Surname Herdtmann - Meaning and Origin
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Herdtmann: What does the surname Herdtmann mean?
The last name Herdtmann is a German surname of occupational origin, derived from the German word for herdsman (Herde).
Herdtmann is an old surname that first began appearing in records during the Middle Ages, when people assumed surnames to distinguish themselves from others with the same given name. This surname was used to refer to an individual whose work was to tend a herd of animals, such as sheep, cows, horses, or goats. This occupation would have been particularly important in German farming communities, as shepherds and herdsmen would have been responsible for tending and protecting the livestock.
Over time, Herdtmann spread beyond Germany throughout Europe and beyond. Today, the surname is common in Germany, the United States, Canada, and many other countries.
This surname is often rendered in its English translation, Herdsman, but other variants such as Hirtmann, Hurdtmann, or Hortman, also exist in different parts of the world.
The Herdtmann surname has been inclined towards a more bourgeois career path. Until the 19th century, most Herdtmanns worked as farmers, shepherds, or herders, but today Herdtmanns may be found in professions such as doctors, lawyers, architects, teachers, and other occupations.
Order DNA origin analysisHerdtmann: Where does the name Herdtmann come from?
The last name Herdtmann is most commonly found in Germany and other parts of Europe, particularly in regions of the former German Empire. In Germany, the name is most common in the south-west region, between the major cities of Frankfurt, Cologne, Dortmund, and Düsseldorf. The Herdtmann family was originally from Hesse, located near Frankfurt, and has since spread to nearby areas and to other parts of Germany.
In the modern era, the Herdtmann name can also be found in the United States. Immigration records show that some of the original German Herdtmann family members immigrated to the US in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and today there are dozens of families with the last name living in the US. Most US families are located on the East Coast, particularly in Pennsylvania and New York, and in the Midwestern states of Ohio and Michigan.
The Herdtmann last name is also fairly common in parts of South America, such as Brazil and Argentina. Records indicate that many of the original German Herdtmann families immigrated to these countries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, likely for economic or political reasons. Today, many of the descendants of these families still reside in both Brazil and Argentina.
Overall, the Herdtmann last name is quite common in many parts of the world today. While the majority of families with the name trace their origin to Germany, it can also be found in the United States, South America, and elsewhere.
Variations of the surname Herdtmann
The surname Herdtmann is an anglicized version of the German surname Hardtmann. Its variants are spelled Hardtman, Hardtmann, Hardman, Hartman, Hartmann, Ertman, and Ertmann. All of these alternative spellings represent the same family and share the same origin, though the current prevalence of the name may vary by region.
The root of this surname is the German word "hardt", which means forest. This suggests that the original bearers of the surname lived near or in a forest, or may have been woodcutters or foresters. Alternatively, the name may reflect the geographical shape or terrain of an area, referring to hilly or hard-to-navigate terrain.
The family name may also have been derived from other German words, such as "hart", meaning "strong, brave, or hardy", or "hird", referring to a guardian or watchman. This suggests that members of the family may have been warriors or guardians at one point in time.
The other variants of the surname (Ertman and Ertmann) may have arisen from a phonetic misspelling. It is theorized that the versions ending in -tmann and -tman originated from a mishearing of the "erd" sound in the original surname, due to accents or incorrect pronunciations.
In spite of the different spellings, those who bear the surnames Herdtmann, Hardtman, Hardtmann, Hardman, Hartman, Hartmann, Ertman, or Ertmann undeniably have the same Hoyerswerda, Germany origin.
Famous people with the name Herdtmann
- Waite Herdtmann: a former professional American football player who played for the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles from 1939 to 1942.
- Philip Herdtmann: a German sculptor and ceramist active from the late 19th Century until the outset of World War I.
- Andreas Herdtmann: a German author and illustrator known for his children's books.
- Maren Herdtmann: a contemporary German artist and fashion designer.
- Heinz Herdtmann: a German politician who served as Secretary of State from 1959 to 1966.
- Robert Herdtmann: a German actor and radio presenter.
- Anne Herdtmann: a German born actor and television presenter.
- David Herdtmann: an American actor, director, and visual effects artist.
- Wilhelm Herdtmann: a German actor
- John Herdtmann: an American figure skating coach and choreographer.