Surname Pöttner - Meaning and Origin
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Pöttner: What does the surname Pöttner mean?
The last name Pöttner is a German surname and its meaning is derived from the medieval German word "pott", which means a pot or jar. The same root also gives us the English word "potter." Thus, the surname Pöttner is derived from the occupation of potter/ceramicist and refers to someone who was skilled in that craft.
In more modern times, the surname Pöttner was used in surnaming conventions to indicate someone from a family of potters or ceramicists. Often times, surnames derive from someone’s occupation- presenting a unique source of insight into the lives and trades of our ancestors. That being said, Pöttner could have been a family name that was in use to symbolize the craftsmanship of ceramics or pottery that was carried down for generations.
Given the Pöttner's historical origin, the surname is most common in South Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is suggested that the surname is still in use as a family name, typically in rural areas. In some cases, the use of Pöttner as a surname may have been anglicized to Potter in the US. Generally speaking, the Pöttner surname refers to someone who was of ceramicist or pottery in origin.
Order DNA origin analysisPöttner: Where does the name Pöttner come from?
Today, the last name Pöttner can be found mainly in certain parts of Germany. Primarily, the name is spread across Upper Saxony and Bavaria which were historically part of East Prussia. In some areas of Upper Saxony the name is among the most popular in the region including Plauen-Oberlosa, Dulda, Zwickau-Werdau, and Hof-Rohr.
Other areas of Germany where Pöttner is more commonly found today include the states of Berlin and Brandenburg, as well as parts of the Rhineland-Palatinate and Thuringia, particularly areas near the Saxony border.
Outside of modern Germany, the name is also found in Austria, although not as frequently as in Germany. It is believed that a number of Pöttner families relocated to Austria during the late 19th Century and the early-to-mid 20th Century.
In addition, some families bearing this surname can be found in the United States, particularly in Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota, and other parts of the Midwest, as well as parts of New York. It is likely that a few of these individuals or their ancestors emigrated from Germany during the 1800s.
Though the name Pöttner is now spread across many parts of the world, this wasn't always the case and it continues to be well-represented in its traditional areas of origin.
Variations of the surname Pöttner
The surname Pöttner is derived from Middle High German and has many variations, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Some of these variants include Pötner, Pötten, Pöttenauer, Pöttenberger, and Pöttenmeister.
The most common spellings of the surname are Pöttner, Pötner, and Pödden. Pöte is probably the oldest spelling and is also found in documents from the Middle Ages. It may have evolved from the pre-Christian naming convention of naming a child after their father.
The surname Pötten is believed to be an original spelling of Pöttner. It is still used in various parts of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Pöttenauer is another spelling found in southern German-speaking regions and is likely derived from the stemau suffix, which means "of or from a place".
The surname Pöttenberger is derived from either Pötten or Pöttner. It is found in various parts of Germany and is thought to have first been used by a family that lived near a Pöttenburg.
Finally, Pöttenmeister is likely derived from the Middle High German words pottemeyster, which translate to pot maker. This surname is typically found in southern Germany and eastern Austria.
In conclusion, there are many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Pöttner. These include Pötner, Pötten, Pöttenauer, Pöttenberger, and Pöttenmeister. Each of these is found in various parts of Germany and Austria and has evolved from the original pre-Christian naming convention of naming a child after their father.
Famous people with the name Pöttner
- Thomas Pöttner: German politician and former mayor of the village of Tannenberg in Saxony-Anhalt.
- Heribert Pöttner: former "Press Officer of the Day"(POD) of the Bavarian State Chancellery.
- Rolf Pöttner: German former footballer and manager, who played for the MSV Duisburg in the Bundesliga and last managed Austria Klagenfurt.
- Dan Pöttner: Canadian actor, best known for his role as Phil Trout in the Canadian television series The George Kirby Comedy Hour.
- Eva Pöttner: German actress, best known for her role in the TV series "The Alps-A Scandinavian Mystery".
- Ursula Pöttner: an Austrian-German photographer and author, best known for her work on the "Schiefergebirgsmuseum" (fossil museum).
- Max Pöttner: Austrian architect, known for designing the Vienna State Opera House, the Austrian Parliament Building, and Salzburg Cathedral.
- Peter Pöttner: Austrian sculptor, noted for his works in bronze, marble, and wood.
- Bernd Pöttner: German former professional cyclist, who rode for the West German national team in the 1972 Summer Olympics.
- Günter Pöttner– Austrian former ski jumper, who competed in the 1964 and 1968 Winter Olympics.