Surname Probstmeier - Meaning and Origin

Probstmeier: What does the surname Probstmeier mean?

Probstmeier is a German surname derived from the Old German word ‘Probst’ which meant priest or prior. Probstmeier likely referred to someone who was a priest or worked in a clerical job. It is likely that the name originated in the Middle Ages in Europe as the Christian Church was gaining influence and many clerics held influential positions in society.

The Probstmeier surname can now be found predominantly in Germany, but also in places that have German cultural roots such as parts of the United States, Canada, and Brazil.

Due to the religious backgrounds of many of its early owners, Probstmeier has been closely related to piety and respectability. The surname has been passed down through generations and is still highly respected today.

In modern Germany, the surname usually denotes someone of high social standing and is associated with people of wealth and power. It may be indicative of a high level of integrity and dependability.

Overall, the surname Probstmeier symbolizes a long history of good standing and moral behavior. The name is still highly respected around the world today and is an excellent testament to the legacy of German culture.

Probstmeier: Where does the name Probstmeier come from?

The last name Probstmeier is most commonly found in Germany and other German-speaking countries. The name Probstmeier originates from an occupational name, deriving from the German word ‘Pfarrer’ which means ‘Priest’ and ‘Meier’ which translates as ‘Steward’, therefore Probstmeier is translated as ‘Priest Steward’.

Today, the highest concentration of people bearing the last name Probstmeier can be found in the states of Bavaria, Schleswig Holstein, and Hesse in the west, as well as in the states of Baden-Wuerttemberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Lower Saxony in the south.

The last name is believed to have originated in the 1200s in the northern region of Germany, with the earliest known record of a Probstmeier family being Martin Probstmeier who appears in a publication from 1681. The family name then spread throughout German-speaking countries, including Austria and Switzerland, with subsequent waves of the Probstmeier family emigrating to the United States between the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Today, the Probstmeier name is considerably more common in Germany than it is in the United States. However, it can still be found throughout the US, with records indicating that the highest concentrations of people bearing the last name can be found in the states such as Texas, Illinois, Michigan, and Arizona.

In summary, the last name Probstmeier is most commonly associated with German-speaking countries, though it can also be found in the United States. The name can be traced to a period as early as the 1600s, originating in northern Germany and then spreading throughout continental Europe and beyond.

Variations of the surname Probstmeier

Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Probstmeier include Pröbstmeier, Praebstmeier, Prebstmeier, Prøbstmeier, Preobstmeier, Prøbstemeyer, Praebstemeyer, Prabstmeyer, Probstmair, Pröbstmair, Prostmair and Prostmeier.

The Prostmeier version is the most common spelling found in Switzerland, Austria, Germany and the Tyrol regions of Italy. It is derived from the Middle High German word "proustmair" which literally means "deacon". Additionally, Prost is an occupational name used to refer to a mature man, often mining, woodcutting or stewarding, but can also refer to a steward or authority figure.

The Pröbstmeier version is most often seen in areas of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. It draws on a combination of both the words "Pröbst" and "Meier". Pröbst, meaning 'deacon', is of Middle High German origin. Additionally, Meier is a common German surname which translates to ‘mayor’ or ‘landlord’.

The Praebstmeier version is relatively uncommon and is often seen in Germanic countries. It is a combination of the words "Praebst" and "Meier". Praebst is an old German word which means 'prebendary', or a position an elder or noble would hold in the Church. It is derived from Old German. The word "Meier" is a commonly found German surname meaning 'mayor' or 'landlord'.

The Prebstmeier version is also quite uncommon and is most commonly found in Germanic areas. The word "Prebst" has a Latin origin and refers to a position of authority in the Church. The word "Meier" in this surname version means 'mayor' or 'landlord'.

The Prøbstmeier version is most commonly found in Scandinavian countries and extends from the main part of the name "Prøbst". It is derived from Old Norse and means ‘prebendary’ or a position in the Church held by an elite or nobleman. The ‘Meier’ portion translates to ‘mayor’ or ‘landlord’.

The Preobstmeier version is relatively rare and is only seen in some Germanic countries. The ‘Pre’ part of this name is derived from Latin and means ‘before’ or ‘preceding’. The ‘Obst’ part of the surname is derived from Middle German and refers to a fruit orchard. Additionally, the ‘Meier’ refers to a mayor or landlord.

Famous people with the name Probstmeier

• Kai Probstmeier: German diver who won a silver medal at the 2012 summer Olympics
• Jana Probstmeier: German track cyclist who represented her country at the 2004 summer Olympics in Athens
• Wolfgang Probstmeier: German actor who has appeared in several TV shows and films
• Marcel Probstmeier: German football player who has played for various clubs as well as his country's national team
• Dieter Probstmeier: German politician and former state governor of Lower Saxony
• Claudia Probstmeier: German ice skater who competed in the 2006 winter Olympics
• Georg Probstmeier: German basketball player who played professionally for many years
• Eva Probstmeier: German singer and actress who was very successful in the 1960s
• Matthias Probstmeier: German tennis player who competed at the 2000 summer Olympics
• Susanne Probstmeier: Swiss actress who has appeared in numerous stage and film productions

Other surnames

Probstmeyer