Surname Malzer - Meaning and Origin
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Malzer: What does the surname Malzer mean?
The surname Malzer is derived from the Middle High German term “Malz,” which often referred to a location of a malt house. As such, Malzer likely served as an occupational surname for individuals who worked in the trade or profession of producing malt for breweries or other alcoholic beverages. Alternatively, the name could originate from the Middle High German word “malser,” meaning “a guileful, tricky man” – a rather fitting description for someone who is a shrewd negotiator in trade.
The earliest known record of the Malzer surname dates back to the 14th century when a Franciscus, de Malzer was mentioned in the records of the Commune of Ravensburg, Germany. Over the centuries, the name has spread around Germany and the surrounding countries with variations in spelling such as Maalzer, Malz, Malze and Melzer. During the 19th century and into the twentieth, some members of the family emigrated to the United States or to other countries, thereby extending the reach of the Malzer name throughout the world.
Today, the Malzer surname is associated with a number of individuals who have achieved distinction in their respective fields. Whether it is in medicine, engineering, art, or politics, Malzers around the world continue to build upon the Malzer legacy, a testament to the impact of this family’s lasting and powerful name.
Order DNA origin analysisMalzer: Where does the name Malzer come from?
The last name Malzer is most commonly found in and around Germany. In the country, one finds the name mostly around large cities like Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Berlin. In the small towns and rural areas it is less common.
Research shows that Germany is the most likely place of origin for the last name Malzer. It is believed to possibly have a German or Jewish origin, based on the variations of the name, which include Melzer, Molzer, and Malz.
As of 2019, approximately 1,949 people in Germany had the last name Malzer. Representing only about 0.0003 percent of Germany’s population, however, the name is rather rare.
The name Malzer is mainly found outside of Germany in the United States and Canada. In the United States Malzer is the 4,946th most popular last name. Most of those with the last name live on the east coast and in large cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City.
In Canada, countries like Austria and Switzerland, the last name Malzer is even rarer, but it is still found. For instance, the 2015 Canadian Census found that only 74 Canadians had the last name.
Overall, the name Malzer is most common in Germany but its presence in other countries, such as the United States and Canada, shows that it is still a prevalent name today.
Variations of the surname Malzer
Malzer is a surname of uncertain origin, though German and Jewish (Ashkenazi) roots have been suggested. Possible variants, spellings, and surnames derived from it could include Malzerin, Malor, Maler, Maaler, Maller, Mallerin, Malorin, Mauler, Maailer, Mailer, Maillier/Maylier, Malier, Meilor, Melzerin, Malzin, Malczin, Melzin, Melczin, and Melorin.
The etymology of the surname Malzer is still debated, but it may be a Germanic name with several potential distinctive derivations. It has been proposed that Malzer could come from the name Malther or Mahlert, which comes from the Germanic element 'malth' meaning 'counsel' or 'machinery' combined with 'hari' meaning 'warrior'. As such, the name Malzer could originally have been held by someone of a mechanical aptitude or Kellner (an Old German occupation).
Alternatively, there is evidence suggesting Malzer may be an Ashkenazi Jewish occupational name derived from the Yiddish word 'maler', meaning 'tailor'. During the Middle Ages, this occupation was widespread throughout Jewish communities in Central and Eastern Europe. Jewish surnames often developed from occupational titles and Malzer could be one such example.
Finally, there is a possibility that Malzer could be a phonetic variant of the Middle High German name Mahaltheser, derived from 'mihil' meaning 'mighty'. This would suggest the name was held by someone of high importance or prestige during the medieval period.
Famous people with the name Malzer
- Michael Malzer: Former Member of the German Parliament.
- Brigitte Malzer: German meteorologist and qualified pilot.
- Helga Malzer: Austrian historian and author of books on the history of women in Austria.
- Alexander Malzer: Professional cyclist.
- Kurt Malzer: Former Austrian Olympic rower.
- Reinhard Malzer: German ski jump coach and Olympic medalist.
- Philipp Malzer: German sprint canoeist, competed in the 2016 Summer Olympics.
- Peter Malzer: Former German handball player.
- Johannes Malzer: German athlete who competed in the 1964 Summer Olympics.
- Georg Malzer: Austrian former Nordic combined skier.