Surname Pfitzenmayer - Meaning and Origin

Pfitzenmayer: What does the surname Pfitzenmayer mean?

The last name Pfitzenmayer has German roots and is derived from the Middle High German phrase “Pfeche,” which translates to “biter” or “plunderer”. It's believed that the name was originally bestowed upon a family of marauders or raiders who frequently raided neighbouring villages and farms. The prefix “Pfitzen” could also derive from the Middle High German phrase “pfitzen” which translates to “ax” or “cleaver”.

The name first appeared in documents dated back to 1215 in the Rhineland Palatinate area of Germany. Much later, in the late 1600s, a family of Pfitzenmayers migrated to the United States of America, where today surnames remain associated with those individuals.

The origin of the name and the original families associated with it can be traced through genealogy research and searching through willingly communal records published throughout the world. Some individuals may find it a useful way to root their ancestry and trace back their families.

Overall, the surname Pfitzenmayer is a unique name with an interesting history that can be explored and researched by people with a curious interest in genealogy and family history. It has a deep native German origin and is associated with a striking and somewhat dark history of marauders and raiders.

Pfitzenmayer: Where does the name Pfitzenmayer come from?

The last name Pfitzenmayer is not particularly common today; however, it is most often found in the German-speaking countries of Europe, including Austria, Switzerland, and Germany, as well as some parts of Eastern Europe.

Some records indicate that the name may have originated in Franconia in present-day Germany, and the earliest references to the name date back to the mid-1500s.

Due to the migration of thousands of German immigrants to the United States in the early 19th century, there are also a few families with the last name Pfitzenmayer across the United States today. The Pfitzenmayer name is particularly common in the states of Pennsylvania, Colorado, Missouri, and Texas.

The last name is thought to be derived from the Old German word ‘fitzen’, meaning small and ‘meyer’, meaning mayor. The literal meaning of the name would be ‘a small mayor’ or ‘a minor official’.

The name is sometimes confused with the more common German name ‘Fritzenmayer’, which has similar ancestral roots, but is derived differently, from Old High German words meaning ‘frizzen’ (a type of sword) and ‘meige’, (a military leader).

Nowadays, finding Pfitzenmayer families can be tricky, and their numbers are dwindling. If you have the last name of Pfitzenmayer though, congratulations—you are part of a long and unique history.

Variations of the surname Pfitzenmayer

The surname Pfitzenmayer is derived from two Germanic elements: "pfitz" meaning "pitch", and "mayer" which translates as "mayor". So, a person with this name might once have been the mayor of a settlement where tar or pitch was made, or simply that an ancestor originally came from such a place.

Variants of the surname Pfitzenmayer include Fitsenmayer, Fitzenmayer, Fitschenmayer, Fritzenmayer, Pfitsenmayer, Pfitsenmayer, and Pfitschenmayer.

The most common surnames with the same origin as Pfitzenmayer are Fitschen (meaning "pitch man") and Pfitzner (meaning "pitch man"), with corresponding variations such as Fritsensen and Fritschner.

In Switzerland, a variant of the surname is "Pfister", which is derived from a version of the original German term using a more modern Swiss German dialect. This name is derived from the same elements as Pfitzenmayer, but with a slightly different spelling.

In Austria, Pfitzenmayer is known as "Pfichtner", with forms such as Pfeightner, Pfistner, Pfitzner, and so on.

In the United States, the name is often Americanized to "Fitzpatrick" as a result of immigration, and can be found in the variations Fitzsimmons, Fitspatrick, Fitzpatrick, Fitzpatric, Fitzpartric, Fitzparick, and Fitzpatrik.

Famous people with the name Pfitzenmayer

• Max Pfitzenmayer: German artist who is known for his whimsical landscape paintings.
• Kathleen Pfitzenmayer: American multi-instrumentalist, singer and prolific songwriter.
• Belfor Pfitzenmayer: Brazilian music producer who co-wrote and produced Laura Pausini's single "Había una vez".
• Thomas Pfitzenmayer: German football player who played for numerous teams between 2006 and 2011.
• Siegfried Pfitzenmayer: Austrian doctor, academic and businessman who was the founder of the renowned medical technology company, Pfizer.
• Lya Pfitzenmayer: Austrian director who has directed several television shows, such as "Entführung im Sauerland" and "Der Tag bleibt nur ein Tag".
• Michaela Pfitzenmayer: Austrian film editor who has worked on films such as "Ein Blick auf Wien" and "Die Glitzerferne".
• Laurence Pfitzenmayer: French actress and singer who is best known for her role in the movie "L'Amour Fou".
• Frau Pfitzenmayer: German television host and author who hosted the show "Der Tag bleibt ein Tag" and wrote the book "Ess kai Ess".
• Hanns Pfitzenmayer: Austrian inventor and businessman who founded the renowned kitchen appliance company, Pfitzenmayer.

Other surnames

Pfitzenmaier