Surname Vathauer - Meaning and Origin
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Vathauer: What does the surname Vathauer mean?
The surname Vathauer is of German origin and is an occupational surname derived from the Middle High German word “wachtauer” meaning “watchman” or “guard”. During the Middle Ages, there were many watchmen employed to protect property and towns, so it’s likely that the first person to bear the Vathauer name was one of these watchmen.
Vathauer is also a derivative of the Old German “waalker”, which means “walker” or “stroller”, meaning someone who roamed from place to place. It is possible that the first person who carried this surname was a traveler or a pilgrim.
The surname is most prevalent in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and is thought to have originated in the southern part of Germany near the Swiss border. It is believed that the surname began in medieval times when there were many fortified castles and towns and they needed watchmen to protect them.
For centuries, the Vathauers have continued to be watchmen protecting property and land. Nowadays, those with the surname can be found not only in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, but all around the world. In addition to being watchmen, the Vathauers of today continue to be independent travelers, professionals, and entrepreneurs.
Order DNA origin analysisVathauer: Where does the name Vathauer come from?
The last name Vathauer is most commonly found among German-speaking populations in Austria and Germany. It can also be found in some parts of the United States today, although it is less common than it was in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when many Germans immigrated to America.
The earliest known records of the Vatauer name date back to Austria in the 12th century, when it was spelled as “Fahtowar”. Over time, it has evolved to its current spelling of Vathauer. Its origin is unknown, but it is likely derived from the German word for “fortified house”.
Many Vathauer families have settled in cities throughout Germany and Austria, including Berlin, Munich, Vienna, Hamburg, and Frankfurt. There are also Vathauers that have emigrated to the United States, where they have become an integral part of the German-American community in the Midwest and along the East Coast.
The name Vathauer is still relatively uncommon today, but it is still recognizable in many German-speaking countries and by many people of German descent in the United States. Its long history in the same recognizable spelling makes it a name that is both unique and recognizable, even in today’s increasingly interconnected world.
Variations of the surname Vathauer
The origin of the surname Vathauer is German. It is a locational name derived from the German place names Vacha, Vatt, or Vattau which all reside in Thuringia, Germany. Variants of this surname include: Vatt, Vat, Vatta, Vogt, Voigt, Voit, and Fatt. There is also the variant Voth from Austria, and Vatthauer from Germany. These variants are derived from the old German elements vat, which means ‘a creek’, and houwan meaning ‘protected.’
Vat is the most common spelling of the surname while Vatta, Vogt, Voigt, and Voit are exchangeable. Other variant forms of the surname include Fatt, Vath, Vathauer, Vathauser, Vathcer, Vathicr, Vathoger, and Vethoge.
Compared to other surnames, Vathauer is a relatively rare surname. Most people with the Vathauer surname will trace their roots back to Thuringia in Germany. It is believed that the original inhabitants of this region were of Slavic origin, and as such, many of the names associated with this area also have Slavic origins.
The alternative spellings of Vathauer suggest an array of alternative surnames, primarily derived from German and Austrian names and locations. For example, Voth is an Austrian spelling, while Fatt has been recorded as a German name. Other surnames include Vatthauer, Vathauser, Vathcer, Vathicr, Vathoger, and Vethoge.
In summary, the surname Vathauer is a German locational name derived from the place names of Vacha, Vatt, or Vattau in Thuringia. The variants, spellings, and surnames of similar origin include Vat, Vatta, Vogt, Voigt, Voit, Fatt, Voth, Vatthauer, Vathauser, Vathcer, Vathicr, Vathoger, and Vethoge.
Famous people with the name Vathauer
- Alex Vathauer: Former professional ice hockey player who played for teams such as the Dallas Stars, St. Louis Blues, Pittsburgh Penguins, Anaheim Ducks and Colorado Avalanche in the National Hockey League (NHL).
- Carina Vathauer: A professional golfer who is a member of the Ladies European Tour and Symetra Tour. She has competed in multiple tournaments, including the AurAsia Ladies Open and the Ricoh Ladies Open.
- Matt Vathauer: An American professional skateboarder who has competed in numerous competitions such as the X Games, the Dew Tour, and Street league Skateboarding.
- Bernhard Vathauer: A former professional football player who played for the Minnesota Vikings (NFL) from 1985-87 and then for the Calgary Stampeders (CFL) from 1988-90.
- David Vathauer: An American composer, music producer, and musician. He has written music for multiple feature films, television programs, and video games.
- Carol Vathauer: A renowned American painter whose work has been featured in galleries and museums throughout the United States.
- Corinne Vathauer: A former competitive swimmer who represented the United States in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.
- Mark Vathauer: A successful professional photographer who has been shooting for over a decade. His work has been featured in numerous magazines, newspapers, and websites.
- Sam Vathauer: An award-winning stand-up comic, actor, and writer who has performed at multiple clubs, festivals, and conventions throughout the United States.
- Tom Vathauer: An American film director, screenwriter, and producer, recognized for his work on the films “Iverson”, “Death in a Gunfight”, and “A Dry Dream”.