Surname Dollmaier - Meaning and Origin
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Dollmaier: What does the surname Dollmaier mean?
The last name Dollmaier is of German origin, and is derived from the word "dollmaker." This surname is thought to have first developed as an occupational name for a person who made or sold dolls, often referring to someone who specialized in creating dolls from wood and fabric. Dollmaking was a popular profession throughout the late medieval and early modern period in Germany, with dollmakers found in many areas across the country.
The name Dollmaier is a combination of two words: "Doll" and "Maier," the latter being an old German word meaning "master" or "workman." Therefore, in its original form, the meaning of the name Dollmaier was "master dollmaker" - referring to a skilled artisan who made dolls for a living.
Typically, Dollmaier is seen as a patronymic surname, meaning that it was passed down from the father to his children. It is common for children to take their father's last name, as the Dollmaier family did, which developed the variance of surnames seen today.
Today, the name Dollmaier is still found in many parts of Europe and even elsewhere around the world. Though few Dollmaiers are likely to be directly involved in the dollmaking trade, the name still serves as an interesting reminder of a craft which was once very popular and beloved in German culture.
Order DNA origin analysisDollmaier: Where does the name Dollmaier come from?
The last name Dollmaier is most commonly found in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and the Czech Republic. This family name appears to have evolved from the German word “Dollmeier” which translates to “One from the valley of pines”. Dollmaier likely originated in the Middle Ages and is believed to have been adopted by a family living and working in the mountainous regions of the Germanic-speaking nations.
The Dollmaier surname is prominent in Germany, especially in the southwest region. The highest concentration of this last name is found in the Federal State of Baden-Würtenberg. Dollmaier is also found in parts of Austria and Switzerland. While it is not as common in the Czech Republic, there are still records showing the name to be present.
Today, Dollmaier remains a popular family name in the Germanic-speaking regions of Europe. Many individuals with the Dollmaier last name still live and work in the same area from which the family name originated. In addition, it is not uncommon to find Dollmaier like surname variants, such as Dollmayer, in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic.
Variations of the surname Dollmaier
The surname Dollmaier is a variation of the German surname Dollmaire. It is most commonly used in southern German-speaking countries. Other common variants and spellings include Dollmayer, Dollmeyer, Dollmair, Dollmajer, Dollmeier, Dollmeir, and Dollmoyer.
The Dollmaier surname originated from a place name. The origin of the name is uncertain, but some believe it can be traced back to the Latvian word for “hills”. In the early 1400s, families would use a version of the place name as their surname.
Surnames that are thought to share the same origin in Anglophone countries include Doolittle, Dallmeyer, Doll, and Dolle. The 1904 novel by English author J. M. Barrie is often credited with popularizing the name “Doolittle” as a surname, but the name existed before the book’s publication and likely shares the same origin as Dollmaier.
The Dollmaier surname is related to the surname Dallmeyer, which is a combination of the English element “dall” (meaning “small”) and the German element “mayer” (meaning “mayor”). Dallmeyer is also used in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and is thought to have the same origin as Dollmaier.
The Dollmaier surname is also related to the surnames Doll and Dolle. Doll is derived from the German word “dull” (meaning “noble”) and Dolle is derived from the German word “doll” (meaning “charm”). Both of these names are also used in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and likely share the same origin as Dollmaier.
Famous people with the name Dollmaier
- Johann Dollmaier: This Austrian actor from the silent era was particularly well-known for his roles in the German archaeological adventure serials of the 1920s.
- Gerhard Dollmaier: This German theatre and film director of the 1970s and 80s is best known for his 1982 productions of Brecht's plays Mother Courage and Her Children and The Woman as Judge.
- Robert Dollmaier: This Austrian sculptor of the 1930s created painted wood reliefs depicting the life of Jesus Christ's travels through his hometown of Austria.
- Michael Dollmaier: This German author and journalist is best known for his investigative pieces on the current state of the European Union.
- Maria Dollmaier: This Austrian painter from the 19th century specialized in still life painting, often featuring vases of flowers.
- Nobert Dollmaier: This Austrian photographer of the 1950s and 60s created images featuring cityscapes of Austria and Germany and was best known for his work documenting the rebuilding of Germany after World War II.
- Robert Dollmaier: This German painter from the 17th century specialized in portrait painting and was well-known for his depictions of members of the royal court.
- Wolfgang Dollmaier: This German actor of the 1980s and 90s is most famous for his portrayal of a German World War Two soldier in the television show Kampfgruppe.
- Luzi Dollmaier: This German film director of the 1990s and 2000s won awards for his feature films exploring the themes of love, loss, and nostalgia.