Surname Griesmair - Meaning and Origin
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Griesmair: What does the surname Griesmair mean?
The last name Griesmair is a German surname derived from the two words “gries” and “mair.” The word “gries” refers to a small reef or ledge of rocks that emerge from the surface of water, visible at low tide. The word “mair” comes from an old German term for an official or magistrate. Therefore, the name Griesmair roughly translates to “reef magistrate.”
It is unknown how long this name has been used since its earliest known mention was in 1745 when a Johann Griesmair appears on a baptismal record in Schwandorf, Bavaria (now part of Germany). Since then, the name appears to have spread, mostly in southern Germany.
Today, the name Griesmair is associated with a number of different areas and occupations. In Germany, the name can refer to a beekeeper who maintains and manages a bee yard, or apiary. In Austria, it can denote someone who lives near a body of water called a “griessee,” which comes from the Old High German term for a small lake.
Considering its origins, it is likely that those who bear the name Griesmair have a deep connection to their local environment and heritage. Whether they are beekeepers, water dwellers, or the bearers of an old German title, those who carry the name Griesmair can be proud of their past, as well as the unique mark they make on the future.
Order DNA origin analysisGriesmair: Where does the name Griesmair come from?
The last name Griesmair originates from Bavaria, a region in the southeast of Germany. Today, Griesmair is a fairly uncommon surname, though it can still be found in some areas of Germany and in communities of German descent elsewhere in the world.
In Germany, Griesmair is concentrated mainly in Bavaria, with smaller numbers of Griesmairs living in other regions throughout the country. Griesmair is also common in Austria, especially in the state of Salzburg, and in other parts of southeastern Europe with German-speaking populations, such as Hungary and Slovenia.
Griesmair is also found in some areas of the United States, especially in states that were founded by Germans, such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. The largest population of Griesmairs in the US is in York County, Pennsylvania, with hundreds of individuals having this last name.
In Canada, Griesmair can be found in provinces with German communities, such as Saskatchewan and Ontario. In Saskatchewan, Griesmair is mostly concentrated in rural areas, particularly in communities with strong German heritage, while in Ontario, it is more evenly spread throughout the province.
Finally, Griesmair can also be found in some parts of Latin America, primarily in Brazil and Argentina. In Brazil, there are many communities of German immigrants and their descendants in the cities of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, while in Argentina, there is a sizeable German-speaking population in the Patagonia region.
Variations of the surname Griesmair
The surname Griesmair is an old family name originating in Central Europe. It is derived from the German word gris, meaning “gray” or “grey”. Over time, the name has evolved and been spelled in a variety of ways, including Griesmair; Griesmaier; Griesmayer; Greismär; Griessmayer; Grissemair; Grismair; and Grismeyer.
Variants of the surname Griesmair can also be found in other languages. In Dutch, Griesmair is spelled Greimeier or Gremmeer; in Swedish, Grismär; and in Hungarian, Gyorsmayer.
There are also a number of related surnames that have similar roots. These include Kreismaer; Greismärt; Grussenmayer; and Griesmaier.
The Griesmair surname is often found with other surnames, such as Griesmeier, Griesbauer, and Griessman, which all have a similar spelling.
While the spelling of Griesmair varies, the root of this family name can be traced back to Germany and Central Europe. Members of this particular family name can easily trace their roots back to this part of the world, and their lineage can be easily identified through the study of the various spellings of the surname.
Famous people with the name Griesmair
- Brigitte Griesmayer: Austrian poet and writer
- Michael Griesmair: Austrian director and composer
- Martin Griesmair: Austrian sport shooter
- Hedwig Griesmair: Austrian nurse and social worker
- Elisabeth Griesmair: Austrian wheelchair athlete
- Eleanore Griesmair: Austrian opera singer
- Alexander Griesmair: Austrian saxophonist
- Simon Griesmair: Austrian field hockey player
- Stefan Griesmair: Austrian ski racer
- Bernd Griesmair: Austrian former handball player