Surname Mönchmeier - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Mönchmeier: What does the surname Mönchmeier mean?
The last name Mönchmeier is a patronymic, derived from the medieval Germanic name Meinhard, meaning “strong and brave”. It is likely to have first been used in the German regions of Saxony, Bavaria, and Thuringia before spreading to other parts of Europe and beyond.
Originally indicating someone who was related to or descended from Meinhard, it is now simply a surname in its own right. It is not unheard of, particularly in southern Germany, for the name to be rendered as ‘Monkmeyer’ or ‘Monkmaier’, with the ‘Mönch’ element meaning ‘monk’.
Mönchmeier is a common surname throughout Europe. In Germany, it is found in both western and eastern regions. In Austria it can also be found in several provinces.
There are various spellings that can be used for the surname, including Monckmeier, Monchmaier, and Monckmayr. Each one of these variants is known to have been used as early as the 16th century in Germany, although the exact date is still uncertain.
Despite its various spellings and the unintentional association to a monk, Mönchmeier is a proud name and is shared by many families. This has given rise to an optimistic outlook, one that is determined to make the most of life whilst embracing the joy of others.
Order DNA origin analysisMönchmeier: Where does the name Mönchmeier come from?
The last name Mönchmeier is a surname primarily found in the German-speaking countries of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It may also be found in other countries with large German diasporas such as the United States of America, Canada, and Australia.
The name Mönchmeier is derived from the words “mönch” meaning “monk” and “meier” meaning “mayor” or “lord of the manor.” This suggests that the family origins date back far into the Middle Ages, probably in the times of the Holy Roman Empire. Because of this long-lasting presence, it is likely that the Mönchmeier family remains most noticeably in still traditional German-speaking countries.
In Germany today, the surname is quite common, primarily found in Bavaria, the largest state in the country and the home of many traditional German values. Within Bavaria, the last name is particularly popular in the areas of Nuremberg, Munich, and the surrounding countryside. It may also be found in other parts of the country such as Berlin, Heidelberg, and the state of Brandenburg.
In Austria, the surname Mönchmeier is also found, mostly in the area around Vienna and the Austrian Alps. In Switzerland, the name Mönchmeier is primarily located around the cities of Basel and Zürich, as well as in the German-speaking regions in the north of the country.
In the United States, the Mönchmeier family may be found in the states with large numbers of German immigrants, such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Texas. In Canada, the surname is found mostly in the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta. Additionally, some members of the family may be found in Australia, particularly in the cities of Melbourne and Sydney.
Variations of the surname Mönchmeier
The surname Mönchmeier is derived from a German name, Mönch, which translates to "monk." This surname is most commonly found in the German states and can also be spelled as Mönchmeyer or Mönchmaier. In some cases, the surname can also have an alternate spelling of Munchmeier, Munchmeyer, or Munchmaier.
Mönchmeier is a patronymic surname, meaning that it is based on the given name of the father (in this case, Mönch). This means that there are several variants and spellings of the Mönchmeier name, which are all related to the original patronymic. Some of these could include Mönchsmeier, Mönchsmayer, Mönchsmayr, Mönchsmair, Mönchmeir, Mönchmeyor, Möhnchmeier, and Möhnchmeyor.
The alternate surnames of the same origin as Mönchmeier could include Münchmeier, Münchmeyer, Münchmaier, Munchmeier, Munchmeyer, Munchmaier, Moenchmeier, Moenchmeyer, and Moenchmaier.
All of these various spellings and surnames are related to the original patronymic Mönch and are all linked to the same root surname of Mönchmeier.
Famous people with the name Mönchmeier
- Katrin Mönchmeier: She is a former German member of Parliament for the Social Democratic Party who represented the Bavarian district of Hof.
- Ulrich Mönchmeier: He was a German soldier who served during World War II and was also awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.
- Vera Mönchmeier: She is a former Spokeswoman for the German Labour and Social Justice Party.
- Erwin Mönchmeier: He is a German radio, television personality, and presenter.
- Heinz Mönchmeier: He was a German politician who was actively involved in the Social Democratic Party and also served as the party's Chairman in 1969.
- Irmtraud Mönchmeier: She is a German Medical Practitioner and Human Rights Activist.
- Elvira Mönchmeier: She is an elite equestrian athlete who is an Olympic silver medalist in show-jumping.
- Stanislaus Mönchmeier: He was a former German officer and politician who served in the city of Mönchsberg.
- Gustav Mönchmeier: He is a former German footballer who played for FC Bayern Munich.
- Hermann Mönchmeier: He is a former German footballer who played in the 1950s and 1960s for clubs such as 1. FC Köln and VfB Stuttgart.