Surname Mayrhöfer - Meaning and Origin

Exploring the Mayrhöfer Lineage: My Journey Through Genetic Heritage & History with iGENEA DNA Test

Recently, I underwent an iGENEA DNA test, wishing to learn more about my genetic heritage via my surname, Mayrhöfer. With bated breath, I unravelled the historical and cultural imprints that my ancestry left behind. From local community leaders in Austria and Germany to genetic ties with the engaging cultures of the Celtic and Germanic tribes, the tale of Mayrhöfer has been an illuminating journey.

M. Mayrhöfer

Mayrhöfer: What does the surname Mayrhöfer mean?

The last name Mayrhöfer is an occupational surname of German origin, derived from the Old German word “marer”. This word means "boundary post" or "divider of plots". As a result, the surname originated among those who maintained these boundary posts and took on the last name Mayrhöfer.

In some cases, the name could also have been given to those who lived near a particular boundary post. This is likely due to the fact that this profession was closely associated with the local community, and thus those nearby could have adopted the surname Mayrhöfer over time. It could also be a sign that some people had the Mayrhöfer last name even before taking up this occupation.

In medieval German records, the name Mayrhöfer was spelled in many different ways. In addition to its various spellings, the name was sometimes subject to shortening or alteration, particularly when recorded in English documents. For example, the German form “maiRhöfer” often became “Mayer” or “Myer” in English. Additionally, in some cases the English spelling could be further inflated to “Mayers” or “Mairs”.

The Mayrhöfer surname is still used today in Germany, the United States, and other parts of the world. Individuals with this surname may have a long history in their family, going all the way back to their ancestors who maintained boundary posts in Medieval Germany.

Mayrhöfer: Where does the name Mayrhöfer come from?

The last name Mayrhöfer is a common German surname, particularly in the province of Bavaria. It is one of the most common surnames in this area, and one of the most popular last names in Germany as a whole. According to a study conducted in 2020, it is the 147th most common surname in Germany.

In Bavaria, the name has more than 21000 bearers, placing it among the ten most common last names in that region. Many of its bearers can be found in the districts of Dillingen, Augsburg, Nördlingen, Donau-Ries, and Eichstätt. The name is also quite popular in Austria, where it is the 300th most common surname. Outside of Bavaria, it has a significant presence in Franconia, as well as in rural areas of Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia.

The name is believed to have originated among Bavarian farmers. It likely began as a variation of the word “mayerhofer”, which refers to a farmer who occupies land belonging to someone else. It could also refer to someone who is from Mayrhofen, a municipality in the Zillertal Valley, or someone who hails from a village in the Lech Valley, both located in the Austrian state of Tyrol.

The last name Mayrhöfer is still quite common in Germany, Austria, and the surrounding regions. It is a reminder of Germany’s long history of rural farming communities, which remain a strong part of the local culture today.

Variations of the surname Mayrhöfer

Mayrhöfer is a surname of German origin. It is a variation of the spelling Mayrhuber, Meyrhuber, Meyruber, and Meierhofer.

Mayrhöfer is an old name found mostly in Southern Germany. It has a topographical origin, deriving from the word "maier" which refers to a mayor or landlord in low Middle German. The word “hofer" refers to the action of crofter or farmkeeper. Thus, the literal meaning of "Mayrhöfer" can be translated to "mayor of the farmstead and crofter".

The variant spellings of the surname vary in spelling due to regional dialect. These include "Mayerhoefner" and "Mehrhuber", both deriving from the same source.

Variations of Mayrhöfer can be found outside of Germany, such as in Austria and the US. These include "Mayrhofer", "Mayrhuber", and the rare spelling "Mayerhofer". Additionally, spellings such as "Meirhofer", "Meyerhofner", and "Meyruber" can also be found in US records.

Another common surname associated with Mayrhöfer is "Meierhofer". This variation is often used in Austria and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Variations such as "Mayrhofer" and "Justhofer" are also common in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Overall, the name Mayrhöfer is a topographical surname of German origin which is associated with a mayor or landlord of a farmstead or a crofter. It has various spellings and variations, many of which can be found in records outside Germany.

Famous people with the name Mayrhöfer

• Ingo Mayrhöfer, a German professor of sports science.
• Friedrich Mayrhöfer, a German music professor.
• Robert Mayrhöfer, a former Austrian World Cup alpine ski racer.
• Ulrich Mayrhöfer, a former German professional footballer.
• Bernd Mayrhöfer, a former German tennis player.
• Jürgen Mayrhöfer, a German track and field athlete.
• Ulla Mayrhöfer, a German figure skater.
• Elisabeth Mayrhofer, an Austrian archaeologist and art historian.
• Joannis Mayrhöfer, a former Austrian World Cup alpine ski racer.
• Johann Georg Mayrhöfer, a German composer, organist, and church music director.

Other surnames

Mayrhoffer