Surname Winklmair - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'W'
Winklmair: What does the surname Winklmair mean?
The last name Winklmair is believed to originate from German-speaking countries. The word “Winkl” is thought to be derived from the Middle High German word “winchen,” which translates to “enclosure." Likewise, the suffix “mair” is derived from the Middle High German word “mair” meaning “Mayor.” Therefore, it can be inferred that this surname most likely originated as an occupational name for a mayor of an enclosed area.
The oldest identifiable occurrence of this surname dates back to the sixteenth century in southern Germany, with the definition of the name becoming more readily apparent into modern day as a result of research into old records.
Today, Winklmair is a fairly common surname, particularly among families living in German-speaking regions. It is also found as a name in Austria, South Tyrol, New Zealand, Australia, and South America.
While the origin of the name may not be concretely known, records imply Winklmair is an old occupational-based name. Its legacy may have been created by the first identified holders of the name who held a major role in an enclosed area of their village. However, throughout the years, many Winklmairs have changed the spelling of their surname numerous times, so much so that it is now difficult to track the origins and movements of families with this name.
Order DNA origin analysisWinklmair: Where does the name Winklmair come from?
The last name Winklmair is most commonly found in Germany today, although it is found in other countries as well.
In Germany, Winklmair is primarily found in Bavaria, which is the southernmost of the 16 federal states. It is among one of the more common last names in this region, ranking among the top 1,000 most common surnames in the country. Winklmair is also present in and around the capital city of Munich, as there is a sizable Bavarian population there.
The Winklmair name can also be found in Austria where it is primarily found in the states of Styria, Burgenland, and Vienna.
Winklmair is also found in some other European countries, as well as in other parts of the world like the United States, Canada, Australia and South Africa.
In terms of the origin of the name, it appears to be derived from the Middle High German word “winkelmair," which roughly translates to “one who plowed around the boundaries.” This could mean that the Winklmair name is related to those who guarded or managed borders in the Middle Ages.
Variations of the surname Winklmair
The surname Winklmair is a German name that can be spelled in various ways, depending on the geographical area and the dialect spoken. Common variants and spellings of the name include Winkelmaier, Winklmaier, Winklemayer, Wincklmair, Winklmayer, and Winklemair.
The name Winklmair is derived from two words: winkel, meaning "corner," and mair, meaning "mayor." The name is believed to refer to either an official of some kind in a corner or an official who was charged with maintaining or building a structure at a specific spot, such as a wall, bridge, or fortification.
The surname Winklmair is common in many parts of Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, and parts of Eastern Europe. It is also found in many countries with German-speaking populations, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In particular, the surname is common among immigrants who settled in those countries during the 19th and 20th centuries.
The variants of the surname may be found in other countries as well, but they tend to be less common. For example, Wincklmair can be found in France, Vinkelmayr in Slovakia, and Winklemayer in the United Kingdom.
Overall, the Winklmair name is a relatively common one, shared by many people throughout Europe and the world. While there are many variants and spellings of the name, the origin is the same: a reference to an official at a corner or fortification.
Famous people with the name Winklmair
- Max Winklmair, Bavarian entertainer
- Herbert Winklmair, Austrian artist
- Paul Winklmair, American ice hockey player
- Anton Winklmair, German dreams and symbols theorist
- Karl Winklmair, Dutch painter
- Maria Winklmair, Italian illusionist
- Wolfgang Winklmair, Austrian theatre director
- Brigitte Winklmair, German art historian
- Ingrid Winklmair, Austrian landscape painter
- David Winklmair, Austrian sculptor