Surname Niedermeier - Meaning and Origin

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F. Niedermeier

Niedermeier: What does the surname Niedermeier mean?

Niedermeier is a German surname, derived from the German words nieder, meaning “lower” and meyer, meaning “steward” or “administrator”. The literal meaning of the name is “lower servant” or “one who serves in a lower capacity”. It was originally used as an occupational name for those who were employed in a lower capacity, likely either an overseer or attached to a nobleman’s estate.

The surname has variously been spelled as Niedermeyer, Neudermeyer, and Neidermeyer, often depending on the specific region where the name was used. It is most commonly found in southern and central parts of Germany, particularly in the states of Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and Hesse.

Other variations can be found in other countries that were a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It is likely that many of these variations also have their origin in Germany.

The most famous individual with the surname is Austin Niedermeier, a German-American soccer player and four time All-American selection. He was a key player in the University of Portland’s 2008 National Championship winning team and later played professionally for the Portland Timbers and the Columbus Crew.

Overall, Niedermeier is a strong German surname, with origins as an occupational name that is still found in many places in Germany and Austria. Its meaning as "lower servant" is symbolic of the hard work and dedication of its many distinguished bearers over the centuries.

Niedermeier: Where does the name Niedermeier come from?

The surname Niedermeier is most commonly found in German-speaking countries, primarily Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In Germany, the surname is most prevalent in the state of Bavaria and in the Frankonian region. In the Austrian state of Lower Austria, the last name Niedermeier is also common. In Switzerland, the surname is most likely to be encountered in the region of Basel-Stadt. The prevalence of the name outside of German-speaking countries varies, but it is not as common.

Nationally, the surname Niedermeier is ranked as the 2115th most common family name in Germany and the 5351st most frequent surname in Austria. In Switzerland, the surname is ranked as the 6675th most common name. In the United States, it is ranked as the 48757th most common last name, and in France it is the 62688th most popular.

In recent years the surname Niedermeier has been on the rise, especially in Germany where more than 4,837 individuals have adopted the name. Most of the people bearing this surname are descendants of original bearers who have spread to other parts of the world in search of work or other opportunities.

The family name Niedermeier is most likely derived from the words "nieder" and "meier," which respectively translate to "low" and "shire steward," making the literal meaning of "low shire steward" or "low mayor."

Variations of the surname Niedermeier

The surname Niedermeier is of Germanic origin, likely derived from the Middle High German words nieder (low) and meier (steward). The earliest recorded example of the name is in the Latin form “de Nwdermiere”, found in a document dated 1242. It can also be found in its modern form from as early as the 15th century.

Variants of the surname Niedermeier include Nödermeier, Neidermeier, Nördmeier, Nydermeier, Nidermeier, Nethermeir, Niedermeir, Niedermaier, Neidhamer, Niederhamer, Niederhammer and Niedermann.

Variations in spelling of Niedermeier include Nederman, Nedermann, Nedermaier, Nedermeir, Niderman, Nidermann, Niedermaier, Niederman, Niedermann, Niedermeier, Niedermeir, Niedermeyer, Niedermyer, Niedermer, Nidermaier and Niermeier.

Surnames of similar or related origins include Niedermeyer, Niederberger, Niederhauser, Niederhuber, Niederle, Niederlitz, Niedermayer, Niederstetter, Niederschmidt, Niederschulte, Niederwieser, and Niederwimmer.

Famous people with the name Niedermeier

• Martin Niedermeier: German footballer (goalkeeper) for SpVgg Unterhaching
• David Niedermeier: Naval Academy graduate, F18 aviator, and former international commercial airline pilot
• Andrea Niedermeier: professional snowboarder from Germany who competes in Boardercross events
• Michael Niedermeier: German synchronized swimmer and five-time world champion
• Marius Niedermeier: former professional hockey player from Germany
• Michael Niedermeier: American soccer player who currently plays for the Austin Aztex
• Johannes Niedermeier: German actor best known for playing Franz Richard in the TV series Der Volltreffer
• Werner Niedermeier: Austrian physicist who is known for his studies of magnetic monopoles
• Paul Niedermeier: American filmmaker, composer, singer/songwriter, and producer
• Wolfgang Niedermeier: German chess Grandmaster

Other surnames

NiedermeirNiedermeyr