Surname Probstmayer - Meaning and Origin

Probstmayer: What does the surname Probstmayer mean?

The surname Probstmayer is derived from two Middle High German words - "probst," meaning provost, and "mayer," meaning mayor or a magistrate in charge of certain legal matters.

The name Probstmayer is believed to have originally been bestowed upon an individual who filled either of those roles, though the word may have also been used to describe someone of high rank or status in the local community. The surname is found in records from as early as the 14th century in Germany.

Originally intended to refer to an individual's profession or rank, the name Probstmayer has come to be linked with specific locations. The surname is found primarily in Austria, Bavaria, and parts of Switzerland, so it is likely that the name developed in these areas in the centuries past. It is likely that the name began to be used widely around the region as a way to distinguish influential people from more common or lesser influential people over time.

The surname Probstmayer is still popular in modern-day Germany. People with this surname typically trace their heritage back to Austria, Bavaria, or Switzerland, but the name can also be found in modern-day people from other parts of Germany, particularly in regions where German immigration occurred in the 19th century.

Probstmayer: Where does the name Probstmayer come from?

The last name Probstmayer is most commonly found today in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. It is a toponymic surname, which means it is derived from the name of the place of origin but has also spread to other locations. Probstmayer has been documented as a surname in records inix J 1615 in Upper Austria and in Switzerland since the 18th century.

The last name is a combination of two words, ‘probst' and ‘mayer'. 'Probst' is a German title given to the civil leader of a parish or religious community. 'Mayer', on the other hand, is derived from the Middle High German word ‘meiger', which means 'mayor'. Thus, taken together, the last name Probstmayer means someone who held the title of mayor in the parish or religious community. It is believed that the name would have been given to the head of the parish who could serve both religious and civil purposes for the community.

Although the origin of the surname is Germanic, variations can be found throughout Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. In Austria, Probstmayr is the mostly commonly found variation, followed by Probstmaier. In Switzerland the surname is most commonly spelled Probstmair. The true descendants of the original surname holder still exist in the communities bearing the name today.

Variations of the surname Probstmayer

Probstmayer is a German surname. Variants of this surname include Probestmayer, Probstmaier, Probestmaier, Probestmeyer, Probstmeyer, Probstmair, Prebestmayer, Prebestmair, Prebestmeyer, Priebstmayer, Priebstmaier, Priebstmeyer and Peobstmayer.

The spelling Probstmayer is derived from the German word "Probst" meaning a steward or master of a monastery. This is also the origin of the Probestmayer, Probestmaier and Probestmeyer spellings of the surname.

The spelling Prebestmayer, Prebestmair and Prebestmeyer of the surname are derived from the Middle High German word "Prepsych", meaning provost or vogt. This is also the origin of the Priebstmayer, Priebstmaier and Priebstmeyer spellings.

The spelling Peobstmayer of the surname is derived from the Middle High German word "peotoc", meaning a manager or administrator.

No matter the spelling, 'Probstmayer' and all its variants still maintains its original meaning, making it an interesting and rare surname that is easily recognizable.

Famous people with the name Probstmayer

• Arnold Probstmayer: an Austrian-born poet, occasional actor and writer of stories.
• David Probstmayer: an Austrian American inventor and inventor emeritus of the University of California, Berkeley.
• Franz Probstmayer: an Austrian-born composer, teacher and conductor.
• Hans Probstmayer: a German opera singer (tenor).
• Herbert Probstmayer: an Austrian historian.
• Hugo Probstmayer: an Austrian-born lawyer.
• Johannes Georg Probstmayer: an Austrian-born sculptor.
• Johann Probstmayer: an Austrian operatic bass.
• Joseph Probstmayer: an Austrian-American artist, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and photography.
• Karl Probstmayer: an Austrian-born painter.
• Uli Probstmayer: an Austrian pop singer, songwriter, and television host.

Other surnames

Probstmayr