Surname Mägerlein - Meaning and Origin
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Mägerlein: What does the surname Mägerlein mean?
The last name Mägerlein is a German surname deriving from the Middle High German word mäge, meaning “mighty” or “heroic.” Its root word maiga, stemming from the Old Irish word mag, translates to “an honorific title” or “rank.” This name is usually related to German noble titles such as adeliger Mägerleinen, which translates to “noble Mägerlein.”
In German-speaking countries, Mägerlein was a common last name during the 19th century. There are several variations on the name, such as Majorin and Maierlein. During this time, the name had several spellings, with “M” and “Mä” versions also appearing.
Many Mägerlein families were established in the Rhineland Palatine region of Germany during the 17th century, when the family’s founder, Judeo (Joseph) Mägerlein, immigrated from the town of Worms. In the 18th century, many Mägerlein families moved to larger urban areas like Frankfurt, Berlin, and Hamburg.
Today, the Mägerlein name is common throughout Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In the United States, the name is found mostly in Pennsylvania, where a significant population of German speakers still resides, including descendants of the Mägerlein family.
The Mägerlein name has a long and proud history. Many families who have this last name can trace their heritage back to this noble family, and still observe certain traditions and honor their ancestry.
Order DNA origin analysisMägerlein: Where does the name Mägerlein come from?
The last name Mägerlein is most commonly found in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is an originally German name, derived from the word “Mäger”, which means a small farmer or tenant. It can also mean someone who looks after animals or land. This name is most commonly found in areas of Bavaria and Thuringia.
In Germany, this last name is most likely to be found in the northern and central parts of the country. Bavaria, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia are known to contain the highest concentrations of Mägerleins.
In the United States, there is very little data available on where the last name Mägerlein may be found. However, according to the US Census Bureau, a small number of Mägerleins have been recorded in the states of Illinois, Missouri, and New York.
Due to the sparse population of Mägerleins in the United States, it is likely that the majority of people with this last name still live in the German-speaking countries of Europe.
Mägerlein is not, however, a particularly common last name. In Germany, it is estimated that there are only about 2,500 people with this name. That being said, it is still possible to come across Mägerleins in areas that were historically settled by people of German origin.
Variations of the surname Mägerlein
The surname Mägerlein is of German origin. It is derived from two German words – ‘Mag’, meaning ‘mayor’ or ‘chief’, and ‘er’ or ‘lein’, meaning ‘little’ or ‘young’. Therefore, Mägerlein literally translates to ‘little mayor’ or ‘young chief’.
The most common variant spellings of Mägerlein include Maegherlein, Mägherlein, Mägherlin, Mägerlin, Megerlin, Magerlin, Megerlein, Magerlein, Mayerlein, Myerlein and Mayerlin.
Other cognate or surnames of the same origin include Mayger, Meier, Myer, Maier, Mayer, Maurer and Maurerlein.
In some cases, Mägerlein may also be derived from the name of a place. Some variations of Mägerlein such as Mayer, Maurer, and Maurerlein can also be derived from the German word ‘Movier’, meaning mason or builder.
In some records, the name is spelled as Megherlin or Meherlin. It is also possible that the surname may have evolved as a result of the immigration of German settlers to other countries. In such cases, the variation in spelling or pronunciation of the name can occur due to phonological and orthographic changes in the adopted language of the new settlers.
Overall, the surname Mägerlein is found in many European countries, such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. It is also present in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Famous people with the name Mägerlein
- Friedemann Mägerlein (1742: 1812) was a German composer, conductor, and music theorist.
- Alfred Mägerlein (1865: 1950) was a German painter.
- Karl Mägerlein (1837: 1905) was a German landscape painter.
- Christoph Mägerlein (1608: 1670) was a German Baroque composer, organist, and psalm singer.
- Eduard Mägerlein (1843: 1929) was a German glass painter
- Johann Paul Gottlieb Mägerlein (1726: 1799) was a German landscape painter.
- Georg Wilheim Mägerlein (born 1928) was a German sculptor.
- Eduard Mägerlein (1813: 1879) was a German historian and librarian.
- Wilhelm Mägerlein (1835: 1884) was a German architect.
- Meno Mägerlein (1896: 1985) was a German-American church musician and composer.