Surname Hämming - Meaning and Origin

Hämming: What does the surname Hämming mean?

The last name Hämming is associated with a Scandinavian origin, likely originating from the Swedish language. The word "hamning" literally translates as "harbor". It is thought to have once been a name used to denote one who lived near a harbor or a ferryman who ran a boat service across waterways.

The earliest records of the name date back to the late 1600s in the Swedish province of Skåne. Most likely, it was a surname given by naming convention, rather than being patronymic.

Historically, the harbor was a major source of trade and commerce, which could suggest that someone bearing this surname was likely well off in comparison to the general population. It could also indicate that someone from a family with the surname was likely involved in providing a service related to the harbor.

Hämming is not a surname used exclusively in Sweden, but is seen in other parts of Scandinavia, especially in Norway. The surname has evolved in many other countries and is now seen in different forms depending on the language and culture, such as Hemming, Hemminger, and Hamming. The spelling and pronunciation of the name has also changed slightly over time.

Hämming: Where does the name Hämming come from?

The last name Hämming is most commonly found today in Finland, although historically it is shared common amongst other Nordic countries.

Historically, it is believed to have derived from the name Hemming, which is an old Norse personal name. It is believed to mean “brave one” as Hemm is an old Scandinavian word for brave.

In Finland, the last name Hämming is common today in Southwest Finland, Southern Savonia, Satakunta and Southern Karelia. It is one of the most popular given names in these areas, where it is most commonly found.

It is also found in other Scandinavia countries like Sweden, Norway and Denmark. However, it is much less common than it is in Finland. This is partially due to the fact that the name has been used in Finland for generations, while it first emerged in other Scandinavian countries in the early 1900s.

Furthermore, the name is also found in English-speaking countries like England, Wales, Ireland and the United States. It is still very uncommon in these countries, however, as it has only recently begun popping up in national records.

Therefore, the last name Hämming is most commonly found today in Finland. It is less common in other Nordic countries and even more so in English-speaking countries.

Variations of the surname Hämming

The surname Hämming is derived from the Nordic/Germanic origin of the names Haimo and Hemmo, which are German variations of Hermann. It is also linked to the Old Norse heimingr, which was used to denote a leader.

Variations of the surname Hämming are found among multiple cultures, where the spelling may differ depending on regional usage and descendent families. In some cases, the surname may have evolved in a way that suggests an alternate origin, like the Dutch surname Hamming.

In Scandinavian languages, such as Swedish, the surname is spelled Hamming, whereas in some parts of Germany and Austria, it is spelled Hämmer. In Finland, it is usually spelled Hämäläinen.

It is also possible to find a shortened version of the surname. In Dutch, for example, it can be written as Hem, and in Swedish as Ham.

Variants of the surname Hämming can also be found in other, sometimes more distant, cultures. In Italy, for example, the name is sometimes written as Emme or Emmene, which potentially derived from the Latin derived name of Haimo/Hemmo. The same name was found in Portugal, but written as Emmenez.

It is also possible to find the surname Hämming or its variants in the United States, particularly during the 19th century when immigrants from Germany and Scandinavia were more likely to arrive. In the United States, the surnames may have been altered to Hemming, Hemings and Haining.

Famous people with the name Hämming

• Elin Hämming: Graphic artist, former member of Swedish comedy group P4 Jam, and creator of murals and other artworks in collaboration with different companies.
• Anna Maria Hämming: Actress who has starred in films such as Stormberg, Linas kvällsbok, and other Swedish productions.
• Marko Hämming: Musician and Netflix’s favourite with his debut single "Diamonds".
• Anna Hämming: Comedian and performer from Frognal Clique, London-based sketch comedy group.
• Jussi Hämming: Prime minister of Finland in 2000 and then in 2003, Jussi Hämming was a leading figure in his country’s top post.
• Anders Hämming: Famous bassplayer and tenor saxophonist from Sweden.
• Friis Hämming: Software engineer from Denmark who developed the popular game series Gruffy World.
• Lotta Hämming: Professional handball player from Sweden, who also participated in the 2016 Olympics and the 2020 World Cup.
• Stig Hämming: Television personality and one of the main hosts from Channel 5s Thursday night show.
• Magnus Hämming: Professional cyclist from Sweden who has taken part in several road races around Europe.

Other surnames

Hamminga