Surname Pfizemayer - Meaning and Origin

Pfizemayer: What does the surname Pfizemayer mean?

The last name Pfizemayer is associated with German Culture. It is believed to have been derived from the region of Pfalz-Bayern which was located on the banks of Rhine River in Germany. It is a combination of the words pfad, meaning path, and Mayer, a common German occupation title meaning a master craftsman or mayor.

The Pfizemayer surname originated with a family of craftsmen who gained recognition for their skills in forging. These skills were essential for the progress and growth of many of the small villages in the Pfalz-Bayern region which relied on them for swords, knives, tools and dresses.

The Pfizemayers were know for their diligence, hard work and proficiency which saw them take their craft across Europe and eventually to the United States of America. It is believed that the westernised version of the Pfizemayer name has been changed to Pfeiffer, however it is still seen in its original form throughout the Rhineland area.

Today the Pfizemayer name is still common in the United States and some parts of Europe, however those bearing the last name usually only have a distant connection with the original family from Pfalz-Bayern. This connection serves as a reminder of the hard work and loyalty of the original family and the skills they demonstrated that laid the foundation for the success and progress of many small villages in the region.

Pfizemayer: Where does the name Pfizemayer come from?

The surname Pfizemayer is a quite uncommon one, with a few distinct possible origins. It is primarily found today in Germany, especially in the Bavaria region. It may also be present in Austria, Switzerland, and other German-speaking areas; however, there are very few instances of this name outside of Germany.

It appears to be derived from either a place name, such as Pfizerhof, Pfitzerhaus, or Pfizerberg, which all mean “parson’s court,” or a nickname, as pfizer derives from the German word for priest, "pfaff". Due to this, it is believed to have originally been borne by a priest.

The name can be found today mainly in southeastern Germany, and especially in Bavaria. The most populated areas where Pfizemayer is present are Munich, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Regensburg, and Augsburg. Moreover, there are small pockets of Pfizemayer’s scattered throughout Germany, including in the states of Baden-Württemberg and Lower Saxony.

Since the surname Pfizemayer is quite uncommon, it is likely that most of the people who have it in Germany today are related. If you are researching your family tree and have stumbled upon the name Pfizemayer, it may be a clue to a long and interesting family history!

Variations of the surname Pfizemayer

The surname Pfizemayer is an uncommon surname of German origin. It is believed to have originated in the medieval German Empire, but its exact origins are unknown. The most common variants, spellings and surnames derived from the same root are: Pfeifemeyer, Pfeiffinger, Pfeiffmeyer, Pfeffelmeyer, Feifelmeyer, Feiffmeyer and Feißmeyer. It is also sometimes spelled as Pfizemeyer and Peezemeyer.

It is an occupational surname that indicated a person who was a maker of flutes or whistles. It is composed of two elements, ‘Pfeife’ meaning ‘whistle’ or ‘flute’, and ‘Meyer’ which translates to ‘a maker’ or ‘worker’ or ‘one who lives at’.

The surname has been found in Germany, Austria, and some other European countries. It is also found elsewhere in the world, however, with emigrants taking the name to their new homes.

Today, Pfizemayer is a rare surname, so a person with this name may have a unique family history. It is important to note that there are likely variants and other spellings that may have derived from this same root. If you are researching your family history and this is your surname, it may help to track down the variants and explore their histories as well.

Famous people with the name Pfizemayer

• Otto Pfizemayer: Austrian field hockey player who competed in the 1948 and 1952 Summer Olympics.
• Sandor Pfizemayer: Austrian author and character actor.
• Karl Pfizemayer: Austrian politician who served as Chancellor of Austria from 1930 to 1932.
• Maria Pfizemayer: Austrian diarist and writer.
• Kordula Pfizemayer: Austrian stage actress.
• Gedalya Pfizemayer: Israeli-Austrian composer and musician.
• Rudolf Pfizemayer: Austrian engineer, politician and member of the First and Second Austrian Republic.
• Johann Pfizemayer: Austro-Hungarian Empire's court painter from 1869-1919.
• Fred Pfizemayer: American jazz trumpet player.
• János Pfizemayer: Hungarian filmmaker who directed and produced many motion pictures and documentaries.

Other surnames

Pfizemaier