Surname Detmer - Meaning and Origin

Detmer: What does the surname Detmer mean?

The last name Detmer is a German occupational surname derived from the old German root term "detmeren," which translates roughly to "oiler" or "greaser." This root term was used during the Middle Ages for a worker who worked in production of various lubricants and oils for machinery. Over time and through various regional dialects, the root term would eventually establish the surname Detmer.

In many parts of Germany and Europe, this surname was often accompanied by a prefix referencing the specific region in which the root term originated. Other regional variations included Detmold, Detemann, Detering, and Detrickson. In other instances, the occupations of those who originally created the surname became part of the name, such as Detmolder, Detmaring, and Detmann.

Today, the last name Detmer exists internationally, and is particularly prevalent in the United Sates due to immigration in the 1800s. In addition to the primary namesake occupations, Detmers have also become successful a variety of other professions, ranging from engineering to sales to finance. There is no set meaning tied to the last name, as those with the surname have often held quite disparate professions and lifestyles over the years.

Detmer: Where does the name Detmer come from?

The last name Detmer is most commonly found in the United States, where it is the 4,943rd most popular surname. In Germany, it occupies the 694th most popular spot, although this is likely due to the presence of German immigrants who adopted the name during the 19th century. Areas of the United States where the name is particularly popular include Ohio, Wisconsin, and Iowa, although individuals with the name can be found across the country.

The origin of the surname is believed to be German, derived from a shortened version of the Germanic first name “Dietmar” (meaning “people’s famous” or “people famous”). Records of the name date back to at least 1290, and in some cases include royal families and people of power. The name was originally spelled variously, and many of the different variations still exist today, including Detmer, Deitmer, Detters, Dieter, and Dietmar.

The popularity of the name resided throughout the 19th century and into the early 20th century as German immigrants spread across the world. Today, however, the name is not as common as it once was. Although the name can still be found in the United States, the most prevalent areas are the Midwest and Western states. Other regions where the name is popular include the Netherlands, Canada, and Argentina.

Variations of the surname Detmer

The surname Detmer has a range of variants, spellings and surnames that share the same origin.

The name Detmer is very common in Northern Germany and likely derives from the Middle Low German 'dimmer', meaning 'doom'. Variations of the surname include Demmer, Dimmer, Timmer, Timm, Timmerman, Timmeren, Timmermans and others.

The German name is Detmer, Dermer, Dämmer and Dömmer, while in Dutch is is Dammer, Teunissen or Dammers. In German, the suffix '-mann' may be added to form Detmermann or Dimmemann, and the suffix '-husen' or '-hausen' may transform it to Dehmhusen, Detlefhusen and many others.

In England, certain variants may be encountered: Demer, Tamer, Timour and Dimoor. In Scotland, the name is sometimes rendered as Tom or Thom. In North America, certain variants are Demar, Termer, Tarmore, Tomme and Deemer.

The common element linking all of these surnames is the German word 'dimmer', meaning 'doom', used as the root word. This word may also be found in other English and German surnames like Doeman, Dubman, Diebeck and Wilderman. The variations and derivatives of this surname throughout Europe and North America demonstrate its widespread prevalence and its influence on genealogy.

Famous people with the name Detmer

• Mike Detmer: American football executive currently serving as general manager and president of the Cleveland Browns.
• Robert Detmer: Dutch football midfielder who mainly played for Emmen.
• Jordan Detmer: American film and television director, producer, and actor who has worked on films such as Transformers: Age of Extinction and Jurassic World.
• Sandy Detmer Donnelly: American stunt double, aerial coordinator, and stunt driver, who is best known for her work on films such as Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
• Stephanie Detmer: American actor and producer who has appeared in television shows such as Nashville and Grey's Anatomy.
• Bob Detmer: American professional basketball player who played for a number of teams throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
• Duane Detmer: American racing car driver who primarily competed in the Indy Racing League.
• Lori Detmer: American actress and singer who has appeared in films such as A Christmas Vacation, National Lampoon's European Vacation and Bicentennial Man.
• Tiffany Detmer: American actress who has appeared in films such as Dead Poets Society, Are You Even Listening? and Nocturna.
• Dean Detmer: American professional wrestler who competed in the National Wrestling Alliance and World Championship Wrestling.

Other surnames

DetmeringDetmers