Surname Hemmerlein - Meaning and Origin

Hemmerlein: What does the surname Hemmerlein mean?

Hemmerlein is a German surname and its meaning is unknown. The surname originated in southern Germany and is associated with the Franconian dialect areas of Bavaria, Thuringia, and Saxony.

The most likely meaning of the name is derived from a place name. In some cases, the name has been linked to the word “hemmen”, which means “to hem/border”. Thus, the name may have been used to refer to someone who lived in or near a hemmed-in area or along a border.

Hemmerlein is an old name, which is believed to have been around since the medieval times. The earliest written record of the name was in 1250, when a man named Hemmerlin von Flonholz was mentioned in a document.

In later centuries, the name spread throughout Germany, and other parts of Europe, with small numbers of families bearing the name settling in some parts of North America, especially the United States and Canada.

Due to its unique origin and meaning, the surname Hemmerlein is quite rare. Today, it is still most commonly found in southern Germany and in Germany-influenced areas in America and Canada.

Hemmerlein: Where does the name Hemmerlein come from?

The surname Hemmerlein is most common in Germany today, where it is still widely used as a family name. The name is derived from the ancient German “hemp”, indicating an ancestor who likely sold or crafted hemp fabric. The surname first became prevalent in Franconia, which is the northernmost region of Bavaria in the south of modern-day Germany.

This surname has also spread throughout Germany and beyond, though it is still generally most common in its ancestral home of Franconia. It can now be found all over Germany, from the rustic regions of Odenwald and Spessart in the south to the bustling industrial cities of Ruhr and Berlin in the north. It is also found in some other German-speaking countries, like Austria and Switzerland.

Overseas, the name Hemmerlein is mainly found in the United States, especially in areas where German immigrants settled in the nineteenth century. This includes cities like Milwaukee, home to a large German-American population. Other states with a sizeable Hemmerlein presence include Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York. In addition, some North Americans of German descent have adopted the surname from their German ancestors. As a result, Hemmerlein can be found in areas with a German-American diaspora, such as Canada and Mexico.

Variations of the surname Hemmerlein

The surname Hemmerlein is of German origin, and is derived from the Middle High German "hemerlein" referring to a protective figure or guardian. The name is one that originated with people who lived on the borderlands of Bavaria and had the job of protecting the region. It can be variously spelled as Hemmerle, Hemmerlin, Hemmerling, Hemmlinger, Hemmler, or Hemml, and the surname may be anglicized to Hamerlin or Hamerling.

The alternate spellings of Hemmerlein may reveal the several dialects that have influenced the name over time. Hemerlin, for example, is predominantly a Pennsylvania Dutch spelling. Hemerling and Hemerlein, however, are predominately Southern German variations of the same name. The Bavarian spelling of Hemerlin can also be seen in Switzerland.

The surname Hemmerling is also found in France, with variants such as Hamerling and Hammerling. Here, it is thought to be derived from a title that signifies someone of noble status or a lord of the manor. Variants of the same name in Austria include Hamerl and Hemmerl.

The Hepmerle variant is primarily found in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Similarly, in Poland Hammersztajn is a common variant.

The Hemmerlein family might also have other surnames that originated as a result of immigration or assimilation. Common variants in the United States include Heimerl, Hemperley, Hemphil, Hamerey, Hamerka, and Hemple.

All of the various spellings of Hemmerlein are believed to derive from the same source, and are often interchangeable. As such, they are considered to be etymologically linked and of a single origin.

Famous people with the name Hemmerlein

• Andrew Hemmerlein: American television producer known for his work in production for CBS Nightly News, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and The Ellen Show.
• Joseph Hemmerlein: German composer, conductor, and musicologist known for his work as an assistant conductor with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra.
• Carol Hemmerlein: American chef and restaurateur who co-owns a chain of steak restaurants in New York City.
• William Hemmerlein: American lawyer and civil rights activist who was one of the earliest members of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.
• Alexander Hemmerlein: American jazz musician and composer known for his work with Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, and Chick Corea.
• Larry Hemmerlein: American filmmaker who directed the cult classic movie Long Gone Summer.
• Lindley Hemmerlein: American musician and songwriter known for her work as the lead singer of the alternative rock band Gristle and for co-writing songs for country singer Miranda Lambert.
• David Hemmerlein: American comic book artist and illustrator who has drawn stories for Marvel and DC Comics.
• Scott Hemmerlein: American football coach and former player. He is currently the head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team.
• Kurt Hemmerlein: German photographer known for his creative black and white images.

Other surnames

HemmerleHemmerling