Surname Hilmer - Meaning and Origin
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Hilmer: What does the surname Hilmer mean?
The last name Hilmer is of German and Dutch origin. Meaning "armour keeper", Hilmer is a variation of Hilmar, which itself is derived from the Old Germanic elements "hild" meaning "battle" and "mar" meaning "fame" or "famous".
The Hilmer ancestral line can be traced back to the medieval times. During this period of European history, knighthood was important and many families were given the name Hilmer - or its variations - in order to emphasize and reinforce their status.
Over the years, the name Hilmer has spread across Europe and beyond thanks to immigration. Wherever the name has been taken, it has continued to signify its origins; it is a symbol of honour, strength and courage.
Today, the Hilmer family continue to draw on that legacy and to live up to the name's exciting past. For many, Hilmer is a reminder of their ancestry and the lessons it has taught them; it is a mark of respect for what has gone before and an assurance of continued success in the future.
Order DNA origin analysisHilmer: Where does the name Hilmer come from?
Hilmer is a surname most commonly seen in German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is believed to have originated as a diminutive variant of the Latin name Hilarius, which means "cheerful, merry or happy". In recent years, the Hilmer surname has spread from its original geographic base to other countries, particularly in North America.
In the United States, the Hilmer surname can now be found in many places where German immigrants settled, such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Nebraska. It is also found in the American states of Minnesota, Michigan, and California, among many others. In Canada, it is most commonly found in the provinces of Ontario and the Prairie Provinces.
The Hilmer surname is still fairly common in Germany, where over 12,000 people currently bear it. However, the numbers are much smaller in other countries; for instance, in the United States it is estimated that there are approximately 800 Hilmers living there. Despite its relatively small population compared to some other surnames, the Hilmer surname remains a distinctive reminder of German heritage in the countries where it is found.
Variations of the surname Hilmer
The surname Hilmer is derived from two sources, both of which refer to a person who hailed from a place named Hildesheim in Germany. The surname comes from two distinct Germanic elements, hild, meaning ‘war’ or ‘strife’, and heim, meaning ‘home’ or ‘homeland’.
Variants of the spellings of this surname include Hildemar, Hilmar, Hallmar, Hilmer, Hillmer, Hillmar, Hillemar, Hollmer, Helmer, Haelmar, Haelmer, Haelner, Haelemar, Haelemer, Heilmar, Heilmer, Heilemar, Heilemer, Hielmar, Hielmer, Hielmar, Hielmer, Hellemare, Hillemer, Hillmar and Hillmer.
Surnames that have the same origin as Hilmer include Holdmeyer, Heilmeyer, Hilbrodt, Hillbrodt, Hillbrecht, Hillborg, Hillbom, Hillbohm and Hillbrandt.
Overall, there are numerous variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the Hilmer surname. Some of these variants are directly related, while others are derived from different language and geographic regions. By researching further, it is possible to trace the full ancestral lineage and discover the exact origin of these surnames.
Famous people with the name Hilmer
- Gary Hilmer: American actor who is known for several television appearances including Saturdays of Thunder and The Ellen Show.
- Eric Hilmer: Award-winning Danish film composer who composed the score for movies such as Bleeder and Eerie Midnight Horror Show.
- Herbert Hilmer: German zoologist who is considered one of the co-discoverers of the Pacific Sea Lamprey.
- Alan Hilmer: American actor, stuntman, and director, with credits in films such as Short Circuit 2 and Rocky V.
- Johnny Hilmer: Swedish singer, author, and actor who has released several albums including "Let Freedom Reign" and " The Sun Shines From You".
- Will Hilmer: American actor whose works include appearances in films such as The Net and The Omega Code.
- Edward Hilmer: American electrical engineer and computer scientist who is head of the computer science oepartment at the University of Nevada.
- Sabine Hilmer: German cinematographer and director known for taking pictures for films like Up in the Air and Corrado.
- Victor Hilmer: Danish leader in the field of progressive education and youth development, and author of the book “Progressive Education and the Struggle for Democratic Life”.
- Maurice Hilmer: American art director who has worked on films such as The Greatest Show on Earth and The Miracle of the Bells.