Surname Pichelmayr - Meaning and Origin
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Pichelmayr: What does the surname Pichelmayr mean?
The last name Pichelmayr is a German and Austrian surname that dates back to at least the 1800s. It is derived from the Middle High German words "pichel," meaning a small hatchet, and "meiere," meaning a miller. This suggests that the original bearer of the name had either worked as a miller or may have been a blacksmith or carpenter who used a hatchet or axes.
Pichelmayr is still a relatively rare surname, with the greatest concentration of the name being found in Austria. It is also common in Germany, Switzerland, and the United States, though less so in other countries. The variants of the name include Pichelmeyer, Pichelmayer, and Pichelmaier.
The Pichelmayr family crest includes two crossed hatchets or hammers in a shield shape, beneath which there are three stars. This suggests that the Pichelmayr family was once considered a skilled craftsman family, though the specific trade is not known.
Families with this surname often go by nicknames such as "Pichel" or "Pichelmann." This may be derived from the nickname "Pikkel," which originated in the 17th century due to the popularity of the miller and was used as a way to distinguish between members of the Pichelmayr family.
Today, the Pichelmayr name still carries a sense of prestige. Many families and individuals with the name Pichelmayr have gone on to accomplish great things, from serving in the military to becoming successful professionals in a variety of fields. This is a reflection of the noble traditions associated with the name.
Order DNA origin analysisPichelmayr: Where does the name Pichelmayr come from?
The last name Pichelmayr is primarily a German name, where up to the present day there are still numerous families bearing this name. The name is most commonly seen in the states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, with some scattered families also living in other parts of Germany. The origins of the name can be found in the area of Neuburg an der Donau, in Bavaria. The name is especially dense in the region around Schwabach in the northeast of the state.
Today there is also a large number of families bearing the name Pichelmayr outside of Germany. Many emigrated from the 19th century onwards and can be found in many countries, especially to the United States, Canada, Brazil and Argentina. Beyond these, there are still pockets of the Pichelmayr surname in many other countries around the world, from Australia to New Zealand, the United Kingdom and even India.
Although the Pichelmayr surname is predominantly German, its true origin remains a mystery. Some believe that it is derived from the Greek words "Philos" and "Melos" meaning "lover of honey", while others claim that the name was brought to the region of Bavaria by those who migrated from Austria.
Overall, the Pichelmayr surname is still quite common today, even outside of its original German homeland. Its origins remain a mystery but its presence is sure to be found in various parts of the world.
Variations of the surname Pichelmayr
Pichelmayr is an ancient Germanic surname which has its roots in the old Frankish language. It is most commonly spelled as "Pichelmayr" or "Pichlmayr", but there are also several variants and alternate spellings, such as "Pichalmayr", "Picklmayer", "Pithlmaier", "Pithlmer", and "Pitmlayr".
In addition, there are also some surnames of the same origin, such as: "Pithlmeier", "Pichlmaier", "Picklmaier", "Pichelmeir", "Pichelmair", "De Pichlemer", "De Pichelmaier", and "Pitlmeyrer".
This surname is derived from the Germanic words "pichel" or "picht" meaning bit or piece, and "meier", meaning mayor or steward. Thus, the surname Pichelmayr likely originated from a person who held an administrative position in a medieval German village.
The Pichelmayr family can trace their roots back to the 13th century, and their name first appeared in official documents in the 14th century. Over the years, the Pichelmayr family has been scattered across Europe, settling in many different countries and regions. Today, this surname is found in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and other parts of Eastern Europe.
Famous people with the name Pichelmayr
- Lukas Pichelmayr: Austrian ski jumper who competed at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.
- Herta Pichelmayr: Austrian alpine skier who competed at the 1952 Winter Olympics in Oslo.
- Willy Pichelmayr: German chef and restaurateur best known for establishing the renowned restaurant "Willy's Stube" in Munich.
- Josef Pichelmayr: Austrian geologist and polar researcher; leader of numerous polar expeditions in the 20th century.
- Johann Pichelmayr: German classical studies scholar and botanist; author of the widely read "Symbolik der Blumen" (Symbolism of Flowers).
- Ernst Pichelmayr: Austrian mathematician and physicist; recipient of the Leibniz prize in 1976.
- Heinz Pichelmayr: German musician; known for composing and performing the theme song to the classic film "Ein Unbekannter rechnet ab" (Anonymous Takes Revenge).
- Gertrude Pichelmayr: Austrian impressionist painter; best known for her landscapes of rural Austria and England.
- Maria Pichelmayr: German pediatrician; professor of pediatrics at the University of Hamburg.
- Ernst Pichelmayr: Austrian librarian; director of the Vienna Central Library from 1932 until his death in 1948.