Surname Gerstenmayer - Meaning and Origin

Gerstenmayer: What does the surname Gerstenmayer mean?

The last name Gerstenmayer is derived from the German words “gerste,” meaning barley, and “mayer” meaning farmer or mayor. The name is an occupational name given to those involved with growing or selling barley. In some cases, it could have also been given to those governing towns with barley production.

The surname is relatively rare, only popping up in very small numbers around Bavaria in the mid-1700s. As of 2018, the estimated population with the name was less than 4,000, the majority of which were located in the United States.

The surname could have also been used as an honorary title for notable figures in communities with a strong barley production. This is based on the surnames recorded in parish books around Bavaria.

The surname could have also been passed down from fathers to sons. In this case, if the father’s occupation was barley farming, it’s likely that the son also took on the same last name.

Overall, the last name Gerstenmayer likely came from barley producing families in Bavaria and could have been used as an honorary surname for anyone notable in the community. It could also have been passed down as an occupational surname from fathers to sons.

Gerstenmayer: Where does the name Gerstenmayer come from?

The surname Gerstenmayer is thought to have originated in Germany and is relatively uncommon today. It is believed by many to have developed from a Germanic name meaning “spear maker.” As of the late 19th century, it was used primarily in the Silesia region of Central Europe (now part of Poland). From there, it is believed to have spread to other parts of Germany, such as North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, and Bavaria.

The name can also be found in Austria, Switzerland, and several Eastern European countries, such as Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, and the Czech Republic. The name is also commonly seen in U.S. census records, as many German immigrants brought it to the states in the late 19th century and early 20th centuries.

Today, the surname remains quite rare, however it still exists in many parts of the globe. In fact, many people around the world still proudly bear the name Gerstenmayer.

In the United States, the name can be found primarily in states with large German-American populations, such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Michigan.

Overall, the surname Gerstenmayer is sparsely distributed but still exists in many countries around the globe. Though Germanic in origin, it is now seen in many corners of the world.

Variations of the surname Gerstenmayer

Gerstenmayer is a German surname of Jewish (Ashkenazic) origin. It is an occupational name, derived from the German word ‘gerste’, which means 'barley'. The surname is found mainly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland but is also found in the United States, France, England, and other countries.

Variant spellings of Gerstenmayer include Gerstenmaier, Gerstmaier, Gerstamayer, and Gerstmeyer. The earliest record of the name in written form dates back to 1520 in Vienna, Austria.

In the United States, Gerstenmayer is sometimes counted amongst the surnames of many Jewish immigrants, with the earliest record of a bearer of the surname listed in the New York City Directory of 1868 as E. Gerstenmaier. A number of different variants of the surname can be found in the United States, such as Gerstmeier, Gerstmeir, and Gerstemayer.

Other surnames of the same origin include Gersten, Gerstnegger, Gerstnor, and Gerstice. These are derived from the German word ‘gerste’ and indicate a professional or a residence where barley was grown or used.

In Germany, the surname is often rendered with the prefix von, such as von Gerstenmayer or von Gerstnor. However, in most cases, it is not a hereditary title but rather a way to differentiate oneself from other people in the same region with the same name.

Famous people with the name Gerstenmayer

• Arnold Gerstenmayer: German figure skater who competed for East Germany in the World Championships in 1974, 1975, 1977, and 1981.
• Bernd Gerstenmayer: Former German boxer who fought in the Bantamweight class from 1988 until 1997.
• Christof Gerstenmayer: German painter and sculptor whose works have been exhibited in various galleries throughout Europe.
• Franz Gerstenmayer: Austrian inventor who patented over 400 German inventions, mainly related to the production of paper and textiles.
• Marley Gerstenmayer: American actress known for her portrayal of a young Lex Luthor in the hit series Smallville.
• Melissa Gerstenmayer: An American actor who has appeared in several films such as The Fault in Our Stars and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.
• Robert Gerstenmayer: Austrian architect whose designs can still be seen in many parts of Vienna, Austria.
• Susan Gerstenmayer: American restaurateur widely known for her casual dining establishments in the US and Canada.
• Thomas Gerstenmayer: German bike designer who created custom bicycles and was a frequent winner of custom bike competitions.
• Werner Gerstenmayer: Austrian philatelist who was awarded the President's Gold Medal in 1952 by the American Philatelic Society.

Other surnames

Gerstenmaier