Surname Herman - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'H'
Unearthing My Roots: A Journey Into the Origins and History of the Surname, Herman
As I embarked on the enlightening voyage of discovery with iGENEA DNA test, it unfolded deep pockets of history and culture tied to my identity. Unveiling the intricate origins and history of my surname, Herman, has connected me with a slew of historical and cultural narratives, painting a broad tableau of my ancestors as possibly German soldiers, Eastern and Western European Jewish immigrants, or even settlers in the New World.
V. Herman
read moreHerman: What does the surname Herman mean?
The surname Herman originates from Western Europe and is derived from elements pertaining to 'army' and 'man.' In Germanic languages, ‘Heri’ means 'army' and ‘man’ refers to 'man.' Altogether, Herman translates to 'army man.' It was a very popular personal name in ancient Anglo-Saxon England and was also widely imparted by the Normans during the Conquest. The name may have often been given to a leader or chief, a man with the attributes of a warrior or army man. Variations of the surname Herman can be seen in different countries such as Herrmann, Hermann, Haarmann (German), Armand, Hermand (French), Hermano, Hernando (Spanish) and Armando (Italian). It has a strong historical legacy, connected to individuals of noteworthy bravery and leadership. The surname is not restricted to a specific location within Europe, as it is found in many countries, attesting to its widespread adoption and popularity over centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisHerman: Where does the name Herman come from?
The last name Herman has German origins and is derived from elements "heri" meaning army and "man" meaning man, hence carrying the connotation of a soldier or warrior. This surname was later carried to England during the Norman invasion, evolving into variations such as Harmon and Hermann among others. Today, Herman is not geographically restricted to one particular area or country. However, it is most common in the United States, followed by Germany. It's also prevalent in England, Canada, South Africa, and the Netherlands. The way it is pronounced often varies depending on the country, for instance, in German it's pronounced with a silent 'h', in Dutch with a rolling 'r', and in English with a stress on the first syllable.
Variations of the surname Herman
The surname Herman comes from a variety of origins including German, Dutch, English, Jewish, and Polish, among others. It's derived from the personal name 'Herman', meaning "man of the army".
The main variants for the surname Herman include Hermann, Harmen, Herrmann, Hermon, Hearmon, Hairman, Herrman, Hermand, Hemann, Herrmen, and Heromon. In different countries and languages, there could be other variants. For example, in Polish, the last name would be spelled as Hermaszewski or Hermaszek. In French, it is Armand or Armant.
As it is a common Jewish last name, other versions also include Hermanski and Hermanovich. Other Jewish versions found within Yiddish or Hebrew-speaking communities can include Gurevich or Hurwitz.
There are also surnames that originate from "Herman" that may not necessarily resemble it. For example, the English surnames Harmon, Harman, and Armin could potentially have the same origin.
Given the wide usage and various origins of the name, variations could potentially be far-reaching across different countries and languages. This surname has many spelling versions based on linguistic interpretations and regional dialects.
It's crucial, however, to note that variations of the same name might have different origins and may not be related.
Famous people with the name Herman
- Pee-wee Herman: A character portrayed by comedian and actor Paul Reubens.
- Woody Herman: An American jazz clarinetist, saxophonist, singer, and leader of big bands.
- Edward Herman: A professor of finance at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and author.
- Jerry Herman: An American composer and lyricist, he wrote musicals like "Hello, Dolly!" and "La Cage aux Folles."
- Herman Herman, commonly known as Woody Herman: An American jazz clarinetist, alto and soprano saxophonist, singer, and big band leader.
- Peter "Pee-wee Herman" Reubens: American actor and comedian, best known for his character Pee-wee Herman.
- Felicity Huffman: Although Huffman is her married last name, the actress was born as Felicity Kendall Herman.
- David Herman: An American actor, comedian and voice actor known for his work on TV shows like "Futurama" and "King of the Hill."
- Gary Herman: A renowned British sports journalist.
- Jason Herman: A well-known South African cricketer.
- Sandrine Herman: A French swimmer who competed in the Women's 4x100m freestyle relay at the Summer Olympics.
- Emilie Herman: A Belgian professional racing cyclist.
- Toon Hermans: A popular Dutch comedian, singer, and writer.