Surname Behm - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'B'
An Emotional Rollercoaster: Discovering Ancestry and History with iGENEA DNA Test
Using the iGENEA DNA test stirred an emotional journey of self-discovery. It provided a deep exploration of ancestry, amplifying the importance and depth of the family name, Behm. This experience brought a closer connection with past and present family members, making it an enlightening journey.
S. Behm
read moreBehm: What does the surname Behm mean?
The surname Behm is of Germanic origin, with its roots in the Middle High German word "beheime," meaning secret or concealed. Over time, Beheime became Behm and was used as a nickname for a secretive or discreet person. It can also possibly refer to someone who worked as a caretaker, derived from a Slavic word "Bajm" meaning aunt. Similarly, in some parts, the surname Behm could be patronymic, relating to the derivative of the personal name Barnim, a Slavic name of uncertain origin. It is dispersed widely across Europe, predominantly in Germany, but is also found in varying concentrations in countries like the United States. Thus, the surname can reflect various regional versions, with the semantics evolving based on the geographical areas. As with many surnames, exact meanings can get lost or altered over time, making them difficult to trace definitively. It is always recommended to explore the ancestral lines for a particular family name for a more precise interpretation.
Order DNA origin analysisBehm: Where does the name Behm come from?
The surname Behm is of German origin, and it is a derivative of the personal name Bohemond which means "reckless world". This name was popular among the Germans in the Middle Ages. Alternatively, the surname Behm could also be a topographic name for someone living in Bohemia, a historical region in the modern-day Czech Republic. The spelling variations of the surname Behm include Behem, Beheme, Boehm, and Boehme.
The surname Behm can be found both in Germany and the United States today. Many people carrying the Behm surname in the US are descendants of German immigrants who brought the name over as part of their heritage. Other places where it might be common include in the regions of Europe where German is spoken, such as Austria and Switzerland. It’s important to note that the frequency or commonness of the surname can be influenced by a variety of factors, including migration and the passage of time.
Variations of the surname Behm
The surname Behm is of German origin and has many variants and associated surnames due to the regional dialects and spellings, including Boehm, Beheim, Bohm, Boehme, Boheim, Behme, and Baume. These variations may have originated during different periods and regions due to the phonetic spelling that was commonly used before standardized spelling came into existence.
The version Behm and Boehm are more commonly found in Northern Germany, while Bohm and Boehme are prevalent in the South. There are also high concentrations of the Behm name in North Dakota and Minnesota due to German immigration to these areas in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The variant Baume is typically associated with Jewish heritage.
Additionally, the surname itself reportedly has a connection to the ancient tribal societies of Saxony where it originates from the Germanic personal name Bohemond, meaning 'home' or 'homeland'. Different versions of the surname are noted across central Europe, including Beheim in Austria and Bohm in Hungary and the Czech Republic.
Remember, it's essential to consider all variations when researching genealogy as name changes were common due to movement, cultural assimilation, and language evolution.
Famous people with the name Behm
- Jana-Ina Behm: A Brazilian-German presenter, singer, and former model.
- George W. Behm: An American Democratic Party politician from Michigan who served in the Michigan State Senate.
- Robert Behm: An Austrian painter and illustrator whose works are housed in many prominent museums.
- MaryAnn Behm: An American author known for her books on the subjects of health, wellness, and spirituality.
- Audrey Behm: An Australian politician who served in the Western Australian Legislative Council.
- Raymond Behm: A prominent dentist who invented various dental devices and authored numerous dental health guides.
- Immo Behm: A German heavyweight boxer who was the Amateur German heavyweight champion in the late 1970s.
- Carl Behm: A historic 19th-century European entomologist who had a considerable contribution in our understanding of butterfly and moth species.
- Michael Behm: A Canadian songwriter and performer who’s written for various pop and rock artists.
- Helen Behm: An American tennis player who competed in the early 20th century. Please note that the degree of "fame" of these individuals may vary greatly.