Surname Schleiermann - Meaning and Origin

Schleiermann: What does the surname Schleiermann mean?

The last name Schleiermann is a German surname, derived from the words ‘schleier’ for veil, and ‘mann’ meaning man. It is a relatively uncommon name, mostly found in the southeastern regions of Germany, and also certain areas of Austria and Switzerland.

The origin dates back to the mid-14th century, when this name was carried by a family of landed nobility, who owned large estates in the area. The family coat of arms, or ‘Wappen’, shows a black bear on a shield and is a rare form of this name.

The name is likely to refer to the tradition of feudal service, particularly in military contexts, as 'schleier' was used to describe those wearing a ‘schleierhaube’ cap which was a form of armor. The ‘mann’ component referred to the man who defended and protected the land.

This surname is likely to have been assumed by cadet branches of noble families who did not regularly inherit the title or land of their relatives or ancestors. It is possible that the Schleiermann family often took part in local defense or military service to protect their local area or settlements.

In contemporary times, the Schleiermann surname is generally believed to have no association with nobility. Despite this, the term ‘schleiermann’ has become a popular nickname for someone who is loyal and brave, characteristics which carried into the twentieth century and beyond.

Schleiermann: Where does the name Schleiermann come from?

The last name Schleiermann is primarily found in the German-speaking countries of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is also common in countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands, and France where German immigration was prevalent in the 19th and 20th centuries. In the United States the surname is found in a number of locations, primarily concentrated in the Midwest, particularly in states such as Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan.

It's also thought that many people emigrated from Germany in the 1600s and 1700s to the Eastern Europe, particularly to countries like the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Romania.

In addition, many of those with the Schleiermann surname can be found in the British Commonwealth and Scandinavian nations where other German immigrants left their mark. The Schleiermann name is also popular in South America, particularly in Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.

The surname does not appear to have any particularly strong connections to any particular town or region and seems to have been present throughout the German speaking countries for generations. Today, the great majority of those bearing the Schleiermann surname can be found in the German speaking countries, though the name has certainly spread to other countries as well.

Variations of the surname Schleiermann

The surname Schleiermann has various alternate spellings and surnames of the same origin. Spellings can include Schleiermacher, Schliemann, Schlenman, Schlemichl, Schlanman, Schlainman, Schluemann, Schlayman, Schleyman, and Schleman. Common variants are Schulemann, Schulmann, Schulman, Schulenman, Schloman, Schlomanne and Schleimann.

The root surname Schleiermann is German and derived from the Middle High German meaning of a "veil maker". It is widely used as an occupational surname for someone who created veils or thin fabrics. The variant Schleiermacher is based on the older High German schleier, and is a patronymic surname for a son of a veil maker.

Surnames associated with the Schleiermann root surname are names such as Scholman, Scholom, Schomann, Shulman, Sheeler, Scholler, Selman, Sholman, Schulman, Schoelman, Schulmer, Schlomanne, Schlomen, Schleeher, Schlemiel and Schlemmer.

The Schleiermann surname is widespread throughout Europe, particularly Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic, though it is not especially common in any one place. When researching this surname it is important to look at alternative spellings and variants, and to bear in mind the many associated surnames of the same origin.

Famous people with the name Schleiermann

• John Schleiermacher (1768-1834): was a renowned German theologian and philosopher who helped to launch the field of movements of higher criticism and modern biblical criticism.
• Christian Friedrich Schleiermacher (1768-1832): was a renowned German philosopher who developed the so-called “Romantic” school of philosophy.
• Wilfrid Schleiermacher (1819-1904): was a German theologian, who was widely regarded as one of the most influential thinkers of his era.
• Friedrich Schleiermacher (1768-1834): was a German philosopher who developed a number of influential theories, such as the importance of intuition in understanding the world.
• Ferdinand Schleiermacher (1817-1896): was a prominent German jurist and statesman, serving as Minister President of Prussia from 1862 to 1873.
• Carl Schleiermacher (1811-1874): was a German pastor and author, best known for his work on the Apocrypha and the Septuagint.
• Greta Schleiermacher (1922-2004): was an Austrian film editor who was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Film Editing for her work on the 1963 film The Interrupted Journey.
• Hans Schleiermacher (1924-2004): was a German filmmaker, best known for his 1967 cult classic The Living Dead of the Wedding Mountains.
• Wolfgang Schleiermacher (1942-2004): was a German composer and concert pianist, best known for his electronic and chamber music.
• John Schleiermacher (1946-2002): was a British born German-American painter, photographer, and teacher, best known for his atmospheric landscapes.

Other surnames

Schleiermacher