Surname Behme - Meaning and Origin

Behme: What does the surname Behme mean?

The surname Behme is of German origin. It's derived from the Middle High German word "bœme" or "boum" which means "tree." Therefore, the name originally referred to someone who lived near a prominent tree or in a heavily forested area, indicating their place of residence. The surname would have been used to distinguish people living in the same region, and over time, it has been passed down through generations. Like other surnames derived from locations or occupations, Behme holds a historical significance, narrating the story of the places where the ancestors of people with this surname lived. However, interpretations of surnames can vary greatly, and exact meanings may have been lost or changed over centuries. Notably, a variant of this surname, Boehme, was borne by the famous German philosopher and mystic Jakob Böhme in the 16th-17th centuries.

Behme: Where does the name Behme come from?

The surname Behme is of German origin and it is derived from the Middle High German "beheime," which means 'secret.' This surname likely began as a nickname for a secretive person or perhaps for an individual living a secret life, and later became a surname. It’s important to note that as an ancient surname, it can have different roots in different regions, leading to variations in meaning and derivation. In some cases, it might be also a habitational name, belonging to those coming to a different place from an area named Behme.

Today, this surname is spread across many countries due to migration but it remains most common in Germany. Additionally, there are notable populations of people named Behme in the United States, Canada, and Brazil. The surname is relatively rare, resulting in smaller populations worldwide. Given its German origins, the surname Behme is more likely to be found in areas with significant German influence or heritage.

Variations of the surname Behme

The surname Behme is of German origin, primarily from the northern part of the country. The name may have derived from the Middle High German word "beheim," meaning "home." Different variants of the surname have developed in different regions and due to factors such as migration and language evolution.

Variations and similar sounding surnames include Boehme, Bohme, Beheim, Boehem, Behm, and Bohm. Sometimes a change of a single letter takes place, such as in Beeme or Behmke, while other times the surname may undergo more significant changes like Beheimen or Beheimber.

In terms of spelling, many of the same variations apply. For instance, Boehme may be spelled without the umlaut (Boehme, Bohme), using an "e" instead of the umlauted "o" (Beheime, Beheme), or using an "a" instead (Bahme, Bahem). In some cases, the "b" may be replaced with a "v" (Vehme, Vehm).

These variants all potentially share the same roots with Behme, and their spellings and pronunciations can differ widely depending on the specific regional dialects and influences in the areas where the family lines have spread. As with many surnames, exact connections can be confirmed through genealogical research.

Famous people with the name Behme

• Jacob Behme: Also known as Jakob Böhme, he was a German philosopher, Christian mystic, and Lutheran Protestant theologian in the 17th century. His work played a significant role in the philosophy of German Romanticism.
• Ernst Behme: A German politician from the Social Democratic Party of Germany, serving in the German federal legislature known as the Bundestag from Lower Saxony.
• Tim Behme: A well-known professional tennis player from Germany.
• Ralf Behme: A minor celebrity, noted for his appearance in Big Brother (Germany).
• Karin Behme: A German film producer known for her work on the film "Alle Anderen". Many other individuals with the last name Behme might be locally or regionally known in their respective fields, including academics, medicine, law, and so on, but these are the most globally famous ones.

Other surnames

Behm