Surname Mäusgeier - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Mäusgeier: What does the surname Mäusgeier mean?
The last name Mäusgeier originates from Germany and is derived from the German word “mäusegeier”, which translates to “mouse-eater” in English. The surname is likely a moniker derived from the vulturine bird, a species of which are native to Germany.
In Germanic culture, this particular type of bird was believed to feed on small mammals such as mice and other vermin. Thus, it is likely that the person who first bore this name did so because they were suspected or known to be particularly good at finding and catching rodents. This practical surname was later passed down through the generations, eventually becoming known as Mäusgeier.
The name has several variations, depending on the German dialect spoken. In Bavarian, it may be spelled “Muasgeier” or “Mouasgeier,” and in Hochdeutsch, “Mausgeier” and “Mawasgeier” can also be used.
Despite its rather forbidding connotations, the Mäusgeier surname is quite common throughout Germany and there are many families who proudly bear it. It’s a unique name that carries the long tradition of German heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisMäusgeier: Where does the name Mäusgeier come from?
The last name Mäusgeier is most commonly found in Germany, where it originated. It is a German compound name made up of two separate words, 'Maus' and 'Geier'. The literal translation of the name is 'mouse vulture'. The name is quite unique, so a majority of the population bearing this name is concentrated in small towns and villages in Germany.
The associated coat of arms has a silvery background which forms the shape of a shield, in the style of German (or Saxon) heraldry. On the shield is a yellow vulture holding a mouse in its talons. This is to represent both parts of the name.
The Mäusgeier surname is not only found in Germany today. Due to Germanic emigration, it is also found in places all around the world. For example, in the United States, Mäusgeiers can be found in Pennsylvania, New York, and California. In South America, there are Mäusgeiers living in Argentina, Chile, and Venezuela. Canada is also home to Mäusgeiers, mainly in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia.
The Mäusgeier family still maintains an ancestral line in Germany today. This is highly likely due to the unique coat of arms and last name, which cannot be easily changed. This is why, even in 21st century, the last name of Mäusgeier is still fairly common in Germany and its diaspora.
Variations of the surname Mäusgeier
Mäusgeier is a German surname that has various spellings, variants and surnames of the same origin. The different variants of the name are Mausgeier, Maus Gier, Mousgire and Mousgey. The most common variant is Mausgeier, which is also the closest approximate to the original surname.
Mausgeier is a variation of the surname that means 'mouse vulture,' where 'Maus' means 'mouse' and 'geier' translates to 'vulture.' This type of bird is known for its voracious appetite, which is why the surname became associated with this type of bird.
The most popular spelling of Mäusgeier is Mousgire. This spelling is derived from the Old French word ‘mouserger’, which translates to ‘a mouser’ or ‘a rat catcher’. It was used to describe a person who caught and killed rats and other vermin.
The surname Mousgey is derived from the Old French words ‘mou’ which translates to ‘mouse’ and ‘gié’ which means ‘worker’. This spelling of the name was popular in Normandy during the Middle Ages.
In North America, the Mäusgeier surname is often found under the spelling Mousekier or Muskier. Both of these variants translate to ‘mouse catcher’ or ‘rat catcher’.
In short, Mäusgeier is an interesting surname with various spellings, variants, and surnames of the same origin. Its meaning and history speaks to the agility and voraciousness associated with the vulture. The spelling choices vary from place to place, but the meanings remain the same.
Famous people with the name Mäusgeier
- Stephanie Mäusgeier: Stephanie Mäusgeier is a German television presenter and producer known for her music and entertainment shows on German television.
- Ernst Mäusgeier: Ernst Mäusgeier is a Former Austrian footballer who played for the national team in the 1940s.
- Elfriede Mäusgeier-Krieg: Elfriede Mäusgeier-Krieg was an Austrian Opera and Operetta singer who was particularly active during the 1920s and 1930s.
- Joachim Mäusgeier: Joachim Mäusgeier is a German former cyclist, who won five German national titles and has competed in several Tour de France editions.
- Gert Mäusgeier: Gert Mäusgeier is a German former tennis player, best known for his results in the doubles on the ATP Tour.
- Cordula Mäusgeier: Cordula Mäusgeier is a German Paralympic swimmer who has competed in international swimming events for Germany.
- Guido Mäusgeier: Guido Mäusgeier is a German football coach, who has been the manager of several clubs in the German Bundesliga.
- Walter Mäusgeier: Walter Mäusgeier is a German former handball player who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics.
- Heinz Mäusgeier: Heinz Mäusgeier is a former Austrian footballer who spent most of his career at GAK.
- Gerd Mäusgeier: Gerd Mäusgeier is a German former amateur boxer in the Heavyweight division.