Surname Hemmerle - Meaning and Origin
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Hemmerle: What does the surname Hemmerle mean?
The surname Hemmerle originated in Germany and is derived from two Middle High German words: hamer, which means ‘hammer’, and le, which means ‘a person’. It literally translates to ‘person of the hammer’. It is likely that the name denotes a blacksmith or a metalworker, although it should be noted that it could also refer to one who made use of a hammer more generally, such as a stone carver or furniture maker.
Other variants of the name include Heimler, Hämmerle, Hameler or Hammerer, which all essentially have the same meaning.
As with many German surnames, the name Hemmerle is relatively common across the country, and it also has spread to other European countries such as Austria and the Czech Republic. Furthermore, it has also crossed the Atlantic to America, where it can be found in the United States and Canada.
The modern generations have given the surname different cultural connotations. For example, the nouveau riche in Germany may have appropriated the surname as a status symbol to demonstrate their ascendance into the upper classes through their own industry and hard work. In more recent years, Hemmerle has become associated with artisanship, creativity, and craftsmanship.
Order DNA origin analysisHemmerle: Where does the name Hemmerle come from?
The last name Hemmerle is most commonly found today in Germany and Austria. It is a German surname derived from the High German "Heimare" which indicates a place of residence, likely a homestead or village. It is estimated that about 4,000 people with the surname Hemmerle currently reside in Germany—the vast majority in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Thuringia, and Hesse. Records also suggest that it is a popular name in Austria, but with fewer bearers.
In the United States, it is estimated that there are around 250 people with the surname. It is found to some extent in all states, but most concentrations are in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York. It is likely that many of these people are the descendants of German-speaking immigrants who arrived in America in the late 19th or early 20th century.
The name also appears to have spread beyond Europe and North America. There are small numbers of Hemmerles living in countries around the world, including Canada, Australia, South Africa, and Brazil. It is not clear how the name arrived in these countries, but some evidence suggests that it may be as a result of emigration from Germany or Austria during the 20th century.
Variations of the surname Hemmerle
The surname Hemmerle is of German, French, and Swiss-German origin, derived from the German word "Hämmerli" meaning "small hammer" and is most commonly found in the central and southern parts of Germany.
Variants of the name Hemmerle include Hemerle, Hämmerle, and Hämmerlin. Variants of the surname in other languages include Hemerly, Hamersly, and Hämmele.
The name Hemmerle was most probably originally an occupational name given to people who were involved in some way with the craft of hammering metal. "Hämmerle" was then likely a nickname given to a man or woman who was known for being particularly skilled with a hammer.
Some of the most common spelling variants of the surname Hemmerle are Hemerle and Hämmerle. Variants of the name also include Hemerly, Hamersly, and Hämmele.
The name Hemmerle can also be spelled using alternative spelling systems such as Ämmerle, Ämmerlin, and Aemmerle.
Common variations in surnames derived from the Hemmerle root are Hemerling, Heimler, Hemeler, Hemmerlen, Heimler, Hempler, Hemppler, and Heimeler.
Hemmerle is a relatively rare surname, and can be found in very few countries, however the frequency of Hemmerle is higher in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Luxembourg. Most members of the Hemmerle family currently living in the United States are descended from immigrants who left Germany during the 19th century.
Famous people with the name Hemmerle
- Chris Hemmerle, Ph.D., Professor for Management of Social and Economic Systems at the University of Mannheim.
- Christine Hemmerle, German professional tennis player.
- Wolfgang Hemmerle, German actor who has appeared in several television films and theatrical productions.
- Robert Hemmerle, jewelry designer who is known for his innovative use of materials and experimenting with shapes and colours.
- Nick Hemmerle, Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher who played for the Chicago White Sox.
- Michael Hemmerle, lead vocalist for the Canadian rock band Finger Eleven.
- Joseph P. Hemmerle, Vice President and Chief Engineer at the Western Maryland Railroad.
- Christopher Hemmerle, American film and television producer.
- Heike Hemmerle, German ski-jumper who competed in the 1968 Winter Olympics.
- Mary Jo Hemmerle, founding soulsister of the band "We Are Messengers".