Surname Herdmann - Meaning and Origin

Herdmann: What does the surname Herdmann mean?

The last name Herdmann is of German origin and is most often found in Northern Germany. It is derived from the word hirdmann, which is an old German word referring to a "householder," or gives origin to the Old German personal name Hird, which was used as both a given and a surname. As a surname, it has numerous variations such as Hirdman, Herdman, Herdmann, and Heirdman.

The Herdmann family name is thought to have originated from the individuals that lived in the same house or village. In the Middle Ages, people were often identified by what they were associated with or what their household was. A hirdmann was a person that managed a house, and their household was typically defined by their occupation or profession. In the case of the Herdmann family, this could have been a farmer, woodsman, craftsman, or laborer.

The surname Herdmann has a history and meaning behind it, and many social and cultural facts are associated with this family name. Herdmann families have been found in several countries, including Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Sweden, and the United States. During various times in history, this surname has been associated with loyalty, strength, friendship, and resilience. It is a great source of pride for those of the Herdmann family.

Herdmann: Where does the name Herdmann come from?

The surname Herdmann is quite common across the world today. Within the United States, the surname is seen predominantly within the states of Texas, Wisconsin, California, and Minnesota in that order. It’s also reported to have a widespread presence along the east coast, from North Carolina and Virginia to New York and New Jersey.

In Germany, Herdmann is the 270th most common surname according to a 2013 study ranking the population census figures. In the Netherlands, the surname ranks 170th in popularity, while in Switzerland, it stands at 93rd position. Across Europe, Herdmann has been seen in regions including Scandinavia, France, Belgium and Hungary.

In Asia, the surname is noted to have originated in the Indian state of Karnataka, and has been found among select communities in countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. In Australia, Herdmann can be found in the country’s eastern states, especially along the coast. There are also reports of the surname’s presence in South America, most notably in Colombia.

Variations of the surname Herdmann

The surname Herdmann is of German origin, and it has several variants and spellings, including: Herdtman, Herdtmand, Hartman, Hartmann, Hardman, Hardmann, Hartmand, Hurdman, and Hurdmann. It is derived from the Middle High German word "hertemann", which can mean "ruler of the herd" or "warrior leader".

Similar sounding surnames such as Hortman, Hardtman, Hertman, Hartmon, and Heroutman also stem from the same origin.

In England, variants of Herdmann such as Harman, Harmon, and Horman evolved from Steinman and Steinmann. In Scotland, the surname is spelled "Herdman". In Ireland, variant spelling of Herdman from the Gaelic Mac Giolla Eidhnein include Garman, Irman, and Kilman.

In Germany, the dialectal variants of Herdmann include Hartmani, Hartmanni, Hartmann, Hertmanni, Hertman, Hertmans, Hertmonni, and Herzmanni.

Other than these variants, spellings, and surnames of same origin, Herdman can also derive from given names such as Henry, Henric, or Heinrich, where it is spelled Herdmann.

Famous people with the name Herdmann

• Ron Herdman: former American ice hockey executive and broadcaster.
• Steve Herdman: American comic book artist and writer.
• William Herdman: Scottish football referee and former manager.
• Bryan Herdman: Scottish actor and dramatist.
• Zoe Herdman: Canadian track and field athlete.
• Dave Herdman: British association football coach.
• Jill Herdman: American politician from the Hackensack, New Jersey.
• Bill Herdman: former Efficiency Expert with the Ministry of Labour.
• Darren Herdman: British actor best known for his roles on Footballers' Wives and the BBC TV soap opera EastEnders.
• Joseph Herdman: British naturalist, ethnologist and photographer known for his travels in South America.

Other surnames

Herdman