Surname Rottmayr - Meaning and Origin
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Rottmayr: What does the surname Rottmayr mean?
The last name Rottmayr is of German origin and is thought to have derived from a Bavarian word meaning “bad man.” This surname is likely to have been given to a person with a troubled past, or a person who was known for being a terror in the community.
The name itself may also have originated with the occupation of a Röttemayer—a rat catcher. Rat catchers were employed in the Middle Ages, as rats posed a serious health hazard in the home and community. They were hired by local governments and wealthy families to rid them of the vermin.
Today, the name Rottmayr is common in Central Europe, particularly in Germany where it is one of the most common surnames. However, it is relatively uncommon in the United States, where the surname is pronounced ‘Rot-may-er’, with a silent final ‘r’.
The name Rottmayr often suggests to some a sense of personal resilience, determination, and inner strength. By choosing and embracing this name for their own, the bearer is embracing the tumultuous and challenging past of their ancestors.
Order DNA origin analysisRottmayr: Where does the name Rottmayr come from?
The last name Rottmayr is most commonly found in Austria today. This is likely due to the fact that the name originates from the German language, and Austria was historically part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Vienna was the capital of this empire and has retained much cultural and linguistic influence.
The region of Upper Austria in Austria is the place where most people with this name reside. Other parts of the country are also known to have inhabitants with the Rottmayr surname, including Carinthia, Lower Austria, and Styria. In particular, among the towns where the surname is most commonly found are Kremsmünster, Kirchberg an der Pielach, and Zwettl.
Nationally, Rottmayr is not one of the most popular surnames in Austria. According to recent records, it ranks around 500th for frequency. However, many locals in villages around Upper Austria recognize the name.
Outside of Austria, there is a limited number of individuals bearing the Rottmayr name. This is due to the fact that immigration from Austria was quite rare in the past several centuries. Among the countries where the name appears today, Germany, Switzerland, and the United States are notable locations. The last name is particularly common among older families residing in areas of the United States with a strong German cultural influence.
Variations of the surname Rottmayr
The surname Rottmayr is a patronymic surname predominantly found in German-speaking countries, deriving from the personal name Rottmar which was a popular Germanic given name. Several alternative spellings and variants of the surname exist, including Rottmaier, Rottmayer, Rottmair, Rottmeier, Rottmeir, Rottmeyer, and Rottsmayr.
In Austria, the most common spelling is Rottmayer. The variant Rottmaier is common throughout Germany. In North and South America, however, the Rottmayr spelling is the most common, likely due to adaptation during the immigration process.
The related surnames Rotmayer, Rotmayr, and Rotmeier are also connected to the Rottmayr surname, and can be as variant spellings or derived from the root name. People named Rotmayer tend to originate in Germany and Austria, while people under the Rotmayr and Rotmeier spellings are more likely to have their ancestries connected to Switzerland. Another related surname is Rothmayer, which also derives from a distorted version of the Othmar root name.
It is possible that the Rottmayr surname has an association to the old Germanic root word “rot” meaning “famous” or “renowned”, or “th colors red or pink.” Ultimately, the origin and exact meaning of the Rottmayr surname remain unknown.
Famous people with the name Rottmayr
- Johann Michael Rottmayr: a 17th century Austrian Baroque painter.
- Johann Georg Rottmayr: the son of the above, known as an Austrian Baroque painter, draftsman and etcher.
- Franz Rottmayr: a Bavarian landscape painter and etcher.
- Karl Rottmayr: a 19th century Austrian historical painter.
- Anton Rottmayr: a Viennese architect.
- Ladislaus Rottmayr: an 18th century Austrian theologian and mathematician.
- Andreja Rottmayr: an Austrian contemporary artist.
- Raimund Rottmayr: a 20th century Austrian mathematician and physicist.