| {{ad}} |
|
|
|
| Origins Available: |
| | Germany |
Bavaria, Germany is the ancestral home of the Mezger family. The Germans began using hereditary surnames in the 12th century. Mezger is an occupational name, which was derived from the kind of work done by the original bearer. It is a name for a butcher. The surname Mezger is derived from the German word metzger, which means butcher.
The surname Mezger was first found in Bavaria, where the name became noted for its many branches within the region, each house acquiring a status and influence which was envied and enrolled by the princes of the region. Chronicles first mention Burch vor der Mezzje of Zuerich in 1258, and Conrad hinter der Mezzje of Constance in 1259. The literal translation of the name into English would be "butcher" or "meat market." In their later history the family became a power unto themselves, and were elevated to the ranks of nobility as they grew into a most influential family.
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Mezger research. Another 100 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1623, 1632, 1635, 1637, 1683, 1687, 1701, 1702, 1740 and 1775 are included under the topic Early Mezger History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
In the medieval era, many different cultural groups lived in the German states. There are thus many regional variations of German surnames from that era. Westphalians spoke Low German, which is similar to modern Dutch. Many German names carry suffixes that identify where they came from. Others have phrases attached that identify something about the original bearer. Other variations in German names resulted from the fact that medieval scribes worked without the aid of any spelling rules. The spelling variations of the name Mezger include Metzger, Mezger, Metzeler, Metzler, Mezler and others.
Prominent among members of the name Mezger in this period include
German settlers were among the most common to come to North America between the mid-17th and mid-20th centuries. Poverty and religious persecution drove many Bavarians to make this long trek. tenant farmers were also enticed by the prospect of owning land. From east to west, these German immigrants populated the United States, settling in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Ontario and the prairie provinces of Canada also provided homes to many. Early settlers bearing the Mezger surname or a spelling variation of the name include: