Last Name Buttner

The surname Buttner is of German origin. It is derived from a geographical name for someone who lived near a butt-shaped (rounded and pointed) hill or mound. In Old High German, "but(t)" meant "beehive," as these hills were often covered in bees' nests or resembled the shape of a beehive. The "-er" suffix was originally an occupation name for someone who collected honey from these hills. Over time, the meaning has evolved and the surname is now widespread across Central Europe.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Buttner

The meaning and origin of the last name Buttner

The surname Buttner is of German origin, specifically from the region of Bavaria. It is an occupational name derived from the Old High German word "buta" which means "barrel" or "cask," and the suffix "-er," indicating one who works with or makes barrels. Over time, this profession-based name evolved into various spellings such as Buttner, Böttner, Bötter, etc., due to regional dialects and document scribes' spelling variations. The name would have been particularly common among cooper craftsmen who specialized in making barrels for storing and transporting goods during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods in Germany.

Geographical distribution of the last name Buttner

The last name Buttner is predominantly found in Germany and neighboring countries with significant German-speaking populations, such as Austria and Switzerland. It originates from the Old High German word "buttan," meaning "butter maker" or "butter vendor." Over time, it has also spread to other parts of Europe due to migration and assimilation, notably in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. In North America, the name is primarily found among descendants of German immigrants, particularly in the United States and Canada. There are also scattered occurrences of the Buttner surname in South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand due to historical migratory patterns. Its distribution reflects the geographical spread of Germanic influence over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Buttner

The surname "Buttner" can have various spellings and variations due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time and across regions. Some common variations include: Butter, Buttern, Buttnar, Butterna, Buttnier, Buttners, Buttnor, and Buttners. These variations may arise from minor differences in pronunciation or the use of different languages' spelling conventions. In some cases, the name could also have been anglicized or modified to conform to the local language's phonetic or orthographic rules. It is essential to note that these spellings are not necessarily more or less common than the traditional "Buttner" and they may be used by individuals of different backgrounds and ancestries.

Famous people with the last name Buttner

One of the prominent individuals with the surname Buttner is Thomas Buttner, a German professional ice hockey player. Born on March 23, 1989, in Mönchengladbach, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, he currently plays as a defenseman for the Straubing Tigers of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL). Buttner represented Germany at various international tournaments, including the IIHF World Championship and the Olympic Winter Games.

Another notable figure with the same last name is Tania Buttner, an American mathematician and computer scientist. Born on January 15, 1963, she made significant contributions to the field of computer vision, specifically in the area of object recognition using statistical learning algorithms. Her research has been instrumental in advancing the capabilities of autonomous vehicles and robots.

Lastly, Peter Buttner, a German-born Canadian musician, is recognized for his work as a composer, conductor, and pianist. Born on January 27, 1944, he was a leading figure in the contemporary music scene in Canada during the latter half of the 20th century. His compositions are often characterized by their exploration of unconventional instruments and sounds, pushing boundaries within the realm of classical music.

Genealogical research on the last name Buttner

The surname Buttner is of German origin, derived from the occupation of a cooper (German: "Bottich" or "Butze", meaning barrel), reflecting the craftsman's profession who made and repaired wooden barrels for storage and transport of liquids. Early recorded instances of the name include Johann Bottner in Bavaria, Germany, during the 15th century. The family migrated to various parts of Europe and the Americas over centuries. In the United States, the name Buttner is most prevalent in states like Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan, where a large number of German immigrants settled during the mid-to-late 19th century. Notable individuals with this surname include William E. Buttner, a prominent American jurist, and Heinrich Buttner, a German actor and comedian from the early 20th century. The Buttner family lineage encompasses a diverse range of professions across various continents, making it a name deeply rooted in both historical and modern society.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Buttner"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 13 June 2025

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