Surname Kreutmeyr - Meaning and Origin

Kreutmeyr: What does the surname Kreutmeyr mean?

The last name Kreutmeyr is a German surname derived from the Middle High German word ‘krût’ and the Old High German word ‘mêr’. The suffix ‘meyr’ was added to create a patronymic-type name, meaning ‘son of Krût’. The surname is thought to have originated in the Bavarian region of Germany, most likely in the mid-medieval period.

The root Krût means ‘daring’ or ‘bold’ and is likely derived from the Old High German word kruoz, which means ‘strong’. The Middle High German mêr, means ‘famous’, usually in relation to a hero or high-ranking individual. A combined interpretation of the two elements results in meaning such as ‘Krût, the famous one’.

Kreutmeyr is an old and recognizable German surname, sometimes spelt Cruitmeyer, Cruithmeir or Kreuzmeyer, and is found in various places throughout Europe. It is still a relatively common name in Germany and Austria and is worth noting if researching your German ancestry.

It is likely, however, that the surname is ultimately derived from a personal name, with people taking up the Kreutmeyr surname if their father was known by the given name Kreut or variants of it.

Kreutmeyr: Where does the name Kreutmeyr come from?

The last name Kreutmeyr is most commonly found today in Germany. In fact, it is particularly popular in the southern regions of the country, such as Bavaria. It is also found in Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, as well as increasingly in countries across the globe as German emigrants settled in other parts of the world.

There are several reasons why this name is so widespread throughout this region. Historically, Kreutmeyr was a name used by farming and mercantile families in the Rhineland-Palatinate region, which is located in southwestern Germany. These families often encountered each other at markets, and the name was passed on for generations. As a result, variations of this name, such as Kreutmeyer, became common in the surrounding areas.

Moreover, the name is often associated with the distinctive dialects spoken in southern Germany. As people moved, they brought the language they spoke with them, and the name Kreutmeyr is indicative of the area in which they lived. The name is also likely to have been adopted among immigrants from other countries coming to settle in the area.

Today, the last name Kreutmeyr is typically used to refer to those with German or Austrian heritage. It is not exclusive to these countries, however, and can be found in many other countries due to immigration, as well as those with German ancestors residing elsewhere.

Variations of the surname Kreutmeyr

Kreutmeyr is a surname of German origin with several variants and spellings. The most common alternate forms are Kreutmeier, Kreutzmeyer, Kreutzmaier, Kretzmeyer, Kretzmeir, Kreutzmayer and Kretzmeier.

Kreutmeyr is derived from the Old German "Kreutzmayer," meaning “the person who lives at the cross," which was a likely reference to a crossroads or point of intersection. It may also have been used to describe a landowner who owned a field bordered by a cross—a crossroads, usually a cross-road of two country roads.

Kreutmeyr is a fairly rare surname and may have roots in Austria, Bavaria, Prussia or any other German-speaking region. It is also found in other countries such as Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and as far away as the United States and Canada.

The surname Kreutmeyr is deeply entrenched in German culture and will likely remain so for years to come. This is due to its deep roots and unique origin story, as well as its incredible, enduring popularity, which has allowed the surname to gain traction and branches in many countries around the world.

It is possible that Kreutmeyr has additional spellings and variants created by transposing the syllables, such as Kremeutyj, Kreutjmyer, and Kreutmeyer. Despite its limited popularity, Kreutmeyr remains an important surname belonging to a proud German family.

Famous people with the name Kreutmeyr

• Magdalena Kreutmeyr: German autor, lecturer, and activist
• Franziskus von Kreutmeyr: German painter
• Margarethe von Kreutmeyr: German actress
• Julius Kreutmeyr: Austrian doctor and professor
• Karl Kreutmeyr: Austrian painter, graphic designer, and illustrator
• Konrad Schreiber: German photographer
• Georg Kreutmeyr: German author and lawyer
• Karl Kreutmeyr: Austrian Supreme Court attorney
• Gottfried Kreutmeyr: Austrian politician
• Kaspar Kreutmeyr: Austrian Olympic alpine skier
• Lothar von Kreutmeyr: German general
• Gerhart von Kreutmeyr: German physicist and meteorologist
• Wenzel Kreutmeyr: Austrian painter and etcher
• Anton Kreutmeyr: German architect
• Alois Kreutmeyr: Austrian composer

Other surnames

Kreutmeier