Surname Hilsheimer - Meaning and Origin
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Hilsheimer: What does the surname Hilsheimer mean?
The last name Hilsheimer is German in origin, and it is derived from the German phrase “Hilz Heimer”, which translates to “mountain home”. The name is thought to have been given to a family who either lived in the mountains or had their farmstead there, indicating that they were likely an agrarian society.
Originally, the name was spelled Hilzhaimer and was a topographical name commonly used in the Rhineland region such as Bavaria. During the late 18th century, the spelling began to change to Hilsheimer, as this spelling was much easier to pronounce.
The family crest associated with the Hilsheimer surname is a black eagle on a silver background, which is a symbol of strength and courage. This crest may have been an adaptation of the crest of the Hilzhaimer family which was an eagle with wings folded and a gold crown on its head, which was a representation of the family’s allegiance to the King or Emperor during the time.
Today, the Hilsheimer surname is found mainly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is also found in other countries with German immigrants, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. The meaning of the name has stayed the same throughout the centuries in that it is a reminder of one’s family’s origin.
Order DNA origin analysisHilsheimer: Where does the name Hilsheimer come from?
The last name Hilsheimer is most commonly found in Germany today. The Hilsheimer name is thought to originate in Germany during the Middle Ages, with some records suggesting it dates back to the 1300s. There were several notable individuals with the surname in the 1800s, such as the industrialist Carl August Hilsheimer of Baden-Wurttemberg.
The most populous regions with the Hilsheimer surname are likely to be the states of Baden-Wurttemberg and Bavaria, where it is most common. The city of Stuttgart, Baden-Wurttemberg, has reportedly had a House of Hilsheimer in existence since the mid-1800s, and the city of Munich, Bavaria, is also known to have a strong presence of the last name.
As with many names, the Hilsheimer surname has spread beyond the confines of Germany and can be found among German diaspora communities in countries such as the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia.
Today, anyone looking to trace the ancestry of the last name Hilsheimer stands a good chance of doing so in Germany. The online genealogy database FamilySearch.org, maintained by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has a great selection of records of Hilsheimer family members living in Germany from the early 1600s right up to the present day.
Variations of the surname Hilsheimer
The surname “Hilsheimer” has a number of variants, spellings, and related names. It is not always easy to determine the origin and meaning of this surname; however, there are some clues as to its etymology and prevalence in different countries.
In Germany, the spelling “Hilsheimer” is a variation of the name “Heilshimer.” This is an occupational name, derived from the Middle High German words “hilsen” or “gelhilsen” which mean “to heal” and “to deliver.” Other variants in Germany include Hillesheimer, Hilsheimer, Hilsheimer, Hilzheimer, and Hillgheimer.
The surname “Hilsheimer” is also believed to have originated in Austria, where the spelling of the surname varies from “Hilshamer” to “Hilczemier” or “Hilsenemier.” It is also thought to have been derived from either the German “Hilsheimer” or the Swabian forename “Hilshamer.”
The surname “Hilsheimer” may also be related to the English surname “Hillis,” which is derived from the Norman French “hillis,” meaning “of the hill.” Other variants and spellings that are related to the English “Hillis” surname include Hill, Hiller, Hillyer, and Hillyar.
In the United States, the surname “Hilsheimer” is often spelled “Hilshimer” or “Hilzheimer.” It is also believed to be related to the Dutch surname “Hillesheimer,” which means “woodcutter” or “woodland dweller.”
Though the origin of the surname “Hilsheimer” is not always clear, there are many related versions of the name in different languages and countries. These alternatives provide additional avenues of research for those interested in exploring the history of the surname.
Famous people with the name Hilsheimer
- Fred Hilsheimer: American professional wrestler also known as Doink the Clown.
- Jay Hilsheimer: American voice actor who has worked in several anime series, including in roles for Cowboy Bebop, Wolf's Rain, One Piece, and Soul Eater.
- Eva Hilsheimer: Austrian film actress who had roles in Austrian films such as "Die Wildente" (1932), "Viktor und Viktoria" (1933) and "Der brave Sünder" (1937).
- Iris Hilsheimer: American clog dancer and choreographer who was best known for her performances in the 1960s and 1970s.
- Wang Hilsheimer: Chinese-born American lawyer and author of several books and articles about Chinese politics and history.
- Adam Hilsheimer: Australian writer and award-winning film producer, known for his work on films such as "The Book of Henry" and "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey".
- Paul Hilsheimer: German classical scholar, professor of Greek philology at the University of Berlin and editor of the Scholia Graeca in Homer.
- Peter Hilsheimer: Swiss entrepreneur and philanthropist who founded the Hilsheimer Foundation to promote "a civil society free of poverty and inequality".
- Steve Hilsheimer: American artist and sculptor who has created large-scale works of public art in the Los Angeles area.
- Russell Hilsheimer: American inventor and founder of the HDH Corporation, which pioneered the development of the inkjet printer.