Surname Heimlich - Meaning and Origin
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Heimlich: What does the surname Heimlich mean?
The last name Heimlich is of German origin and first appeared in recorded history in the fifteenth century. The name is derived from the German word "heimlich" which can mean "familiar" or "secret" depending on the context. The name likely referred to someone from a small, obscure village or a person who was not widely known.
The Heimlich name is also associated with the famous Dr. Henry Heimlich who invented the “Heimlich maneuver” in 1974 to save choking victims from death. As a result, the name Heimlich is now inextricably linked with the technique used to save lives.
The name Heimlich was likely chosen by Dr. Heimlich’s ancestors because of its meaning. It was probably meant to represent a family that kept its secrets and ambitions closely held, rather than trying to pursue glory or fame. As a result, generations of Heimlichs have likely embodied the name’s meaning and have kept their beliefs and secrets well guarded.
Overall, the name Heimlich likely originated with a small village or family who valued having secrets and keeping to themselves. This idea has now been immortalized in the life saving Heimlich maneuver which has saved countless people from almost certain death. For better or worse, the name Heimlich has a permanent place in modern history.
Order DNA origin analysisHeimlich: Where does the name Heimlich come from?
The last name Heimlich is most often found in Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Counties in the United States that have the highest concentration of Heimlichs include Polk and Oconto in Wisconsin, as well as Racine in Illinois. Smaller concentrations can be found in many other states like Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Texas.
Heimlich is a name of German origin thought to derive from the Medieval German word "heimelig". It would most likely have been used to describe a cozy and safe home. Historically, the name was most commonly found near the mass migration of Germans to the United States during the 19th century.
The name has the highest prevalence in Germany, where it has been used as a first or last name for centuries. In fact, today the name is more popular than its English form, Himmel. It is also the last name of an American medical doctor, Henry Heimlich, who famously developed the Heimlich maneuver, an emergency procedure to help someone who is choking.
Due to its German roots and popularity in the United States, the name Heimlich can be found in many counties around the world over, particularly among German American communities. It is also common among non-Germans, particularly those living in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Variations of the surname Heimlich
The surname Heimlich is of German origin and has several variants, spellings, and other forms of the name. Variant forms of Heimlich include Heim, Heimmel, Heimann, and Heimel. Spelling variants of Heimlich include Heimlick, Heimleck, Heymlich, Heimglich, and Heimik.
The surname Heimlich was first found in the Rhineland, where the family emerged as an influential noble family with great influence in medieval Silesia. The family later became prominent throughout various regions of the Holy Roman Empire.
The surname can be found in various otherEuropean countries. In Austria, variants include Heiml and Heimlin, while in Italy, Heimlich almost appears as Heimlicchi. In Hungary, it can be found as Heimali or Heimloki. In Switzerland, the surname is found as Heimlicher, and in Poland, as Heimel.
Surnames of similar origin include Heimburger, Heimkes, Heimberger, Heimueller, and Heimulsen. Heims, Heimers, Heimersmann, and Heimle are all forms of Heimlich that have been found in Europe. The spelling of Heimlich is also sometimes found as Heimlichke and Heimlichkeit in the U.S.
Thus, the surname Heimlich can be found in various forms, spellings, and surnames throughout German-speaking countries in Europe and in the United States. It is still a relatively common surname, and well known as an example of a German family name with ancient origin.
Famous people with the name Heimlich
- Dr. Henry Heimlich, the inventor of the Heimlich Maneuver, a rescue maneuver for victims of choking.
- John Heimlich, the President and Chief Operating Officer of the Great American Insurance Company.
- Robbie Heimlich, Major League Baseball player on the Seattle Mariners.
- Lia Heimlich, the oldest child of Dr. Henry Heimlich and his personal caretaker.
- Jeffrey Heimlich, a New Mexico-based musician and composer.
- Richard Heimlich, well regarded ophthalmologist.
- Carrie Heimlich, award winning news producer for NBC.
- Jake Heimlich, famous blues musician and songwriter.
- Arnold Heimlich, renowned Real Estate Developer.
- Karen Heimlich, an accomplished Psychoanalyst.
- Josh Heimlich, legendry underground hip hop artist.
- Susannah Heimlich, Broadway flautist and recording artist.
- Kirsten Heimlich, successful children’s book author.
- Danny Heimlich, Hollywood writer and director.
- Ryan Heimlich, former Major League Baseball player.