Surname Gehlmann - Meaning and Origin
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Gehlmann: What does the surname Gehlmann mean?
The last name Gehlmann is of German origin, and it’s believed that its meaning can be traced back to the old German language. Specifically, it is thought to come from the word "gehlen," which means “heron” in old German. This suggests that the name may have originally referred to someone who looked or behaved like a heron.
The exact geographical origin of the surname is a bit of a mystery, though it is believed to have begun in the central region of the Germany. It is likely that it spread throughout the country over time, especially as Europe became more interrelated with the advancement of transportation.
The Gehlmann surname is not terribly common, and it is particulary rare in many European countries. People bearing this name are still found mainly in Germany.
People with the last name Gehlmann tend to be proud of their heritage and generally identify with Germanic culture. Gehlmann families tend to be close-knit and rooted in strong family values. These qualities are important to them because they understand the impact of their roots and the tradition of their surname.
The name Gehlmann is a powerful reminder of the proud heritage, history, and culture that so many German families are proud of. It is often a source of strength and inspiration for current generations of the family.
Order DNA origin analysisGehlmann: Where does the name Gehlmann come from?
The last name Gehlmann is most commonly found in the German-speaking countries of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The name has the same roots as the English name Georgetown, which is derived from the old German word “gehriman” meaning “dweller on the ledge.” Thus, the last name Gehlmann refers to someone who lived on or owned land that was higher in elevation than the surrounding area.
The Gehlmanns who emigrated to the United States in the 19th century primarily settled in the Midwestern and New England States such as Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New York. Interestingly enough, Minnesota is also a hub of Gehlmann families.
The Gehlmann family name is most common today in Germany, particularly in the state of Bavaria, where it ranks among the 100 most common surnames. In Austria, the name is also found in typical German-speaking regions such as Vienna, Lower Austria, Salzburg, and Upper Austria.
The digitization of genealogical records has made tracking the history of the Gehlmann family around the world much easier. In Germany, ancestral records show that Gehlmann can be traced as far back as the 11th century. Indeed, the Gehlmann family tree is still very much alive today!
Variations of the surname Gehlmann
The surname Gehlmann, of German origin, has many variants and spellings. Generally speaking, the most common variants are:
Gehlman: This is a just a simple variation in spelling, which is sometimes used to differentiate between families of the same origin with the same surname.
Gehlmann: This is the conventional spelling of the surname Gehlmann, and is the form most commonly used.
Gehlmanne: This variant is mainly used in France and other parts of Europe.
Göhlmann: This is a popular variant of the name Gehlmann which is used in central and northern Europe.
Gohlemann: This variant is mostly used in the Netherlands and northern Germany.
Göhlman: This is a more common variant of the name in central and northern Europe.
Goelmann: This variant is mainly used in the United States.
Goelman: This variant is also mainly used in the United States.
Gehl: This is an abbreviated version of the name commonly used in the United States.
Gaelman: This variant is occasionally used in the United States, but not as commonly as the other variants.
Other surnames with the same origin as Gehlmann include Gaehlen, Gehle, Gemhlen, Gehlen and Gehlment. All these surnames have the same origin as Gehlmann, but may have different spellings depending on where they originated.
Famous people with the name Gehlmann
- Walther Gehlmann (1881-1945): German academic, painter, and photographer.
- Verena Gehlmann (born 1960): German fencer and Olympic medalist.
- Werner Gehlmann (1945-2004): German record producer and musician.
- Stéphane Gehlmann (born 1970): French-German basketball player and coach.
- Andrea Gehlmann (born 1948): German fencer and Olympic medalist.
- Johann Gehlmann (1705-1752): Austrian composer associated with the Mannheim School.
- Heinrich Gehlmann (1866-1928): German botanist and deacon.
- Carl-Friedrich Gehlmann (1864-1917): German theologian and Protestant pastor.
- Steffen Gehlmann (born 1975): German violinist, vocalist, composer and arranger.
- Ernst Gehlmann (1908-1975): German film editor.