Surname Scheitmann - Meaning and Origin

Scheitmann: What does the surname Scheitmann mean?

The last name Scheitmann is of German origin. The name is derived from the Middle High German word scheyteman, which means "arbitrator". It is an occupational surname used to describe someone who took on the responsibility of settling disputes among people. The literal meaning could also be interpreted as someone who is assertive, firm, and confident with their judgment.

In the 12th century, arbitrators in Germany were either appointed by a lord or chosen by the parties of a dispute. They were responsible for deciding disputes peacefully. It was a type of alternative dispute resolution that was used to settle legal disputes involving families, businesses, or neighbors.

The spelling of the name has changed over the years. In the modern German language, the spelling is Schaitmann. However, due to the vast migration of people of German descent from Germany to the United States and other countries, the spelling has become Englishized into Scheitmann.

The Scheitmann surname can be seen in a number of other countries. Similar spellings include Sciatman in Italy and Szyman in Poland.

Whether an arbitrator or not, the Scheitmann family is sure to be renowned for their ability to settle disputes and maintain a sense of resolve and justice. They set a powerful example of the importance of conflict resolution and how it can make even the most difficult and nettlesome issues easier to manage.

Scheitmann: Where does the name Scheitmann come from?

The last name Scheitmann is most commonly found in Germany and other German-speaking countries such as Austria and Switzerland. The name is of German origin and is based on the personal name Scheitel, also spelled Schädtel or Schitel. Scheitel is an old German word for ‘chin’ or ‘jaw’ and mann is a common German suffix meaning ‘man’. As such, the original meaning of the name was probably ‘chin-man’.

The surname Scheitmann can also be found in other European countries, as well as in the United States. As the Scheitmanns are of German descent, much of their emigration took place during the 18th and 19th century as large numbers of Germans left their homes to settle in new lands, particularly the United States.

Currently, there are an estimated 4,500 Scheitmanns in the United States, with many located in the states of Missouri, Wisconsin, New York, and Pennsylvania. This is likely because these states have large German-speaking immigrant communities.

In Germany the name is much more common, with over 16,000 Scheitmann’s currently living in this country. The number of Scheitmann’s in Germany is especially high in the states of Rhineland-Palatinate and Berlin, as well as in the city of Essen.

In addition to Germany and the United States, small numbers of Scheitmanns can be found in other European countries such as France and the Netherlands. There are also Scheitmann’s living in Australia, Argentina, and Canada, likely due to further emigration during the 20th century.

Variations of the surname Scheitmann

The variant spelling and surnames of the same origin for the surname Scheitmann include: Schaitman, Scheitman, Scheitmen, Scheitmenn, Scheitmin, Scheitmone, Scheytmang, Sheitman, Sheitmann, Shteitman, Scyitmann, Skaitmann, Skeytman and Ŝajtman.

The surname Scheitmann likely originated from the Middle High German word "schetman", meaning "judge". People with this surname usually descended from a line of court doctors who had the right to render judgments, practice law, and gave opinions on religious matters. It is believed that this profession was once held by ancestors to bearers of this surname.

The surname is commonly found in Jewish, German, and Palatine backgrounds. Jewish families bearing the surname derived from the Ashkenazi-Jewish version, Shteitman, whereas the German and Palatine Scheitmanns descended from a line of court doctors born in Germany.

In some cases, the spelling of this surname has changed over the centuries. For example, in the United States, Scheitmanns have been known to change the spelling of their name to suit the American or British language style. Other occurrences include variation in spelling due to differences in native tongues, such as from the German States of Germany.

In the U.S., families bearing the Scheitmann variant can be found mostly in California, New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. There is also a small number of families from the UK, Australia, and the Netherlands, as well as those of Israeli and Polish descent.

Famous people with the name Scheitmann

• Sean Scheitmann, actor best known for roles in the television shows Fear Factor and Celebrity Boxing
• Paul Scheitmann, German philosopher and theologian of the 18th century
• Vera Scheitmann-Folgmann, German writer, journalist and feminist
• Carl Scheitmann, German composer and music teacher
• Caroline Scheitmann, German actress and voice artist
• Karyn Scheitmann, American performer who has appeared in various Broadway and off-Broadway productions
• Günter Scheitmann, East German composer
• Jeff Scheitmann, Canadian actor
• Mark Scheitmann, American singer-songwriter
• Jack Scheitmann, American theologian and academic

Other surnames

Scheitmüller