Surname Linsenmayr - Meaning and Origin
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Linsenmayr: What does the surname Linsenmayr mean?
The last name Linsenmayr is of German origin. It is derived from the words "lins" meaning "lens," plus "meyerei," meaning "mill," to form the occupational surname "Linsenmayr," literally translating to "lens grinder." Over time, this surname has become more common throughout Germany and Austria.
Historically, lens grinding was an important job in society. During the Middle Ages, glass lenses were used for eyeglasses by monks and scribes so they could better see the manuscripts they were writing or reading. Professional lens grinders were employed to create these lenses, so the Linsenmayr surname was likely held by a family employed in this profession.
Today, it is estimated that almost three thousand people in Germany and Austria use the Linsenmayr surname. It is uncommon outside of those two countries, even with people descended from those who lived there in the past.
For those who carry the last name Linsenmayr, it is an important representation of their family's history. It is a reminder of the professional work their ancestors did, and the evolution of their family name over time. It is a testament to the importance of this profession, which has had an impact on their present and their future.
Order DNA origin analysisLinsenmayr: Where does the name Linsenmayr come from?
The last name Linsenmayr is a German surname, with the earliest references appearing in records from the medieval period in the region of Bavaria. Today, it is primarily found in Germany, Austria, and the German-speaking regions of Switzerland. In Germany alone, it ranks in the top 5,000 of the 75 million surnames recorded in the country’s telephone directory.
Emigration of the Linsenmayr family to other countries began in the late 19th century when they moved to the United States. By the 1920s, thousands had relocated to areas like Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, and Nebraska. Subsequent generations of Linsenmayrs began to spread out further, with many now residing in all 50 American states.
Linsenmayrs can also be found living in nearby countries like Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. It is particularly popular in French-speaking Quebec, where the orthographic variations of Linsenmayer and Linsenmaire can be found appearing in names of French Canadians.
Outside of the Americas, emigrated Linsenmayrs have headed to the rest of the world, from Australia and Thailand to Botswana and Brazil. In fact, it is estimated that there are now more Linsenmayrs living abroad than in Germany itself.
Despite the increased global dispersal of the Linsenmayr surname, the name remains most common in German-speaking countries.
Variations of the surname Linsenmayr
The surname Linsenmayr is a German surname with several variants, spellings and associated surnames. The most common variant spellings of Linsenmayr include Linsenmayer, Linsenmaier, and Linsenmeyer. These variants can be found in German, Austrian and Swiss records.
Linsenmayr is also a form of the German surname “Linsen”, which is derived from “Linchen” or “Linke” and likely refers to an occupation with this trade. This surname is also found in records from early medieval times as “Linsen” or “Lins” and is of German origin.
Associated surnames of Linsenmayr include Link, Links, Linsenmeir, Lint, Lintzen, Line, Lines, and Linke. Link and Links refer to someone who was employed in the manufacture of linen while Linsenmeirs were linen menders. Lint, lintzen and lines are Old German versions of linen and Linke is a given name derived from Linkemann, a popular German occupational name for someone who worked in the manufacture of linen.
It is also possible that some holders of the surname Linsenmayr have Jewish origins, as the surname is found in Ashkenazic records from the 13th century.
In summary, the surname Linsenmayr is a German surname of uncertain origin. It has several variants and associated surnames, most of which are related to the occupation connected with linen making. It is possible that some of the holders of this surname have Jewish origins.
Famous people with the name Linsenmayr
- Ludwig Linsenmayr: German composer associated with the Northwestern German Music Foundation since 1980.
- Hans Linsenmayr: German zoologist known for his research on primitive fish and reptiles.
- Maria Linsenmayr: Austrian artist whose focus is on painting and sculpture.
- Philipp Linsenmayr: German composer and pianist who focuses on improvisation, chamber, and multimedia music.
- Ferdinand Linsenmayr: Austrian collector of the early twentieth century, he was primarily known for his collections of Austrian contemporary art.
- Ferdinand Linsenmayr, Jr.: Austrian-American composer, largely performing for the American concert stage.
- Karl Linsenmayr: German physicist specializing in semiconductor physics and technology.
- Walter Linsenmayr: Austrian conductor, composer, organist, musicologist, and music educator who conducted numerous symphonies and operas.
- Alex Linsenmayr: Swiss-American entrepreneur and philanthropist, Alex Linsenmayr was appointed as the first full-time Chair of Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management at ETH Zurich.
- Hubert Linsenmayr: Austrian-born doctor and scientist who served as Chair of the Medical Psychology Institute at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg from 1970 to 1978.