Surname Motter - Meaning and Origin

Motter: What does the surname Motter mean?

The surname Motter is of German origin and is a derivative of the German name "Mutter" meaning mother. This could mean that the original bearer of the name might have been a maternal figure or matriarch within the community or it might have been intended to reflect nurturing characteristics. In occupational terms, it could refer to someone who was a midwife. It could also be a “house name”. In ancient times, house names were used when a man moved to a different town and identified himself by his house name. The surname also spotted in French and Swiss genealogical records. Like many surnames, the exact lineage and meaning could be influenced by geographical location, family trade or characteristics. In general, it is common in southern Germany and is also found in the French department of Haut-Rhin in the Alsace region.

Motter: Where does the name Motter come from?

The surname Motter originates from Germany. The name may well be locational and associated with the town called Motten in the region of Bavaria. It could also derive from the pre-7th-century word "motte" meaning "mound" or "fortification," so it may have been an occupational name for someone who lived or worked at such a place. Today, it is likely most common in the United States, particularly in Pennsylvania owing to significant German immigration in the past. However, it remains relatively uncommon globally. It's also present in modest numbers in Germany and some parts of Brazil due to historical German migration routes. Please note that variations of the spelling can include Motten, Motters, Moetter, Mott, and others, which may alter the geographical density of the name.

Variations of the surname Motter

The surname "Motter" is believed to have German roots and is sometimes associated with the maternal lineage. Variations of this surname include Mott, Mottershead, Motte, Motteram, Motters, Motterle, Motsch, Motes, Motz, and Mottek. One interesting version is "Mottesheard" which may refer to a geographical location like a "promontory in a moor".

In some cases, the spelling may be altered due to regional pronunciations or transcription errors, such as "Motterst" or "Moter". It is also probable that the name was altered over time as families moved to different countries and regions, adapting the name to local languages and customs for ease of pronunciation. For example, "Motier" (French) and "Motta" (Italian).

It's important to note that while these names sound similar, they may not share the same lineage as Motter. Genealogical research can help provide historical evidence about a family's lineage and surname variations across generations and geographical locations.

In terms of frequency, Motter appears to be more prevalent in the United States, while variations like Mottershead are more common in England.

Famous people with the name Motter

• Brandon Motter: Brandon Motter is an American actor best known for his roles in films such as "Logan Lucky" (2017) and "Kill the Irishman" (2011).
• Julie Motter: Julie Motter is a professional photographer who has been taking pictures since the mid-1980s. She is widely known for her work in fashion, advertising, editorial, and corporate photography.
• Hal Motter: Hal Motter is an American writer and screenwriter who has worked in television, film, and video games. He is best known for his work on the 2006 TV movie "Theater: The Absolute Truth".
• Garth Motter: Garth Motter is an American director and screenwriter. He is best known for his work on films such as "White Oleander" (2002) and "The Perfect Game" (2009).
• Jeff Motter: Jeff Motter is a retired professional baseball player who spent two seasons in the major leagues playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants. He is best known for his hitting prowess and being an all-star outfielder in 1993.
• George Motter: George Motter is an American politician and a former congressman representing Maryland’s 8th congressional district. He served as a Democratic representative from 1975 to 1979.
• James Motter: James Motter is an American artist renowned for his abstract expressionist and pop art paintings. He is best known for his series of distorted figure paintings, titled "Heads".
• Robert Motter: Robert Motter is a theoretical chemist and assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry at Brigham Young University. He is best known for his research on structural and dynamic properties of surface-supported molecules.

Other surnames

Mottershaw