Surname Spelmanns - Meaning and Origin
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Spelmanns: What does the surname Spelmanns mean?
The last name Spelmann is a Germanic surname originating in the medieval cities of Germany during the Middle Ages. The literal meaning of the name is usually derived from the Old German word 'spelmann', which literally translates to 'merchant'. This was prompted by the occupation of many members of the Spelmann family during the medieval years as merchants selling goods. As such, it is likely the name was an identifier for those merchants who hailed from the same family or local region.
The Spelmann name has survived to this day, in both its English and German forms. It is still most commonly seen in parts of Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States, where members of the family migrated. The coat of arms of the Spelmann family is a shield containing three golden spades, reflecting the merchant masters within the family tradition.
The Spelmanns have made their indelible mark on many parts of history. The most notable being the German born doctor William Spelmann, who served as a pioneering scientific innovator in the field of biochemistry during the early 20th century. Additionally, William Spelmann is credited as being one of the first scientists to discover the properties and effectiveness of magnesium in the prevention of muscle spasms.
Overall, the name Spelmann is an evocative nod to a rich part of native German history and the accomplishments of the family throughout the centuries. It is a reminder of a unique family tradition that has been passed down through the generations, and a reminder that hard-working merchants can achieve greatness and make their mark on the world.
Order DNA origin analysisSpelmanns: Where does the name Spelmanns come from?
The last name Spelmann is most often found in Germany, but can be found throughout northern Europe and northern America. This is mostly due to German emigration waves throughout the 19th and early 20th century.
Today, the name is particularly concentrated in areas around Germany's North Sea and Baltic Coast, as well as in the northern part of modern-day Poland. There is also a mild presence in Denmark and Sweden, likely due to movement of Murkanisch-Deutsch people in the 19th century.
In the United States, the Spelmann name is especially prevalent around Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and Michigan. This can be largely attributed to the migration of German, German-Jewish, and Dutch peoples in the 1700's and 1800's.
Other areas across North America, Europe, and the world may have families named Spelmanns due to intermarriage, but this is unlikely in a statistical sense.
Many people with the Spelmann surname remain proud of their German heritage, while others have slowly adapted to their new cultural and geographical homes.
Variations of the surname Spelmanns
The surname Spelmanns has a variety of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.
Variant spellings of Spelmanns include Speelmans, Spillman, Schpellman, Spielman, and Spelmans. In some cases, the surname may also be found spelled as Spillmans.
Surnames derived from the root of Spelmanns include Spelman, Spellman, Spellmann, Spillmann, and Söllman.
Spelmanns originated in Germany, and is derived from the Middle High German spelling spellman or speelman, "one who plays". The surname has many variations throughout Germany and the Low Countries. It was an occupational name for a song writer, singer, or musician, and as such is largely found in the provinces of the Rhineland and North Rhine-Westphalia.
The name spread to other countries due to migration, such as the Netherlands and Belgium, specifically Flanders. In the nineteenth century, the name was found in Denmark, often misspelled as Spilling.
The Spelmanns lineage can also be traced to England and the United States. In England, the spelling took on many variations, such as Spelman, Spellman, and Spilman. The surname would have arrived in England with the migration of Norman settlers from Scotland and Wales.
In the United States, the surname is a Huguenot name, primarily found in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. It could have arrived in the USA via the mass migration of European settlers to the United States in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
The variety of spellings of the surname Spelmanns reflect its varied global lineage. It is estimated that there are over 4,000 different spellings of the surname, all of which trace their roots back to the Middle High German name spellman.
Famous people with the name Spelmanns
1.Knut Spelmanns: A Swedish television director and actor who is best known for his work on the popular Nordic Noir television series Gåsmamman. 2.Louise Spelmanns: A Swedish actress and theatre director. She was a three-time recipient of the prestigious Guldbagge Award for her work in the film industry. 3.Jörgen Spelmanns: A Finnish diplomat and former ambassador to the United Kingdom. He is thought to have had a role in facilitating a Nordic-EU trade deal. 4.Niklas Spelmanns: A Swedish film and television producer widely credited for creating the popular tv-series Wallander staring Kenneth Branagh. 5.Bertil Spelmanns: A Swedish actor best known for his work in the series Höök. He has won numerous awards for his performance, including the Swedish National Film Award. 6.Carin Spelmanns: A Swedish journalist and television presenter, most notably working on the popular science show Vetenskapens Värld (Science world). 7.Åke Spelmanns: A Swedish illustrator and designer, his work can be found in various magazines and publications such as Expression and Popo Express. 8.Emil Spelmanns: A Swedish politician who served as Minister of Education and Research from 2000-2006. He is also the father of the popular Swedish actor Elisabeth Spelmanns.