Surname Amtmann - Meaning and Origin
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Amtmann: What does the surname Amtmann mean?
The last name Amtmann is derived from the Middle High German word “amte” or “ampt” which translates to “office.” This likely means that it was used as an occupational surname by the original bearer, who was likely a government official of some sort.
The original form of the name was Ammon or Amon, and it could be found in the region of Austria as far back as the 13th century. By the 15th century, it had taken on the form Amtman or Amtmann, which has remained largely unchanged to this day.
The Amtmanns were usually local government officials, or burgermeisters, mayors or bailiffs. They held positions of power and responsibility in the local government, in charge of overseeing the general law and order. They were often appointed by the local prince or the emperor, and were expected to carry out commands and instructions effectively and efficiently.
Amtmann is most common in the German-speaking countries of central Europe, particularly in former German territories like Austria, the Czech Republic and Hungary. It can also be found in the United States, having been carried by those emigrating from Germany and Austria during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisAmtmann: Where does the name Amtmann come from?
The last name Amtmann is still commonly found today in German-speaking countries, such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It can also be found in countries with German immigrants such as the United States, Canada, and Argentina.
In Germany, Amtmann can be found in cities all over the country, with the highest concentration in the region of Schleswig-Holstein, particularly in the cities of Neumünster, Husum, and Flensburg. In Austria, the Amtmann name is most common in the capital city of Vienna and in the region of Styria. In Switzerland, many Amtmann people are found in the city of Zurich and surrounding areas.
The last name has its origins in the public administration of the Middle Ages and is a result of a local ruler appointing a judge or magistrate to oversee certain administrative matters. The name was taken on by the judge or magistrate in the area, and has since been adopted by many families whose ancestors were once in such positions.
Amtmann is derived from the Middle High German term "amptman", meaning officer, magistrate, sergeant, or deputy. It is thought to have become a last name among German-speaking populations in the late 16th century.
Variations of the surname Amtmann
The surname Amtmann has a number of variants, alternate spellings, and family names associated with it. These include: Ahmtmann, Ämtmann, Amtman, Aumtmann, Emtman, Entman, Entmann, and Oemtmann.
The origins of the Amtmann surname are varied. It is believed to have derived from the Middle High German term "amptman," meaning "office holder" and is related to the Old German word "ampt," which described a public office. During the medieval period, it was used to refer to a senior civil lawyer and magistrate in Germany, and possibly in other parts of Europe.
The modern spelling of the surname may have arisen from attempts by early German settlers to Anglicize their surname to "Amtmann" to make it easier for records to be kept in English-speaking areas. As a result, some families have kept their original spelling, while others have adopted the more modern spelling of "Amtmann."
The variations in spelling of this surname are also indicative of its regional roots. For instance, Amtman, Aumtmann, and Ämtmann are more commonly found in Germany, while variations such as Entman, Entmann, and Oemtmann can often be found throughout Austria and Switzerland.
No matter what spelling or variation is used, all forms of the Amtmann surname are ultimately derived from the same Middle High German term, and likely have a shared heritage and roots in Germanic history.
Famous people with the name Amtmann
- Michel Amtmann, Swiss economist
- Kathleen Amtmann, American nurse and philanthropist
- Georg Amtmann, Austrian mathematician
- Carl Amtmann, German pole vaulter
- Paul Amtmann, German physicist
- Martin Amtmann, Austrian organist
- Pier Amtmann, Italian footballer
- Jens Amtmann, German actor
- Jörg Amtmann, Swiss journalist
- Richard Amtmann, Swiss author