Surname Mesmer - Meaning and Origin
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Mesmer: What does the surname Mesmer mean?
The surname Mesmer is of German origin, primarily found in the regions of Swabia and Bavaria. The name is believed to have been derived from the Middle High German term "mesner" which refers to a sexton - a church officer or caretaker who is in charge of the maintenance of the church edifices and property. The name may have been used to identify individuals or families whose ancestors held this role in a parish. It gained notability through Franz Mesmer, a German physician with an interest in astronomy, who theorised that there was a natural energetic transference that occurred between all animated and inanimate objects that he called animal magnetism, sometimes later referred to as mesmerism. The theory attracted a wide following between about 1780 and 1850, but fell out of favor thereafter. Mesmer’s practices and the subsequent development of “mesmerism” set the groundwork for the later development of hypnosis. In modern parlance, the word "mesmerize" comes from Mesmer's name, and means to hypnotize or spellbind.
Order DNA origin analysisMesmer: Where does the name Mesmer come from?
The last name Mesmer originates from Germany. It's derived from the Middle High German term ‘mesner,’ meaning a sacristan, or a church official in charge of sacred objects. The name was often given to those who held this position. It rose to prominence due to Franz Anton Mesmer, an 18th-century German physician who developed a theory of animal magnetism, often seen as a precursor to hypnosis.
Today, the name isn't especially common anywhere, but it's most likely to be found in Germany due to its origin. It might also be seen in countries with German emigration history such as the United States, Canada, and parts of South America. However, even in these places, it's not a particularly common surname. Some variations of the name could possibly be more prevalent.
Variations of the surname Mesmer
The surname Mesmer is of German origin. It is thought to have been derived from the Middle High German word "mesner" which means "church warden". This would suggest that the initial bearer of the surname likely held this occupation in their village or town. Variations and similar surnames may have been created over time due to reasons such as regional dialects, international influences, or simplification for literacy purposes.
Some variations of the surname Mesmer include: Mesner, Mesnar, Mezmer, Mesmero, Mesmeri, Mesmera, and Messmer. It's also common for surnames to be Anglicized in English-speaking countries, so the name could potentially appear as Mesmore or Mezmore.
Spellings, on the other hand, can vary a lot due to phonetic interpretation or scribal errors. These may include Meßmer, Mezmer, Mesmur, Mesmar, or even Mezmar.
It's crucial to bear in mind, though, that the existence and acceptance of these variants can vary greatly from one source to another. Also, not every bearer of the surname Mesmer and its variants are necessarily related, as surnames could be adopted for various reasons.
Famous people with the name Mesmer
- Franz Anton Mesmer: An 18th-century German physician and influential pioneer of what later became known as hypnosis or mesmerism.
- Erika Mesmer: Austrian actress, vaudeville singer, and impressionist.
- George Mesmer: American actor appearing in films, television, and the stage since 1956.
- Dionne Mesmer: American actress and singer.
- Nathalie Mesmer: Former professional tennis player from France.
- Mathias Mesmer: A Swiss alpine skier who competed in the 2006 Winter Olympics.
- Max Mesmer: German actor, writer, director, and producer, known for his roles in the television series Lindenstraße and Der Lehrer.
- Nura Mesmer: American singer, songwriter, and actor.
- Carlo Mesmer: Austrian gymnast who competed at the 1912 and 1924 Olympics.
- Lorenz Mesmer: A German writer, journalist, and political activist in the early twentieth century.