Surname Leymann - Meaning and Origin

Leymann: What does the surname Leymann mean?

The last name Leymann is of German/Austrian origin and has several different etymological meanings. One meaning pertains to the last name originating from a place called “Leymann” or “Laymannschal,” which is found in a couple of areas in Germany. This could mean that the last name originated from someone who came from these places. Another etymological meaning could be that Leymann could be a variation of Leimann with its origin being the Germanic word "leh,” which means "to bind." This could suggest the family began as grooms, carters, or coopers. In other words, the Leymann name could have derived from a profession relating to binding or attachment. Finally, Leymann could have originated from a form of the given name "Leyman," likely meaning "son of Ley or Lea" from the Old Germanic meaning of "Law or Agreement."

The Leymann surname might have implied a bindery and was possibly used by someone in the cloth or leather industry. Due to its many etymological origins and possible implications, the Leymann last name has a unique and varied history. While it’s unsure which meaning is the most correct, research into the name provides meaningful insight into the cultural and occupational history of the Leymann family and their descendants.

Leymann: Where does the name Leymann come from?

The last name Leymann is most commonly found in Germany today, particularly in the northern and northwestern regions of the country. It's believed to have originated in Old Saxony, an area now part of the modern German Land of Lower Saxony; records of this surname exist as far back as the 14th century. More recently, Leymanns are found in strong numbers in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate, in addition to Lower Saxony.

The name Leymann is of patronymic origin, derived from the personal name 'Lei' and the suffix 'mann' meaning "man of Lei". Perhaps the best known bearer of the Leymann name is Johann Wilhelm Leymann, a sculptor born in 1741 who worked extensively in Berlin, including assisting with the decoration of the Prussian monarch's residence. Sculpture was just one of the greatest accomplishments of this talented artist, with painting, etching and the design of heraldic symbols forming an important part of his work.

Today, the members of the Leymann family still live and work in Germany and the name maintains a strong presence in the country. It's become more common in other parts of the world, however, thanks to emigration. Indeed, there are records of a Leymann family in America as far back as the 18th century, while more recent research shows that Leymanns have made successful lives in other countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom.

Variations of the surname Leymann

The surname Leymann is derived from a combination of two Old German words, "Lei" ("torch" or "light") and “mann” (“man”). This combination can translate to mean “torch-bearer”, “light-man”, or “one that brings light”. Spelling variations of Leymann include: Layman, Laiman, Leeman, Leyman, Laemmle, Liman, Laymon, Laman, Lehmann, and Leymenn.

Surnames that originate from the same Old German source as Leymann include: Lichtman, Lichterman, Lichtmacher, and Lichtenfeld. These surnames mean “light-man”, “torch-maker”, or “light-field”. Other similar surnames of German origin include: Lichtenstein, Lichtenberger, Leiterman, and Lichtenthaeler.

In America, surnames can be changed when immigrants arrive in the new land. Leymann has become Lemmann and Leeman. Other Americanized spellings are Lehmann, Leimann, Leieman, and Leimann.

Other variants of Leymann, both English and German, can be traced to the Middle English terms ‘Leem’ and ‘Leame’, which were occupational names for lime-burners.

Overall, Leymann is a unique, multi-lingual surname with many variations and interpretations. It is a testament to the rich and varied history of its bearer and their impact on the world.

Famous people with the name Leymann

• Alexander Leymann: German film producer, screenwriter and theatrical producer.
• Lutz Leymann: German footballer, who most recently played for VfL Osnabrück.
• Urban Leymann: German painter of landscapes and still life as well as a graphic artist.
• Josef Leymann: Austrian sculptor, active mainly in Vienna
• Karl Leymann: German politician, was a member of the German Bundestag from 1949 to 1957
• Eduard Leymann: German landscape painter
• August Leymann: Austrian publisher of the Wiener Zeitung and lyricist
• Erna Leymann: German opera singer
• Elisabeth Leymann: German artist, illustrator and book designer
• Friedrich Leymann: German conductor and composer

Other surnames

Leyman