Surname Keesmann - Meaning and Origin
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Keesmann: What does the surname Keesmann mean?
Keesmann is a German surname derived from the northern German regional dialect word 'keyser', which simply means 'emperor'. This likely originated as a nickname for someone who was seen to act in a regal, imperial fashion or possess the power of an emperor.
The spelling of the name changed over the years from Kaiser to Keyser to Keesmann. It is found in records from as early as the 16th century, when its use was mainly confined to the northern parts of Germany.
This surname is not usually found in areas outside of Germany, though it appears in records from other countries including the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United States. It was also adopted by Jewish families, showing just how widespread its influence has been.
Today, Keesmann is most commonly associated with Germany and northern parts of Europe. It is a popular surname in the region, and it is not uncommon to meet someone with the name.
The meaning of the surname is unique and stands out amongst other similar German names, showing its wearer to possess an imperial or regal quality, and could likely have come from a time when the head of a family ruled it with authority.
Order DNA origin analysisKeesmann: Where does the name Keesmann come from?
The last name Keesmann is most commonly found in Germany today. In fact, according to the German Genealogy website, the surname can be found in the top 3,000 most common surnames in Germany. It is also found in the Netherlands and among German-speaking people in other countries such as the United States and Canada.
In terms of an origin, it is thought to be derived from the name Küssmann, which is derived from the German word kuss meaning "kiss". This suggests that the name was first given to someone who was thought to be very affectionate or a kisser.
In terms of modern usage, Keesmann is most commonly found in Germany and its density there is quite high. In addition to this, it can also be found in the Netherlands and in German/Germanic speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
In the US specifically, the name is found primarily in the midwestern states, namely in Illinois, Missouri, and Wisconsin, although Keesmanns have been recorded in other states as well. It is also quite common in Canada, where the largest concentration is found in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia.
The Keesmann surname is quite a common one, and it can be found in Germany, the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, and other German-speaking countries around the world.
Variations of the surname Keesmann
The spelling variants and surnames of the same origin for the surname Keesmann vary from country to country and even region to region. Generally, variations of Keesmann may include Kemann, Keimann, Kumaen, Kümman, Kümmer, Kümper, Kümmel, Kömmel, Kersmann, Kyermann, Kührmann, and Koermann. These are some of the most common variations found.
In some cases, the name also may have been spelled Käsmann, Kässmann, Kaesman, Kaestemann, Kaesemann, Kaestner, Käister, Käsmeyer, Kestemann, Kestner, and Kästner. These spellings originated from the Germanic language, as Keesmann is a Germanic surname.
In the Netherlands, the surname Keesmann may be written as Keizemann, Kesemann, Küssemann, Kössemann, or Küsemann, while in Germany, it may be written as Kiesmann, Keysemann, and Kesemann. Variations in Scandinavian countries may include Kaessmann and Kaesmenn.
In the United States, the two most common variants of Keesmann are Keasman and Keesman, though there are still some descendants who still bear the original spelling of Keesmann.
The surname Keemman, Kümman, and Koermann are also variants of Keesmann most likely derived from the Dutch language and are found among Dutch-ancestry families.
All in all, the surname Keesmann has many spelling variants, including the ones mentioned above, all of which are believed to be derived from the same Germanic origin.
Famous people with the name Keesmann
- Evolutionary biologist Wilhelm Keesmann
- Nazi politician Karl Hermann Keesmann
- Painter Carl Keesmann
- World War II airman Leo Keesmann
- Poet Steven Keesmann
- Swiss footballer Erich Keesmann
- Israeli journalist Daniel Keesmann
- Canadian designer Kyle Keesmann