in Bavaria, a region of southeastern Germany. It is composed of two elements, gans (goose) and maier (mayor). So the surname essentially translates to “goose mayor” or “mayor of the geese”.

The surname Ganslmaier is derived from old government titles. During the Middle Ages in Germany, many small towns had a mayor who oversaw the daily administration of local affairs. The title “goose mayor” was the equivalent of a village mayor and was responsible for taking care of the geese.

Historically, the surname Ganslmaier was used to refer to individuals who worked as goose farmers or overseers for those who did. The surname was also used across Europe, but it was especially common in Bavaria.

Today, the surname Ganslmaier remains widespread across Germany and Austria, as well as other European countries. In the United States, the surname is mainly found in the states of Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, where it has been present since the late 19th century.

Overall, the last name Ganslmaier translates to “goose mayor” or “mayor of the geese”. It is a reminder of the important role that mayors played in past days and how valuable geese were in those times. Those bearing the surname today can take pride in their name’s history, and appreciate the importance of the role it once played in Germany.

Ganslmaier: Where does the name Ganslmaier come from?

The last name Ganslmaier is most common in Austria, particularly within the regions of Upper Austria and Lower Austria. Across the whole of Austria, an estimated 1,000 people bear the name Ganslmaier. Smaller pockets of people with the last name Ganslmaier can also be found in Germany, Hungary and the United States.

The origin of the last name is believed to have come from "gansla", an old Germanic word meaning 'gannet winners', referring to hunters. Over time, the 'a' was added to this word to create the surname Ganslmaier, which could therefore mean 'gannet winner's meadow'. The last name was given to people as a reference to either their profession or to the place that they resided. As the last name Ganslmaier is quite specific, this would suggest a common ancestry for people with this name.

In modern times, the last name Ganslmaier is still found most commonly within Austria, with some individuals residing across Europe and the U.S. However, due to higher migration levels in more recent times, the surname is likely to have spread to other countries and regions. With globalisation allowing easier access to different parts of the world, it is likely that the last name Ganslmaier is now less concentrated in Austria and has begun to diversify further.

Variations of the surname Ganslmaier

Ganslmaier is a German surname typically found in Bavaria. It is derived from the German verb gansl, which means to remember. The variants of the surname Ganslmaier include Ganslmeyer, Ganslmyer, Ganslmeier, Ganslmayr, Ganslmer, Ganslmayer, Ganslmay, Ganslmair, and Ganslmaire.

The variants of the surname Ganslmaier also have common spellings, such as Ganslmeyer, Ganslmyer, Ganslmeier, Ganslmayr, Ganslmer, Ganslmayer, Ganslmay, Ganslmair, and Ganslmaire. These spellings are simply different ways to write the same name.

The surnames of the same origin as Ganslmaier include Gansler, Gansl, Gansle, Ganslermaier, Ganslauter, Ganslauer, Ganslpres, Gansleman, and Gansler. These surnames all have some connection to Ganslmaier since they come from the same root, which is the German verb gansl.

In conclusion, Ganslmaier is a German surname typically found in Bavaria, and its variants, spellings, and other related surnames all trace their roots to the same German verb. As such, those with the same surname have a common heritage and ancestry.

Famous people with the name Ganslmaier

• Thomas Ganslmaier: Austrian author and journalist; wrote novels, biographies, and travelogues and in the 1990s began writing for several music magazines.
• Michael Ganslmaier: Austrian researcher in quantum chemistry; currently works as a professor of Theoretical Chemistry at the Institute of Theoretical Chemistry at the Vienna University of Technology.
• Günther Ganslmaier: Austrian composer and conductor; has created a number of musical works for choirs, chamber ensembles, and symphony orchestras.
• Andreas Ganslmaier: Austrian composer and pianist; has written many works for various types of ensembles, participant at a variety of international festivals and events.
• Karl Ganslmaier: Austrian scientist and historian; has written several books and numerous scientific articles on the history and culture of Austria-Hungary.
• Werner Ganslmaier: Austrian filmmaker; has worked on numerous documentaries, television shows, and feature films; won the Best Documentary Prize at the Locarno International Film Festival in 2011.
• Elisabeth Ganslmaier: Austrian actress, writer, and director; has won numerous awards for her work, including Best Short Film at the Cannes Film Festival in 2006.
• Georg Ganslmaier: Austrian architect; has created many projects in Austria and abroad, including several chain stores and housing complexes.
• Stefan Ganslmaier: Austrian entrepreneur and investor; currently the CEO of a large energy company and a venture capital firm.
• Monika Ganslmaier: Austrian artist and photographer; has numerous exhibitions in Europe and the US, and has published four books of her photographs.

Other surnames

GanslmayerGänslmayerGanslmayr