Surname Magerfleisch - Meaning and Origin
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Magerfleisch: What does the surname Magerfleisch mean?
The last name Magerfleisch is an archaic German surname that derived from the Old German words "mager" and "fleisch," translating to "lean" and "meat," respectively. This combination of words indicates that the family with this surname likely originated as butchers or as people who sold and prepared lean meats. Over the centuries, the name has been adapted in various forms, such as Magerflesch, Magerflesh, Magerflace, Magerfles, and Magerfletsch.
The last name Magerfleisch first emerged in Germany's Bavarian and Hesse regions during the Middle Ages, and since then, families bearing this last name have lived in various parts of Germany. It is also possible that the Magerfleischs were among the many German immigrants who settled in North America between the 1600s and 1800s.
Given this origin story, it is likely that the Magerfleischs were a proud, hardworking family who strove to provide for their families. It is also possible that the butchers in this family took pride in their use of lean meats, which may have been seen as more desirable and cost-effective than fattier meats.
Today, the Magerfleischs may still continue the authentic traditions of those butchers of centuries past, sourcing and preparing lean meats and enjoying hearty meals around the dinner table. No matter the geographical location, it appears that this is a family bond that links the modern-day Magerfleischs to their ancestors of times past.
Order DNA origin analysisMagerfleisch: Where does the name Magerfleisch come from?
The last name Magerfleisch is most common in the northeastern United States and Germany. In the US, the name is concentrated in states including New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Within Germany, the name is most common in the state of Bavaria.
In the US, the name is found in records as early as the 17th century, with families settling in New York and Pennsylvania and the name being most predominantly tied to the German immigrants who settled these colonies. Records of the name in Germany date back to prior to the 13th century.
In the present day, there are many living people who possess the last name Magerfleisch, although the exact number is unknown. It is a relatively uncommon name, indicating a small family line with a relatively specific geographic location. The name continues to be found especially in the United States and Germany.
Variations of the surname Magerfleisch
Magerfleisch is a German surname with recognizable spelling variants: Majorlsch, Mangerslich, Magerlisch, Magerlesch, Magerfleisch, Magerslich, Magersleisch, Magerslisch, and Magerslisch.
It also has some regionalized spellings and variants, such as Magerfleysh, Magerfleyesh, Magerfleesh, Megerfleish, Majorflysch, and Maigerfleish.
Various surnames with the same origin include Magers, Mager, Magersheim, and Majorls. The German spelling of the surname Magerfleisch can also be found written as Megerfleisch.
The Dutch spelling of Magerfleisch is Mengerschijf, and its French equivalent is Magerflesche.
Magers and Mager are both German variants of the surname derived from the Middle High German word mager, meaning "lean." This surname is the short or pet form of the given name Magerbert or Magerwolf, both of which derive from the combination of the words mager and berht, meaning "bright."
Magerfleisch is also found in some Jewish sources, likely following its migration in the late 1700s from Prussian-influenced areas. In this usage, Magerfleisch (or variants such as Magers or Magersheim) is derived from the Hebrew word ‘magers’ meaning ‘harvester’ and is a Yiddishized version of the Slavic occupation name Mager.
The variants and spellings of the surname Magerfleisch have been used in the United States since 1683, when Matthias Magerfleish emigrated from Germany to Philadelphia. This pointing to the likely fact that, since the mid-15th century, Magerfleisch has been in use in place-names throughout Europe, as well as given names among Jews and Catholics alike.
Famous people with the name Magerfleisch
- Björn Magerfleisch: German professional ski jumper who won gold in the 1983 World Ski Jumping Championships
- Nancy Magerfleisch: American Olympic freestyle skier who competed in the 1994 and 1998 Winter Olympics
- Ludwig Magerfleisch: German swimming sensation who broke seven German records in swimming
- Marlies Magerfleisch: German fencer who won a bronze medal at the 2000 European Fencing Championships
- Regina Magerfleisch: German broadcast journalist and host of the popular late night talk show "Kobra"
- Stephan Magerfleisch: German biathlete and two-time gold medalist in the Biathlon World Championships
- Julius Magerfleisch: Austrian figure skater who competed in the 1994 Winter Olympics