Surname Paintner - Meaning and Origin
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Paintner: What does the surname Paintner mean?
The last name Paintner is of German origin and derived from the word 'Pfandner', which was an occupation in medieval times. A Pfandner was an official who collected pledges for the local ruler and later acted as a bailiff. The job involved collecting and storing valuables as pledges for loans, and delivering documents and promoting justice in local commissions.
The term 'Pfandner' eventually evolved into the modern-day form 'Paintner', referring to the same line of work. Though the job is no longer in existence today, the name is still used in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland as a descriptor of people associated with the Pfandner's occupation.
The last name Paintner is often seen written as 'Pfnür', 'Pfnendner', 'Pfnänder', and other variant forms of spelling. It is also seen in other countries such as the United States, Mexico, and Brazil, where individuals of German descent and other European countries may have taken the name upon emigrating or anglicized it to the present spelling.
Today, the last name Paintner often designates people who are associated with the original meaning of the occupation. It may also refer to individuals who are related to or connected to those people who have bearers of the name for centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisPaintner: Where does the name Paintner come from?
Today, the Paintner surname is somewhat distributed around the world. Following the first occurrences of the name in Germany, it has since spread to other parts of Europe, such as Austria, and other parts of the world such as the United States and even South Africa.
In Germany, Paintner is a rather common name, still found in many parts of the country today. You can find it in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Thuringia, Lower Saxony, Sachsen-Anhalt, and even Berlin. Interestingly, Paintner is also widespread in Austria, with people with this surname found in most of Österreich’s states.
In the United States, Paintner is also quite common, with the most significant concentration of individuals with this name found in Pennsylvania, followed by California and Florida.
Finally, records suggest that there are also people with this surname in South Africa, although their numbers are expected to be fewer as the name is not traditionally associated with the African nation.
In short, the Paintner surname can be found in some parts of Europe, the United States, and South Africa. Interestingly, it is most prevalent in Germany and Austria, and less common in other countries and regions.
Variations of the surname Paintner
The Paintner surname has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin, including Pintner, Pintnar, Pentner, Pentnar, Pontner, and Pinterner.
The surname originated in some parts of Europe, including the Czech Republic and the German-speaking countries. The name is derived from the Old High German verb pinten, meaning "to prepare for a journey." The surname is likely related to the occupation of a pintner, or someone who provided supplies for a journey, such as food, drink, or a stopover.
In some forms of the name, the ending may also be associated with the Czech word nar or narovak meaning "brotherhood." This could denote a group of people who worked together in a specific industry, like those in a pintner’s journey-making business.
The surnames Pentner and Pintner are the most popular variations of the name in German-speaking countries, like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. They are also often spelled with a double "t," like in the German version Pinttnner. In Czech-speaking countries, the spelling may also contain an "r," like Pontner and Pinterner. This surname is commonly used as a first name in some parts of Europe as well.
In the United States, the most common forms are Pintner and Pentner, both with the double "t." In recent years, some variations like Pintnar and Pentnar have seen an increase in popularity.
Overall, the Paintner surname has many variations, spellings, and surnames of the same origin, each with its own unique origin story.
Famous people with the name Paintner
- Renee Paintner: Renee Paintner is a multi-disciplinary artist and principal of Open Studio Productions in St. Augustine, FL. She specializes in both visual arts and music composition, and has published works in publications like Creative Tampa Bay and Voyage Miami.
- Jonathan Paintner: Jonathan Paintner is a 3-time Emmy Award-winning filmmaker. He has worked on national documentaries regarding discovery and conservation, as well as major network programs such as National Geographic’s ‘Ocean Mysteries’, Discovery Channel’s ‘Gold Rush: South America’, and History Channel’s ‘Curse of the Swamps’.
- Priscilla Paintner: Priscilla Paintner is an award-winning abstract painter and mixed-media artist. She currently holds a studio practice in St. Louis, with pieces featured at galleries around the Midwest, such as Landmark Arts Gallery in Kansas City, MO.
- Chloe Paintner: Chloe Paintner is a well-known literary figure in her hometown of Williamsport, PA, having co-written her book, “The Magic in Flames.” She recently judged the 2020 Pennsylvania Writing Contest, and her works have attracted the attention of famous authors like John Grisham.
- Gregory Paintner: Gregory Paintner is an American actor who has appeared in various films and television shows including “The O.C.”, “Grey’s Anatomy”, and “Cold Case”. He has also had guest starring roles in “NCIS: Los Angeles” and “Scandal”, and is set to star in the upcoming show “The Longest Ride”.