Surname Meyerherm - Meaning and Origin

Meyerherm: What does the surname Meyerherm mean?

Meyerherm is a German surname that literally translates to “Meyer's herald” or “Meyer's heirs.” The name came into use as a noble title during the Middle Ages, when rulers appointed a person to be their representative and privy councillor. In modern times, the surname is a combination of the German given names Meyer (“Mayor”) and Herm (“Herald”).

In German culture, the name may have originally held a special significance in a community, as the Meyerherm was the proud individual who served and protected the well-being of the people. In ancient times their roles were not overly political, but more focused on safeguarding familial lineage. This would have included such activities as separating feuding clans and maintaining noblehouses.

As the surname grew in popularity it spread throughout Germany and several other parts of Europe. Today Meyerherm is most prevelant in Germany, Austria, and The Netherlands. The German diaspora has also brought the name to other parts of the world.

Overall, the name Meyerherm symbolizes tradition, loyalty, and duty. It honors an ancient tradition of service and guardianship and honors the individuals who were chosen to represent their communities and families.

Curiously, the name has another meaning in modern times. Since its translation is “Meyer’s heir”, the name has become a way for families to pass on their heritage and legacy. Today, the surname Meyerherm is often adopted by those who wish to carry on the traditions and values of their predecessors.

Meyerherm: Where does the name Meyerherm come from?

The last name Meyerherm can be found on all continents, with the highest concentrations in Germany and South Africa.

In Germany, the name is most common in the northwestern part of the country in a roughly triangular area encompassing the states of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Niedersachsen, and Rheinland-Pfalz. It is also fairly common in neighboring Luxembourg, Netherlands, and Belgium. In South Africa, it is most commonly found in the Western Cape region, especially in the major cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Outside of Europe, the last name Meyerherm is less common, but still present in considerable numbers. It is found in North and South America, especially Brazil, the United States, and Canada and in Australasia, particularly in Australia and New Zealand.

The name could be of either German or Jewish origin, though it is more likely of German extraction. In that case, it could mean 'mighty army', 'army ruler', or 'armyman' and could refer to an ancestor with a military background. Throughout its history, it has been extremely popular in Germany, though this has begun to change in recent decades. Today, the name Meyerherm is still quite common throughout the world, though its popularity varies widely between countries and regions.

Variations of the surname Meyerherm

Meyerherm is a surname with a German origin. One of the most common variants of this surname is Meierherm, but there are several other spellings and surnames of the same origin.

Variant spellings include Meyerherr and Mayherm, as well as Meyerher, Meyerhann, Mairherm, Mairhorm, Myerherm, Mairhem, Mayerherm, Meirherm, Meyherm, and Megherm.

Alternative surnames of the same origin include Maier, Meier, Meyers, Mayer, Maurer, May, Mayers, Mayerhofer, Meyerhoffer, Mayerhöfer, Meuer, and Mohr.

The Meyerherm surname likely originated from the German personal name Meier, with the “herm” suffix indicating a form of “armour”. The root “mey” may also refer to an area of Perl/Rhine land in Germany where many residents bearing this surname are from.

For families with this surname, their coat of arms can be traced back to 1282 in the Middle Rhine valley. The crest features three black points on a gold shield with a crooked blue tendril.

The Meyerherm surname is not especially common, and its variants and associated surnames have likely been dispersed over the centuries for this reason. Today, it is primarily found in Germany, the United States, Switzerland, and Canada.

Famous people with the name Meyerherm

• Max Meyerherm: US Federal Judge in Illinois and the Northern District of Illinois
• Robert Meyerherm: German historian and mediaevalist
• Dave Meyerherm: former American football player
• J. Malcolm Meyerherm: former Canadian police officer
• Bruce Meyerherm: Canadian ice hockey player
• Carla Meyerherm: US-based film director
• Michael Meyerherm: German customer and open source development manager
• Sabine Meyerherm: German physicist
• Doris Meyerherm: Swiss politician
• Jürgen Meyerherm: German aerospace engineer
• Marla Meyerherm: US-based photographer
• Stefan Meyerherm: German business executive and board member
• Alon Meyerherm: Israeli musician
• Jeannine Meyerherm: Australian creator and designer
• Willard Meyerherm: former US-comptroller of the currency

Other surnames

MeyerheimMeyerheinrich