Surname Briem - Meaning and Origin

Briem: What does the surname Briem mean?

The surname Briem is an occupational surname originating from the Low German words “bremsenmaester” or “bremen,” which refer to a resourceful maritime worker who managed the masts, sails, and rigging on a ship. The name is thought to have originated from the northern German and Scandinavian regions, most notably becoming prevalent in the coastal cities and towns throughout the Baltic Sea.

Throughout history, this name has been adopted by individuals who have worked on ships, and it is believed to represent someone who is esteemed for great skill and was looked upon with respect. In terms of physical form, it is believed to denote strong physical characteristics, often suggesting a hardened, capable figure with a great work ethic.

At its core, the Briem surname reflects resourceful individuals who were adept at more than one field, and through a combination of hard work and knowledge, they were able to earn a living for their families. Those who bear this name today are likely to be the descendants of such courageous worriers, a reminder of the strength, courage, and perseverance of those who came before them.

Briem: Where does the name Briem come from?

The surname Briem is thought to be of French origin and is relatively uncommon. It can be found across various European countries, including Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands. It is believed to be derived from the given name ‘Briem’, which was in use as far back as the 17th century in France.

More recently, those bearing the surname reside mainly in North America, particularly across Canada and the United States. Though the surname is uncommon, it is still relatively widespread, albeit in small numbers. For instance, in 2018 it was ranked number 8590 in terms of popularity in the United States. It is most prominent in the Midwest region of the country, such as in the states of Indiana, Ohio and Illinois.

In terms of Europe, geographical distribution of the surname has been pinpointed to mainly Germany and parts of Scandinavia. Furthermore, smaller concentrations of people bearing the name can be found as far afield as France, Luxembourg, Russia, and even Ethiopia.

Though less popular than some other surnames, the Briem family name still carries weight to this day and is spread far and wide.

Variations of the surname Briem

The surname Briem is a patronymic variant of Breham (or Bram or Brehm). The earliest records of this name were found in those regions of the German Empire which today are in Swabia and Bavaria. During the Middle Ages, regional spellings such as Brem, Bremm, Brehm, Brehme, Bremer, Bremermann, Bremm, Bremme, Brehm, Bream, Brawn and Briem were in use.

Originally, the name was adopted when people moved from one region to another, and it gradually changed due to regional translations or adaptations. Sometimes, German immigrants spelled their names differently when arriving in North America, due to the lack of a standard spelling system.

The Briem spelling of the name is prevalent in Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden. Variants of the name are also found in Switzerland, France and Czech Republic.

Other surnames of the same origin include Binsert, Biram, Breaman, Brem, Bremen, Bremer, Bremerman, Brehm, Brehme, Brehmke, Brenam, Bremm, Bremser, Brenmann, Brim, Brimme, Brymer, Bramme, Bosrhame and Braam.

The surname has also been Anglicized as Breame, Brame, Broome and Brum. Variants of the name are also seen in the form of Jewish surnames, such as Barnert, Benham and Brohn.

Famous people with the name Briem

• Guðrún Briem Bjarnadóttir―Icelandic actress, voice over artist, sound technician, media designer, and director.
• Diether Briem―German television actor and presenter.
• Dawn Briem―American actress, best known for the television shows Night Court and Beverly Hills, 90210.
• Will Briem―German film, television, stage and voice actor.
• Melanie Briem―German actress, known for roles in German television series such as Zwei Mann im Wald and Terra X: Expeditionen ins Reich der Wunder.
• Adriana Briem―Austrian actress, best known for her role in the television mini-series Helden für einen Tag.
• Ursela Monn―Swiss actress and singer known professionally as Uryela Briem.
• R. J. Robinson―British singer and songwriter also known as R.J. Briem.
• Aren Briem―Icelandic composer and songwriter who is best known for his work in film, theatre and television.
• Björn Briem―Swedish author and poet who has written several popular novels.
• Jean-Michel Briem―French screenwriter, known for his works on the TV series Navarro.
• Erengul Briem―Turkish songwriter and composer who writes primarily modern pop music.
• Gordon Briem―British journalist and author, best known for writing about the Middle East.
• Albert Briem―American graphic designer, best known for his work in advertising and corporate identity.
• David Briem―German soccer player, currently plays for the top professional team Werder Bremen.
• Jennifer A. Briem―American author of children's books.
• Jakob Briem―Danish composer, cellist and pianist.
• Andreas Briem―Swedish composer and film score artist.
• Radar Briem―Norwegian actor, known for his roles in Don't Feel at Home and The Staircase.
• Erika Briem―Swedish actress, best known for her roles in Dag and Och Snövit Hosskedde.

Other surnames

BriedigkeitBriehmBrienBriertonBriesBrieseBriesonBriesseBrieve