Surname Zehmann - Meaning and Origin
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Zehmann: What does the surname Zehmann mean?
The last name Zehmann is of German origin and is derived from the German word ‘Zeh’ meaning ‘ten’. This suggests that the family who originally held this surname was comprised of at least ten members.
Throughout the centuries, the name Zehmann has continued to appear in records across Germany and Europe. It is believed to have originated in the Middle Ages from the ancient German name ‘Zehmann’.
Numerous ancient documents featuring the Zehmann name have since been discovered in Germany. One of the earliest known records of the name dates back to the 14th century, when a Marien Zehmann is mentioned in Greater Germany’s Prussian records.
In modern times, the name has become widely dispersed as people have moved around the world. This has led to a variety of spellings and nicknames, such as Zeman, Zemann, Zimmman, and Semmen.
It is believed that the Zehmann surname is still widely used in Germany and Austria. People who carry the last name typically carry it with pride, as it serves as a reminder of their ancestral ties and a representation of their deep historical roots.
Order DNA origin analysisZehmann: Where does the name Zehmann come from?
The last name Zehmann is most commonly found today in Germany, especially Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden-Württemberg. Lesser numbers of the surname can be found in Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, France, Sweden, England, and the United States.
In Germany, Zehmann is most commonly found in the region of Baden-Württemberg, in the south and southwest of the country, particularly in the cities and rural areas surrounding Stuttgart. Most of those bearing the Zehmann surname in the area trace their heritage back to the 16th century, when several families moved to the area and adopted the name.
In the Czech Republic, the surname can be found primarily in the region of South Bohemia, where it likely originated in the early 14th century. In Austria, Zehmann is predominately found in the states of Lower Austria, Vienna, Upper Austria, and Burgenland. In France, most Zehmann families can be found in the regions of Alsace, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Grand-Est.
In the United States, Zehmann is a comparatively rare name, being the 5,970th most popular surname according to the 1990 US Census. It is most found in the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Virginia, with smaller numbers in other states such as New York, New Jersey, Iowa, and Michigan.
Overall, Zehmann is a fairly uncommon surname today. However, it can be found in many parts of Europe and beyond, thanks to the migratory patterns of families over the centuries.
Variations of the surname Zehmann
The surname Zehmann has many variants, spellings, and related surnames.
Common variants include Zehman, Zehmeland, and Zehmel. There can also be spelling variants and typos, such as Zehhmann or Zeehmann.
Related surnames include Seeman, Sehmann, Seimann, Sahm, Sam, Seemann, and Zehe. These surnames may have a patronymic origin, from the given name “Sigmund/Siegmund”, meaning “victory”.
The variant Zehm is found in Austria and southern Bavaria, while Zehmann is often found in Germany, especially Upper Bavaria. The variant Zehmel is found in some parts of East Prussia and Poland. The spelling variant Zehman is found in some American states such as Pennsylvania.
In many cases, surnames ending in -mann take the spelling -man, an Americanization of the original surname. This phenomenon is also found in surnames such as Seeman and Sehmann, which may become Seeman and Sehman.
The related surname Seimann could be derived from the given name “Sigismund”, meaning “victor”. This name was popular in some areas of Germany and Central Europe during the Middle Ages. Thus, surnames such as Zehmann, Zehman, and Zehm are all certainly related to the surname Seimann.
Overall, the surname Zehmann has many variants, spellings, and related surnames. It is often found in Germany and Austria, but can be found in other parts of the world due to immigration and Americanization of the surname.
Famous people with the name Zehmann
- Kurt Zehmann: A German former athlete who holds the title of the 1972 Olympic Champion in 4x400 metres relay.
- Oscar Zehmann: An Austrian swimmer who competed in the 1924 Summer Olympics.
- Christine Zehmann: A German former strongwoman who specialized in lever lifts and was the first female inductee in the International Powerlifting Federation Hall of Fame.
- Helmut Zehmann: An Austrian former football player who played eight matches for the Austrian National Football Team.
- Maria Theresia Zehmann: A well-known Austrian painter, sculptor and illustrator of the 1920’s.
- Andreas Zehmann: An Austrian singer and songwriter who was awarded the Berlin Chor Homme 2010.
- Heinrich Zehmann: An Austrian general in World War I who was known for his successful defense of Loos in the Battle of Loos.
- Karl Zehmann: An Austrian astronomer and director of the University of Innsbruck observatory who discovered the asteroid 1580 Klemmsia.
- Sylvia Zehmann: An Austrian actress and television presenter who was the 1997 Rose of May.
- Ignaz Zehmann: A painter and member of the Nazarene movement who painted religious and allegorical paintings.