Surname Rothmeier - Meaning and Origin

Rothmeier: What does the surname Rothmeier mean?

The last name Rothmeier is of German origin and can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the German word ‘Rothe’ and ‘Meier’, which translate to ‘red’ and ‘farmer’ respectively. The probable origin of the name is a reference to a “red farmer”; this could have referred to a farmer who owned red land, a specific type of clothing he might have worn, or to his reddish hair and complexion.

The last name Rothmeier is still relatively common in Germany, the United States, and other countries. Bearers of the last name Rothmeier can be found in almost all parts of the world.

The term ‘Meier’ itself has been in use since the 12th century; it was commonly used to denote a person or family in possession of considerable holdings in rural areas. These holdings were often referred to as ‘Thanks’. A farmer bearing a name such as Rothmeier thus indicated that they had some degree of social standing within the community.

Though the roots of the last name Rothmeier are long established, its exact meaning has been debated over the years. Over time, the term has taken on a variety of interpretations- from a reference to affluent farmers, to a descriptor for people from the northern region of Germany, and even a reference to a large family. Whatever the exact meaning, one thing is certain- the name still carries with it an air of distinction.

Rothmeier: Where does the name Rothmeier come from?

The Rothmeier surname is most common today in Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic. It is an occupational name derived from the middle high German 'rôde' or 'rot', meaning "red," and the suffix -meier, which means "steward or administrator."

In Germany, the Rothmeier name is especially common in the state of Bavaria. It is a frequent surname in the towns of Neu-Ulm, Esslingen, Donauwoerth, Munich, Lindau, and Heilbronn am Neckar. The name is also common in Austria in the areas surrounding the historic Duchy of Bavaria.

In the Czech Republic, the Rothmeier surname is mainly associated with the city of Straznice, located in southern Moravia. It is thought to have been brought to the country by German immigrants in the 14th century. Some other cities in the Czech Republic where it is commonly found today include Breclav, Cesky Tesin, Usti nad Orlici, and Uherske Hradiste.

In the United States, the Rothmeier name is not as commonly found as it is in Europe. However, it can be found in the states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska.

Overall, today the Rothmeier surname is most commonly associated with regions where German heritage has been historically strong, such as Bavaria, Austria, and the Czech Republic.

Variations of the surname Rothmeier

Rothmeier is an occupational German surname, derived from the combination of two words, ‘Roth’ meaning red, and ‘Meier’ meaning mayor. It is derived from government officials in charge of judicial matters in medieval towns and villages.

Rothmeier is spelled in multiple ways such as Rodmeier, Rotemeier, Rothemeir, Rothmeijer, Rodemeyer, Rottmeier, Rodehauer, Rottmeir, Rotenoier, Rothmeyer, and Rodmeyer. There are many variants of this surname as it has spread from Germany to other German speaking countries and other countries. Variants of Rothmeier includes Rothmayr, Rotmaier, Rotamair, Rotmair, Rodmair, Rotimai, Rothmair, Rottmair, Rodmaier, Rodmeier, Rodmayer, Rodimair, Rodmayr, Rothemaier, Rotemair, Rotenmaier, Roetmeir, Rotemayr, Rodemair.

The Rothmeier surname is also known by other surnames like Reutmeir, Reutmeier, Reutmeyer and Reutmaier. This surname is also often written as Reuthmeier, Reutmejer, Reutmyer, Reutmayer, Reuttmeijer, Reutmeyr, and Reuthmeir.

In the United States, the surname has been Anglicized as "Redmyer" and "Rudeman." The Rothmeier surname is also found in many countries around the world such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, France, Mexico, Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, and more.

Famous people with the name Rothmeier

• Austin Rothmeier: American actor and comedian.
• Don Rothmeier: American professional baseball pitcher and coach.
• Ed Rothmeier: American former professional baseball player.
• Max Rothmeier: German-born American sculptor.
• Paul Rothmeier: American athlete, coach, and sporting executive.
• Robert Rothmeier: Canadian professional ice hockey player.
• Tom Rothmeier: American professional golfer.
• William Rothmeier: American basketball coach and college administrator.

Other surnames

Rothmeir