Surname Reitmeier - Meaning and Origin

Reitmeier: What does the surname Reitmeier mean?

Reitmeier is a Germanic surname, derived from the Middle High German words reit (meaning 'ride') and meier ('mayor' or 'steward'). The Reitmeier surname also appears in Dutch records with the variants Reitmeijer and Reitermeier, and in Bruntyl Saxon and Bavarian records as Reytmajer, Rytmajer, and Reitemeyer. The name was originally held by a class of lordly stewards, who were responsible for managing a nobleman's lands, goods, wages, and other assets.

This surname has roots in early feudal Germany, when the Reitmeiers acted as an intermediary between the barons and their subjects, providing an independent voice in disputes and otherwise ensuring that justice was served. Their family held positions of power and trust in the kingdoms and principalities of a much larger family tree. Reitmeiers were often freely appointed to lead armies, negotiate with foreign countries, and govern the estates of lords and kings.

The Reitmeier family name has been spread over the centuries by the many different branches of the family, which established themselves in the Low Countries, Austria, and parts of the British Isles. Over time, different branches of the family named themselves after the area or region in which they lived, giving rise to a variety of variants.

Today, the Reitmeier surname is still found in various places around the world, including the United States of America, Canada, and Australia. Those who bear this proud family name can trace their roots back to a proud tradition of service and leadership that stands as a testament to the Reitmeiers' enduring legacy.

Reitmeier: Where does the name Reitmeier come from?

Today, the last name Reitmeier is most commonly found in Germany, where many descendants of the original German surname are still located. The largest clusters of people with the last name Reitmeier are in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Hesse, three German states in what is contemporary-day Germany.

The surname Reitmeier is related to the medieval occupation of reitmeister – or horse master. The term was likely a title among German noble families specifically referring to the head of horses in similar roles to that of a groom or stable master, but on a much grander scale. The title of 'Reitmeister' was so prestigious that its original meaning based upon the original horse master occupation is now no longer in use.

Outside of Germany, the last name Reitmeier is still sparsely used but can be found among other German diasporas elsewhere in the world, especially in America. The name is in also found in Northern Ireland, likely due to descendants of German protestants who sought to flee religious persecution during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Today, the Reitmeier surname is widely distributed in Germany, and holds a proud past deeply rooted in horsemanship and German nobility.

Variations of the surname Reitmeier

Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Reitmeier include Reitmeir, Reittmeier, Reitmaier, Reitmeyer, Reitmayr, Reitemeyer, Reitemeier, Reitmeir, Reytmeir, Retmeyer, and Reytmeier.

Reitmeier is a German name derived from the Middle High German word "reit," meaning "rider" or "rider of horses." In some cases, the spelling "Reitmeier" may have come about due to regional dialects or an influence of a foreign language (Flemish and Dutch). It is believed that the Reitmeier surname originated around 1200 and has since spread across Germany, the Netherlands, and parts of Eastern Europe.

The spelling of the surname Reitmeier is often used interchangeably with Reitmaier, Reitmeir, and Reittmeier, although in some cases, "Reitmeier" may denote a more specific geographical origin. Other popular spellings of this surname also include Reitmeyer, Reitmayr, Reitemeyer, Reitemeier, and Reytmeir, all of which appear to have the same origin as the surname Reitmeier.

In some cases, the name may be spelled in an "anglicized" form, such as Retmeyer, which simply means that the spelling has been slightly altered for easier usage in English speaking countries. Similarly, Reytmeier is a variant sometimes seen in the Netherlands.

Though all of these spellings appear to be of the same origin, it is important to note that some of these variants may have come about due to different regional dialects, as well as variations of other ethnic languages such as Dutch or Flemish. However, regardless of the spelling, the origin of the surname is believed to be the same.

Famous people with the name Reitmeier

• Selina Reitmeier-Schrag, German digital artist and poet.
• Gebhard Reitmeier, German footballer.
• Joseph Reitmeier, South Australian politician.
• Johann Reitmeier, German-Austrian military officer.
• Tue Reitmeier, Danish footballer.
• Goetz Reitmeier, German skeleton racer.
• Frank Reitmeier, German swimmer.
• Michael Reitmeier, German actor in television, film and theatre.
• Johann Reitmeier, German-Austrian military officer.
• Moritz Reitmeier, German designer, artist and photographer.
• Manfred Reitmeier, German swimmer.
• Chris Reitmeier, American model.
• Elke Reitmeier, German biathlon coach and world champion.
• Willi Reitmeier, German military historian.
• Klaus Reitmeier, German politician.
• Nicole Reitmeier, German-American figure skater and coach.
• Dietmar Reitmeier, German photographer.
• Felix Reitmeier, German actor.
• Felix Reitmeier, German television and film producer.
• Wolfgang Reitmeier, German cinematographer.

Other surnames

Reitmeir