Surname Klostermair - Meaning and Origin
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Klostermair: What does the surname Klostermair mean?
Klostermair is an German surname derived from the words 'Kloster' which means 'monastery' and 'mair' which means 'mayor' or 'master'. The name was given to those who served in a monastery in a higher rank. Early records indicate that the Klostermair family likely originated in the south of Germany, in the Bavarian region.
Specific records of the Klostermair family history date back to the early 1700's, where they held roles as priests and deacons in monasteries. It is believed that one of the main jobs of those with the surname Klostermair was to keep tabs on mischievous monks and keep order in the monastery.
In more modern times the Klostermair name has spread to other parts of the world due to immigration and intermarriage. The Klostermairs of Germany, and those who carry the name today, are somewhat of a mysterious bunch as no records exist backtracking to the time of the first settler bearing the name. Therefore, it is hard to pinpoint the exact geographical origin of today's Klostermairs.
What seems to be certain is that the Klostermair family shares a rich history and prestige. The name itself stands as a testament to the Klostermair’s long-standing traditions of holding positions of authority and honour.
Order DNA origin analysisKlostermair: Where does the name Klostermair come from?
The surname Klostermair is common today mainly in Germany, where it had the greatest concentration of people with this surname in 2019. It is also relatively common in Austria, Switzerland, and Luxembourg, while it is less common in Italy, France, and the United States.
In Germany, the surname is most commonly found in the states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, as well as in the city regions of Nuremberg and Frankfurt. It is also found in other parts of the world, including countries in Eastern Europe and Australia, as well as in parts of the US from the MidWest to the East Coast.
The Klostermair surname is relatively new compared to other surnames found in Germany today. It first appears in the records of Bavaria in the late 18th century. Its usage extended to Austria and Switzerland, and later to other parts of Germany, through the 19th and 20th centuries.
The etymological origin of the Klostermair surname is unclear, but it has been suggested that the name most likely originated from a local German habitational name for a person from a place or manor named Klostermair or Klaustramair. It could also be derived from the German word Kloster, meaning 'monastery', suggesting a possible connection to a religious ancestor.
In conclusion, the prevalence of the Klostermair surname is mostly concentrated in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Luxembourg today, and has a etymological origin tied to local German locations and religious connections.
Variations of the surname Klostermair
Klostermair is a surname of German origin, also spelled Klostermeyer, Klosterman, Klostermann, Klosterman, Klostermaier, Klostermeier and Klostermaeir. The name translates as "cloister master" or "supervisor of a monastery".
The surname probably derives from the Middle High German klostermære, the medieval office of the "cloister master" (Klostermair). It was the head of a monastery or the local representative of a higher ranking religious authority within the monastery. In many cases, the individual held a position of substantial power and influence within the area.
The variant spellings of Klostermair are most likely due to several factors. Spelling conventions were not as uniform at the time the surname originated, leading to variation in how the name was written. Additionally, some variations may stem from transliterations from different languages, such as when the surname was written in Latin as Claustramire.
Variant surnames could also originate when a branch of the family engaged in a profession or moved to a new region and adopted a distinct spelling for the family name. For instance, some of the surnames that originate from the same German root word, such as Klostermann and Klosterman, evolved to reflect a specific occupation.
In spite of the variations in spelling, all of these surnames indicate a family connected to a monastery or other similar institution. It is likely that those who bore this name were originally connected to a monastery or similar institution in some way and that their descendants adopted similar surnames.
Famous people with the name Klostermair
- Manuela Klostermair: German model and television personality
- Werner Klostermair: German professional ice hockey goaltender
- Joachim Klostermair: German actor
- Franz Klostermair: German military doctor and medical officer
- Daniela Klostermair: German equestrian
- Klaus Klostermair: German alpine skier
- Ilse Klostermair: German equestrian
- Oliver Klostermair: German ice hockey player
- Lorenz Klostermair: German architect
- Ricardo Klostermair: German composer, conductor and pianist