Meeler History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

The Meeler surname is thought to have originated in Bavaria, Germany. As hereditary surnames began to be adopted in that area beginning in the 12th century, people were often identified by the kind of work they did. Meeler is an occupational name for a miller, derived from the Old Germanic "Mulinari."

Early Origins of the Meeler family

The surname Meeler was first found in Southern Germany, where they were established in the Middle Ages. The name is the German form of the Latin name "Molinarius," "Mulinari" in Old German. The modern form of the name, Mueller, is documented early on in the chronicles of Swabia, wherein the knight Conrad von Husen is noted as having become known as Mueller for his ownership of a mill.

Early History of the Meeler family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Meeler research. Another 239 words (17 lines of text) covering the years 1631, 1670, 1675, 1693, 1749, 1752, 1758, 1779, 1806, 1807, 1815, 1825, 1828, 1829 and 1846 are included under the topic Early Meeler History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Meeler Spelling Variations

Many cultural groups lived in the German states in medieval times. Each had its own dialect and traditions, and unique variations of popular names. Low German, which is similar to contemporary Dutch, was spoken in Westphalia. German names are characterized by additions such as regional suffixes and phrases that tell something about the origin or background of its original bearer. Further contributing to the variation in German names was the fact that there were no spelling rules in medieval times: scribes recorded names according to their sound. The recorded spelling variations of Meeler include Mueller, Muller, Mueler, Muler, Miller, Moeller, Muellner, Milner, Molner and many more.

Early Notables of the Meeler family

Prominent among members of the name Meeler in this period include Heinrich Müller (1631-1675) was a German devotional author, Protestant author of hymns and Lutheran theologian; Adam Heinrich Mueller (1779-1829), ennobled in 1828 as Ritter von Nittersdorf, who influenced Hegel and accompanied Metternich to Paris in 1815, Johann Matthias Mueller, a general in the Austrian army, who was ennobled in 1758, Friedrich Mueller (1749-1825), known as "Maler Mueller" ("painter...
Another 69 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Meeler Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Meeler family

European migration to North America began in the mid-17th century and continued unabated until the mid-20th. Many Bavarians made the long trip to escape poverty or persecution based on their religious beliefs. The chance for tenant farmers to own their own land was also a major drawing card. They settled all across the United States in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Many came to Canada also, settling in Ontario and the prairie provinces. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Meelers to arrive in North America, and among them were: Jacob Mueller, who emigrated to America with his wife and five children in 1709; Hans Lendert Miller, who settled in Philadelphia in 1728; as did Heinrich Miller in 1740 and Adam Miller in 1754.

Contemporary Notables of the name Meeler (post 1700) +

Charles Philip Meeler (b. 1948), American Major League Baseball former pitcher who played in seven games for the Detroit Tigers in 1972

The Meeler Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Virtute ingenioque valemus
Motto Translation: We are strong because our virtue and talent