Surname Widmayer - Meaning and Origin

Widmayer: What does the surname Widmayer mean?

The last name Widmayer generally has Germanic origins. The oldest variations of this surname may have derived from the Middle High German term 'widemeier', which translates to 'with a big control'. This term likely referred to an individual who held some form of authority, such as that of a town mayor or a judge. From this, the modern Widmayer surname is thought to have evolved.

In later centuries, other variations of the Widmayer surname developed, including Widmayerbammer, Widmayerbüchler and Widmayerbechler. These new versions may have been used to distinguish individuals within the same family from one another, or perhaps to indicate a specific job or title.

Today, the surname Widmayer can still be found primarily throughout Germany and Austria, but also in other countries with longtime Germanic populations, like the United States, Canada and Australia. Those who have the Widmayer last name are likely to have descended from a single ancestor, a figure of great importance who was given this surname to denote and recognize their standing within the community.

Widmayer: Where does the name Widmayer come from?

The last name Widmayer is most commonly seen in Austria, Switzerland, Germany, and the United States.

In Austria, Widmayer is mainly associated with the northern province of Upper Austria. The name is believed to have first cropped up in this area in the 16th century when the Bavarian noble family of Widmayer became established. The Widmayers were loyal to the Habsburg dynasty and held important positions within Austrian military and government. Their prominence in Upper Austria declined following the lost wars of the 19th century, but their legacy can still be seen in the names of streets and settlements that bear their name.

In Switzerland, it is thought that the Widmayer family were among the first settlers of the country, and were noticeable particularly in Zurich. The name has been widely used in the country for centuries, especially in the central and eastern parts.

In Germany, the Widmayer surname was more widespread in the middle of the 19th century. It was especially common in Bavaria and in other states near the Switzerland border, such as Baden-Württemberg. Many residents of these regions with the Widmayer name were craftsmen, merchants, or held clerical, or military positions.

In the United States, the Widmayer name first appears around 1853 as many members of the Germanic Widmayer family immigrated Out of Germany. Today, Widmayer is most common in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, though there are individuals with the Widmayer name in all of the United States. Many of the descendants of the original Widmayer immigrants have adopted the Americanized spelling of Wiedmeyer.

Variations of the surname Widmayer

The Widmayer surname is derived from the German-based Widmaiher, which is from the Middle High German words "widu" meaning "wide" and "meier" or "mayer" meaning "mayor". This was the name of a person who held the position of mayor in a village or a courtly official in local government that had a wide area of authority.

The variants of this surname include Widmaier, Widmaiery, Wiedemayer, Wiedemaire, Wiedemayr, Wedmire, Vittmir, and Vittmair. It can be spelled in a variety of ways, such as Widmayer, Widmair, Widmer, Widemar, or Wiedmeyer.

The surname Widmayer has multiple surnames from the same origin, such as Widmaier, Widmaiery, Wiedemayer, Wiedemaire, Wiedemayr, Wedmire, Vittmir, and Vittmair. These surnames can also be spelled differently, such as Widmayer, Widmair, Widmer, Widemar, or Wiedmeyer.

The Widmayer/Widmaier surname can be found in different countries in Europe, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Poland. In America, many people with the Widmayer surname trace their heritage back to Germany or Poland.

Famous people with the name Widmayer

• Kit Widmayer: Kit is an Actor and Producer featured in the films Radiance, The Katurian Trilogy and Freak of Nature.
• Mary Widmayer:Mary Widmayer is a former beauty pageant contestant who has competed in Miss USA, Miss Colorado and Mrs. Minnesota contests.
• Katrina Widmayer: Katrina Widmayer is an American artist, specializing in photography and fine art.
• Derek Widmayer: Derek Widmayer is a professional basketball player from the United States, currently playing for the SIU Carbondale Salukis.
• Christian Widmayer: Christian Widmayer is an Austrian figure skater who competed in the disciplines of men's single and pair skating.
• David Widmayer: David Widmayer is an American soccer coach who is currently the Head Coach of the Colorado Rapids.
• Olaf Widmayer: Olaf Widmayer is a German politician and was a Member of Parliament from 2009-2017 for the Social Democratic Party of Germany.
• Gary Widmayer: Gary Widmayer is a retired United States Army Major General, who served as the Commanding General of the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan.
• Paul Widmayer: Paul Widmayer is a German composer, singer-songwriter, producer and musical director.
• Manfred Widmayer: Manfred Widmayer is an Austrian Olympic cyclist who competed in the 1960 Summer Olympic Games in Rome.

Other surnames

Widmayr