Surname Hammer - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling the Mystery of My Surname Hammer through the iGENEA DNA test
Recently, I explored my heritage through a captivating and informative journey with the iGENEA DNA test. The process traced my surname, Hammer, back to its possible origins, offering enlightening historical insights. Alongside, I connected with other Hammers worldwide through the DNA database.
M. Hammer
read moreHammer: What does the surname Hammer mean?
The surname Hammer is of Old German and Scandinavian origin. It derives from the Old Norse word "hamarr" or the High German word "hamar", both of which mean "hammer". In its original usage, this surname was an occupational one, used to identify someone who either made hammers as a blacksmith, or someone who used a hammer in their profession, such as a carpenter or stone worker. The hammer, both as a symbol and an instrument, has connotations of power, strength, and craftsmanship in many cultures, so this occupational surname also implied these qualities in the bearer. Over time, as surnames were passed down and began to lose direct ties to occupation, the name Hammer has remained, signifying one's lineage and heritage. Occasionally, the name was also used as a habitational name for someone living near a crag or cliff, as "hamar" also carries a meaning of "rock" or "crag" in Old Norse.
Order DNA origin analysisHammer: Where does the name Hammer come from?
The surname Hammer is of Anglo-Saxon origin, dating back to the times of the ancient inhabitants of the British Isles. The name is derived from the Old English word 'hamor', which translates to 'hammer'. As a nickname, it might have been given to someone who either fashioned such tools or perhaps used them with distinctive skill.
The earliest recording of the surname is from the 12th century in Suffolk, England. Over time, several variations of the surname have emerged, including Hamor, Hammor, Hamer and others. It is not uncommon for a surname to have different spellings, considering the process of translation and transliteration over centuries in different languages and cultures.
Today, Hammer is common in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway. The highest number of people with the Hammer surname are found in the United States. In Europe, the name is especially frequent in Germany and Scandinavia, primarily due to its roots in the old Norse 'hamarr', also meaning 'hammer' and sharing similar connotations to its English counterpart.
Variations of the surname Hammer
The surname Hammer has various spellings and variants that can be attributed to its German, English, Scandinavian, and Jewish origins. In different regions and at different times, the surname has been spelled and pronounced differently based on local dialects and language interpretation. Here are some common variants and similar surnames of Hammer:
1. Hammer (German, English, Scandinavian) - means "maker of hammers", "hammer smith" or someone who lived or worked in a place where a hammer was a significant landmark.
2. Hamar (Old Norse) - its an occupational name for someone who made hammers.
3. Hamer (English, German) - another spelling variant of the name.
4. Hammers - a plural form often used as a surname.
5. Hammerson, Hammerton - these are patronymic or locational variants meaning "son of Hammer" or "from the town of Hammer" respectively.
6. Hamera, Hamarova - These are gendered and nationalized forms of the surname, largely found in Eastern Europe.
7. Hamm - a shortened or simplified version of the name.
In Jewish tradition, the surname Hammer can also be a variant of the surname Hamer, possibly meaning ' swift or rapid'.
Please note that surname distributions and spellings can often be inconsistent due to variations in language, national borders, and historical records.
Famous people with the name Hammer
- Armie Hammer: An American actor known for his roles in "The Social Network," "Call Me by Your Name," and "The Lone Ranger."
- MC Hammer: An American rapper, songwriter, and producer who gained fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s with hits like "U Can't Touch This" and "2 Legit 2 Quit."
- Victor Hammer: An Austrian-born American artist and typographer who was known for his creation of the "American Uncial" typeface.
- Jan Hammer: A Czech-American musician, composer, and record producer known for his work on the "Miami Vice" television series.
- Fred "Hammer" Williamson: An American actor and former professional football player, who gained fame in the 1970s for his roles in blaxploitation films.
- Harry Hammer: A comedian and actor known for his 1930s and 40s film roles.
- Armand Hammer: A business magnate and philanthropist who ran the Occidental Petroleum Corporation.
- Edward Hammer: An engineer, inventor, and developer of the compact fluorescent lamp.
- Harold Hammer: Co-owner and President of Hammer's Department Store in Alabama, USA.
- Matt Hammer: A meteorologist who appears regularly on TV in New York.