Surname Schliessman - Meaning and Origin

Schliessman: What does the surname Schliessman mean?

The German-language surname Schliessman is derived from the term schliessen, meaning “to close” or “to lock.” Initially applied to a lock-smith, the name was adopted by a wider group of people in the 1500s, ranging from townsfolk to the nobility. Some sources attribute the name to the habit of bathing with doors locked while others see it as a symbol of family strength or self-protection. The surname gained popularity in the region of East Prussia due to its frequent use.

In current usage, the name is most commonly found in Germany, but is also prevalent in Austria and Switzerland. The Schliessman family is associated with traditional values such as thrift, hard work and piety. An example of this hard work is the contributions of Johannes Schliessmann to the art of industrial engineering in 19th century Germany. He was instrumental in helping to set up the necessary infrastructure and improving efficiency in the fields of mining and railway construction.

The Schliessman name is connected with a sense of security and of strength while also being imbued with a sense of family pride. The name carries with it a sense of responsibility and importance, promoting an active lifestyle and inspiring those with the name to be productive members of society. The Schliessman name has stood the test of time, and it is likely to remain connected to its traditional values for many centuries to come.

Schliessman: Where does the name Schliessman come from?

The last name Schliessman is most common in Germany today. It is estimated that over 200 people with the surname currently reside in the country. The name has its origins in medieval German tradition and is believed to have first been used in the 12th century.

The family name can be found in all regions of the country, although its prevalence is greater in southern and central Germany. Schleissman is often used in the state of Bavaria, where many people with the last name are located – particularly in the small town of Allershausen in the district of Ebersberg.

The name is also found in other parts of Europe, including Switzerland, Netherlands, Austria, France, and Poland. In addition, it is also present in several countries outside of Europe, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Brazil.

The meaning of the name is unknown, but it can be surmised to be an occupation-based or location-based surname. It could mean "man of the sluice gate", indicating the family's history as waterway maintenance specialists. It could also be a toponymic surname derived from the name of a village or town called Schliessman.

Variations of the surname Schliessman

The surname Schliessman has many variants. It is possible for this surname to be spelled Schlizzman, Schlissman, Schlzsman, Schlezman, Schlesman, Shlismann, Shlizman, Shlezman, Shlesman, or Shelzman. All of these spellings derive from the same source.

The source of the name is thought to be Jewish. It is believed to originate from German orthography and is thought to be a derivation of the Middle High German word “Schliessemeister”, which has a meaning of locksmith. According to some sources, it could also be derived from a less commonly used German word “schliessen”, which means “to close”.

It is possible for Schliessman to have surnames deriving from it. This could include Shleshman, Schleisman, Schlierman, Schleezman, Shleseman, Shelzmann, Schlezman, Shlesmam, and also Shlizman. Therefore, there are many potential spellings for the surname Schliessman that are all derived from the same source.

Famous people with the name Schliessman

• Henry Schliessman: American singer-songwriter and producer who has released remixes, originals, and singles via NastyFunk Records, Box of Cats, and 303Lovers.
• Jasper Schliessman: Dutch professional soccer player who currently plays for Dutch club Roda JC Kerkrade in the Eerste Divisie.
• Claire Schliessman: Former professional football player in the contraband CWFFL organization.
• Armand Schliessman: Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman who played 14 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL).
• Paul Schliessman: German-born American actor, producer, and writer who has appeared in such films as Star Trek: Nemesis (2002) and Syriana (2005).
• Jeff Schliessman: American politician who served in the Wyoming House of Representatives from 2005 to 2009.
• Ellen Schliessman: American politician and former police officer who was the first woman to serve as mayor of Bolingbrook, Illinois.
• Condrad Schliessman: German immigrant who arrived in the United States in 1860 and became a successful grocer and jewelry merchant.
• John Schliessman: American journalist, author, and publicist who wrote for publications such as the Los Angeles Examiner, The Associated Press, and Variety.
• Margaret Schliessman: American photographer and painter who specialized in portraiture and genre paintings. Her works were exhibited in the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and the Freer Gallery of Art.

Other surnames

Schliesser