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ArchivesRe: Origin of this name
in reply to a message by Faltermeier
Falter, according to a German-English translation site means "butterfly", but moths are 'nachtfalter' (night-fly?) so I suspect 'falter' really means to "fly".
The 'meier' part ...
Definition: From the Middle High German word "meiger," meaning "higher or superior," often used for stewards of landholders or great farmers or leaseholders - today a Meier is a dairy farmer. Meier and Meyer are used more often in Northern Germany, while Maier and Mayer are found more frequently in Southern Germany.
Alternate Surname Spellings: MEIER, MAYER, MAIER, MIER, MEIR
So, I'd guess that Faltermeier is either someone who "flys high" or maybe someone who owned land that was either physically high or held in high regard.
Just guessing ...anyone else?
The 'meier' part ...
Definition: From the Middle High German word "meiger," meaning "higher or superior," often used for stewards of landholders or great farmers or leaseholders - today a Meier is a dairy farmer. Meier and Meyer are used more often in Northern Germany, while Maier and Mayer are found more frequently in Southern Germany.
Alternate Surname Spellings: MEIER, MAYER, MAIER, MIER, MEIR
So, I'd guess that Faltermeier is either someone who "flys high" or maybe someone who owned land that was either physically high or held in high regard.
Just guessing ...anyone else?
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