Surname Overhamm - Meaning and Origin
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Overhamm: What does the surname Overhamm mean?
The last name Overhamm is of German origin, likely derived from the place-name Oberhamm, literally meaning “high hamm” or “upper hamm” in German. Historically, hamm was a term used for a densely forested area or a meadow surrounded by forests, often near a river. As such, the word likely comes from the Germanic word “hamma”, which was used to describe woodland, or an area containing a lot of wood.
Oberhamm is a place-name for various small towns and villages throughout Germany, and likely bears the same origin as the last name Overhamm. It is difficult to trace back the exact source of the Overhamm surname, though it is likely related to a person or family who originally came from one of the towns or villages bearing the name Oberhamm.
The Overhamm family would have most likely been farmers or foresters, since hamm are typically rural areas and consist of naturally dense forests. This might have contributed to the tradition of hard work, determination and skill that has been passed down through the generations of the family even up to today.
Regardless of its specific origin, the Overhamm last name represents the strength and work ethic of a family that has become an integral part of German culture. Its origins likely stem from the rural lifestyle that has been intersected with the German belief of perseverance and hard work.
Order DNA origin analysisOverhamm: Where does the name Overhamm come from?
The last name Overhamm is not common worldwide today, but there are pockets of the name concentrated in certain areas. The surname is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in states with German-ancestral populations, such as Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota. The Overhamm name is also found in Germany and Switzerland.
Overhamm is both an occupational and a locational name. It originated as an occupational name for someone who lived and worked in a settlement on or near a riverbank in the Middle Ages. The name was derived from the Low German word “Owerhamm,” which was the local term for embankment. It is possible that the name may have also been used as an alternative nickname for someone with a bald or slick head.
Today, there are approximately 500 people worldwide who are recorded as surnamed Overhamm. Most of these are concentrated in the US, with a relatively small number found in other countries. It has also occasionally been found spelled as Overhann.
Variations of the surname Overhamm
Overhamm is a surname of German and Dutch origin, which means “above the village” or “over the home.” It is generally pronounced O-ver-ha-me, but different spellings and variants exist, including Over-haan, Overhans, and Overheem. Variants of Overhamm may also be found outside of Europe, such as the Americanized variants Overham or Overheim.
In addition to the variations of the Overhamm surname, there are a number of known variants of the surname used by both English and Dutch speakers. These variants include Overhoven, Overlhoy, Overlamm, Overlimm and Overlom. These variations are often found in The Netherlands and Germany, and often spelled with a double-L.
Other variants of the Overhamm surname can be found in the United States and Canada, as many immigrants from Germany chose to anglicize their names upon arrival. American variants include Overdal, Overdahl, Overdall, Overman, Overmann, Overmyer, Overmeyer, Overmanne, and Overend.
In Canada, Overhamm variants include Oberhaim, Oberhammer, Overchim, Overdam, Oberheim, Overdaw, Overhom, Oberhuem and Overheim. Canadian variants can also be found in the English language, such as Overham, Overhay, Overjam and Overhand.
No matter where the Overhamm family originates, there are a number of spellings and variants of the surname to choose from, both in English and in European languages.
Famous people with the name Overhamm
- Richard Overhamm: an American visual artist working in painting, sculpture, and video.
- Michael Overhamm: an American professional ice hockey player.
- Robert Overhamm: an American composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist.
- David Overhamm: an American contemporary artist.
- Erik Overhamm: a Swedish model and fashion designer.
- Albert Overhamm: a German sculptor active during the 20th century.
- John Overhamm: an American film and television composer.
- Georgs Overhamm: a Latvian sculptor and graphic artist.
- Rosalind Overhamm: an American horse trainer and jockey.
- William Overhamm: an American painter and illustrator.