Surname Winklmeier - Meaning and Origin
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Winklmeier: What does the surname Winklmeier mean?
The last name Winklmeier is an occupational surname derived from the Middle High German phrase windelmāre, meaning “swaddler” according to House of Names. This surname likely identifies those whose profession involved the wrapping and caretaking of children, most likely as a nursemaid.
Alternately, Winklmeier may come from a variation of the German term windelmahre, which translates to "towel fairy". This term would most likely refer to a person who washed or took care of laundry during a certain period of German history.
The origin of Winklmeier can also be traced to a type of textile workers guild from the 15th century. This guild was located in the city of Augsburg and its members worked with material such as cloth, textiles, and rags, among other items.
Given the multiple meaning behind Winklmeier, it is likely that the last name has remained in use for hundreds of years. It has taken on a variety of meanings over time and is believed to be a combination of both occupational and geographical surnames.
Throughout generations, Winklmeier has been used to identify those who have been involved in the fields of nursing and textile work. Today, the name remains a living reminder of its past generations.
Order DNA origin analysisWinklmeier: Where does the name Winklmeier come from?
The last name Winklmeier is most commonly found in Germany today. It is particularly common in the southern region of the country, including the states of Bavaria, Rhineland Palatinate, and Baden-Württemberg. The name is derived from either the German words 'Winkel' or 'meier', meaning 'corner' or 'landowner' respectively.
In other parts of Europe, and also around the world, the surname is less common. It also has some variations, such as Winkelmeier and Winkelmeir, although these are very rare outside of Germany.
People with the Winklmeier last name can trace their family roots back to the Middle Ages, when it first appears in records in the region. It has likely been around for far longer, perhaps hundreds of years before it was documented. It is believed that the family was originally from the Rhineland Palatinate region, where it is still most common today.
Today, people with the Winklmeier name are scattered across the world. In the United States, the name has been found in places like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois. There are also several Winklmeiers living in Canada, Australia, Mexico, and South America.
In addition to places with substantial German heritage, people with the name are also living in countries like Singapore, Japan, and India. It appears that the name continues to spread, as descendants of the original Winklmeier family move to other parts of the world.
Variations of the surname Winklmeier
The Winklmeier surname is of German origin and is derived from the German word Winklemeyer. It is a topographic name for someone who lived near a bend in the road, or a slope. The variants of this surname include: Winklemeier, Weinklmeier, Wicklmeier, Winklmeier, Weinklmayer, Winklmair, Winklemaier, Winkelmaier, Weinklemaier, and Winkelmayer.
Winklemeyer is also a related form, meaning 'near the bend in the road.' This surname is often found in southern Germany, as well as in Austria, Switzerland, and parts of the Netherlands.
The first recorded spelling of the surname Merkle, dated 1222, was found in records of the city of Ulm, Germany. This is the allele form of Winklemeier, which was a name used to describe people living near a bend in the road.
Winklemeier is a variation of the original Winklmair, which has existed since the early 14th century. It was also used to describe someone living in a bend in the road. Winklmair is derived from the German word winkle, which means a bend.
The variations of Winklmeier are used primarily in North America, where it is sometimes written as Winklemeier. It is also used in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland by the name Winklemaier, Winkelmayer, and Winkelmaier.
In America, Winklmeier is one of the more common variations of the surname. In Germany the variation of Winklmair is still predominant, while Weinklmayer has become the most common variation in Austria.
Famous people with the name Winklmeier
- Michaela Winklmeier: Michaela Winklmeier is a German sports shooter who has competed in five Olympic games, winning four medals including one gold in the Women's Trap at the 2012 London Olympics.
- Helmut Winklmeier: Helmut Winklmeier is an Austrian figure skating coach who has coached several Olympic-level skaters such as Carolina Kostner and Jozef Sabovcík.
- Robert Winklmeier: Robert Winklmeier was an Austrian ski jumper and ski flying world champion who competed in four Olympic games.
- Willi Winklmeier: Willi Winklmeier was an Austrian ski jumper who won bronze in the 1972 Sapporo Olympics.
- Klaus Winklmeier: Klaus Winklmeier is a German former alpine ski racer who competed in three olympic games
- Michael Winklmeier: Michael Winklmeier is a German former ski jumper who also competed in four olympic games.
- Simon Winklmeier: Simon Winklmeier is a German cable car engineer and former ski jumper.
- Paul Winklmeier: Paul Winklmeier was a German ski jumper who competed in two Olympic games in the 1960s.
- Coby Winklmeier: Coby Winklmeier is an American soccer player who currently plays for Rio Grande Valley FC Toros in USL League One.
- Josef Winklmeier: Josef Winklmeier is an Austrian professional cyclist who rides for UCI continental team Coast Cycling.