Surname Thannheiser - Meaning and Origin
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Thannheiser: What does the surname Thannheiser mean?
The last name Thannheiser is of German origin and originated in the medieval Rhineland-Palatinate region. It is an occupational surname that refers to an experienced brewer who owned a brewhouse in the locality of the family. The root of the name has been derived from the Middle High German word ‘heisser’ which literally means ‘fetcher’or ‘carrier’. It was applied to the THannHeiser craftmanship of bringing the malt to the brewhouse, converting the grain to a condition suitable for brewing and also malting it prior to use.
The occupational Thannheiser surname likely referenced a man or women of the village who was skilled in the brewing profession. Many Johnston families emigrated to America in the 1800s and early 1900s, likely seeking a better life having the opportunities and freedoms of the New World.
The Thannheiser surname is associated with the characteristics of dependability, thoughtfulness, and stability. Those with the last name Thannheiser are likely conscientious and reliable people who excel at completing tasks efficiently. They have a strong appreciation of history and tradition and enjoy establishing and maintaining a strong social network.
Overall, the last name Thannheiser carries with it and interesting history and a set of associated characteristics. It is likely to be associated with someone who is efficient and reliable with a strong appreciation of family, history, and tradition.
Order DNA origin analysisThannheiser: Where does the name Thannheiser come from?
The last name Thannheiser is most common today in Germany, with more than 3,000 recorded individuals bearing this surname in the country. Evidence of the surname's existence dates back to 1285 when a record was found mentioning an Albrecht Tannhäuser of Kronach. As the German Empire spread during the Middle Ages, the last name spread all around the region and developed numerous small variations as it moved. Today, Thannheiser can be found in other countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and even the USA, representing the extended families of those who emigrated during the 19th and 20th centuries.
The exact origin of the Thannheiser name is unknown, however it is believed to be derived from the German noun ‘Tanhäuser’, which roughly translates to a ‘ tanner’ or ‘leatherworker’ from a combination of ‘Tan’ (meaning leather) and “Häuser” (meaning house). This suggests that the Thannheiser surname was likely given to a family who worked in the leather industry hundreds of years ago.
Though the Thannheiser family has spread out, it is still common enough throughout Germany that it continues to be recognized today. As with many old Germanic family names, a sense of unity, belonging, and family pride continues to be associated with it.
Variations of the surname Thannheiser
The surname Thannheiser has a number of variants, spellings, and surnames of similar origin. The variants, spellings and surnames that share the same origin as Thannheiser are “Thanheiser,” “Than Heyser,” “Tannehuser,” “Thannhauser,” and “Tannhauser.”
The variants of the Thannheiser surname stem from the old German words “thanne” which means “vine” or “grape vine,” and “hause” which means “house,” so the surname can be interpreted as a literal place name—a house with a vineyard. Additional cognates have developed across the globe including the Netherlands, where the surname is written as “Tanneheer.”
In America, Thannheiser has become both Thanheiser and Tannhauser—the latter being particularly popular in certain areas of the U.S. Some Americans have also adopted the nickname “Tanny,” derived from the Americanized pronunciation of Tannhauser.
Other spellings of Thannheiser include “Thann Hayser,” “Thannhouser,”—spelt with an “h” instead of an “e”—and “Thanhouser.”
The Thannheiser or Thannhouser surname is found primarily in the German-speaking countries of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The name can also be found in the United States, particularly in Pennsylvania, where large numbers of German immigrants settled in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Regardless of the spelling, this surname refers to a house with a vineyard which has come to be associated with the Germanic cultures in which it originated.
Famous people with the name Thannheiser
- Jay Thannheiser: American singer-songwriter, musician and composer.
- Doug Thannheiser: American television writer and producer for shows like “Two and a Half Men”.
- Eric Thannheiser: American professional soccer player who currently plays for the New England Revolution.
- Rob Thannheiser: American television producer, writer and director best known for his work on shows like The Simpsons.
- Ryan Thannheiser: American film producer and actor, best known for his work on films such as Cloverfield.
- Albert Thannheiser: Australian singer-songwriter, musician, composer and producer.
- James Thannheiser: American actor, known for his roles in films like American Sniper and Brokeback Mountain.
- Jared Thannheiser: American film and television actor, best known for his roles in films like The Hangover and Neighbors.
- Chris Thannheiser: American television writer and producer, best known for his work on shows like 30 Rock and Saturday Night Live.
- Donna Thannheiser: American actress best known for her roles in films like The Social Network and Silver Linings Playbook.