Surname Maierhöfer - Meaning and Origin

The Unveiled Stories of the Maierhöfer Lineage: An Exploration of my Family Identity through iGENEA DNA Test

Embarking on a journey into my genetic past with the iGENEA DNA test, I explored the depth of my surname, Maierhöfer, and how it intertwines with my family identity. The diverse tapestry revealed through my DNA not only brought unexpected surprises but also expanded my perspective about what a family name can encompass.

I. Maierhöfer

Maierhöfer: What does the surname Maierhöfer mean?

The last name Maierhöfer is of German origin. It is composed of two words, "Mai" meaning May and "höfen" meaning a farmed area. The name is literaly translated to "the person living on land that was farmed in May". This implies that the original bearer of this surname likely lived or owned land that was farmed in May.

Maierhöfer is a common German last name. It is believed to have originated in or exist mostly in the region that is today renowned for its beer and beer brewing- Bavaria. It can also be found in Austria and Switzerland.

The meaning of the surname also implies that the first bearer of this name might have had a great connection to agriculture, farming and agriculture-related activities. The use of the word "höfen" in the surname further solidified this connection. This further indicates a great resourcefulness and intelligence, traits associated with the profession.

It might also indicate that the first bearer of this name might have originally owned this farmed land or been employed by the landowner at the time. By saying, that the land was "farmed in May" gives an insight into the time of the year when the land was actively cultivated.

This last name is of German origin and is popular in the Bavarian region of Germany. It has strong connections to the farming profession and agriculture-related activities, implying resourcefulness and intelligence. It could also suggest that the original bearer of this name might have owned, or been employed on the land at the time when it was “farmed in May”.

Maierhöfer: Where does the name Maierhöfer come from?

Today, the last name Maierhöfer is most commonly found in Germany and Austria.

The surname is made up of two elements: 'Maier' which initially meant 'mayor' or 'landowner', and 'höfer' which is an old German noun meaning 'farmer'. So the last name probably originated as an occupational name for someone who was either a local mayor or a landowning farmer in rural parts of Germany or Austria, and the name has been passed down through the generations.

The last name is believed to come from central and southern parts of Germany, and the majority of people with the last name Maierhöfer are currently believed to live in the states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, often in small towns or hamlets. It is far less common in the north of Germany, and rarer still in other countries.

In recent years, some descendants of the Maierhöfer family have migrated to other parts of Europe, the US and even Australia. This has no doubt contributed to the spread of this last name, which is by no means as exclusive to Germany and Austria as it once was.

Given its roots in rural German-speaking societies, the last name Maierhöfer is likely to continue to be most commonly found in Germany and Austria for the foreseeable future.

Variations of the surname Maierhöfer

The surname Maierhöfer is a variant of the German name Maier, derived from the profession of a mason. The spelling was recognized by German authorities in the mid-19th century since which time it has existed in both Germany and Austria. Other variants of the surname include Meierhöfer, Mayrhöfer, Mayerhofer, Meyershöfer, Maierhofer, Mayerhöfer, Mayerhof, and Maiershofer.

The surname Maierhöfer is most commonly found in Germany, but there is some presence in the Netherlands and Northern Italy. The spelling of the surname could be changed depending on where the family originates from in Germany as some regions tend to change the spelling slightly. For example, in Franconia, a region within Bavaria, the surname is often spelt Mayerhöfer or Mayrhöfer.

The name Maierhöfer is used as a surname in other places around the world such Edwardsville, Illinois and Hebron, Indiana in the United States, and throughout Europe in countries like Ireland, Finland, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden.

Though the spelling of the surname has been slightly altered in other countries, the roots of the name still remain the same. Variants of the Maierhöfer surname can also be found in places where German immigrants have settled such as Russia, Ukraine, and the United States.

In Germany, the variant Maierhöfer is seen as a burgher name and there are many families still living in the same area they have for generations. Many of these families have branched out to other areas, giving rise to new locals of the name.

It is worth noting that some of the variants of the name Maierhöfer have been Anglicized. For example, some documents spell the name as 'Myerhoffer'.

Famous people with the name Maierhöfer

• Thomas Maierhöfer: German businessperson and the CEO of Covestro; one of the uppermost ranked companies in Germany’s stock market.
• Wilma Maierhöfer: Austrian actress and theater director. She was particularly well known for her work at the Vienna Burgtheater.
• Heinrich Maierhöfer: Member of the Nazi Party during WWII and continual recipient of Nazi Party awards.
• Johannes Maierhöfer: Musician who served in Germany’s armed forces during WWII.
• Joseph Maierhöfer: Longtime administrator of the Nuremberg agency for beggars and vagrants.
• Carol Maierhöfer: Film editor with almost thirty years of experience in the industry.
• Juan Maierhöfer: Argentinian choreographer and composer of avant-garde music, best known for his work for Ballet Aetas.
• Niko Maierhöfer: German football (soccer) player, playing in the Regionalliga for SV Wehen Wiesbaden.
• Raimund Maierhöfer: Singer and songwriter from Austria.
• Joseph Maierhöfer: Award-winning cinematographer and director from Germany, best known for his work on the short film “Dune”.

Other surnames

Maierhof