Surname Stemm - Meaning and Origin
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Stemm: What does the surname Stemm mean?
The last name Stemm, while rare, has roots that date back to the 17th century in Germany. The name is derived from the German word "stemmen," which refers to the cleaning of grain. This occupational name etymologically stems from the Latin word "stamine" which means "to clean grain," so the name Stemm typically indicates that a person's ancestors were involved in the milling or threshing of grain.
Unlike many surnames, the usage of the last name Stemm appears to be limited to the region of Germany. However, with emigration to other parts of the world over the centuries, the name Stemm may be found in other countries.
The surname Stemm is quite rare and many who have the last name are the descendants of the original family lines from Germany. Those that bear the name typically have a strong attachment to their roots, as the name has been passed down as an heirloom in the family for many generations.
The last name is still in use today, but remains uncommon and usually unknown. From its' occupational origin to modern usage, the name Stemm has an interesting and unique history.
Order DNA origin analysisStemm: Where does the name Stemm come from?
The last name Stemm is most commonly found in the northern United States, especially in states like Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and Iowa. It is one of the most common German last names in the US, and is believed to have originated from a German word meaning "plank" or "beam."
The Stemm name is especially prevalent in Wisconsin, where it is the third most common German last name behind Schmitt and Schmidt. It is most commonly found in this region because of the large German-settled areas that are present throughout the state. Many German immigrants who came to Wisconsin in the 1700s and 1800s took surnames like Stemm, Hartman, and Krause.
The Stemm name can also be found in other areas of the United States, though it is less common. Some Stemm families have migrated southward to states such as Alabama, Arkansas, and Texas, or have dispersed to other states, like California and New York.
The Stemm name also appears around the world, including in Canada, Australia, Europe, and even South America. While the origin of the name and how it spread is uncertain, the fact remains that the name is still widely used today.
Variations of the surname Stemm
The variants, spellings and surnames of Stemm include Stem, Stemme, Stämm, Stemmer, Schtämm, Stemmler, Stemmerman, Stemle, Stemler, Steimel, Stemmlitz, Stemmerling, Stammer, Stemmelli, Stempel, Stetzel, Stutzel, Stamm and Stumpf.
The spelling of Stemm and its variations are derived from the German, Middle Low German, and Low German language and are believed to have derived from the Anglo-Saxon personal and tribal name Stam, which is also a variant and spelling of the modern surname Stamm. The surname may also be a topographical surname derived from the Middle High German stemmje, meaning 'stump,' 'tree-trunk or 'stubb'.
The surname Stemm can also originate as a Jewish name, derived from the Hebrew word stem, which translates to 'stop' or 'silence.' During the medieval period, rabbinical families adopted the term to mean 'dwelling' or 'place of residence,' and this name eventually became mingled with other names and became known as Stemm, Stämm, or Stemme.
The surname Stemm is also found as a Hollandic and East Prussian form of the Slavic Stemmler. This form of the surname may have derived from the word stemm, which in the Middle Dutch and Middle High German languages refers to a kind of canopy or covered wagon.
The surname Stemm is also occasionally found in Danish and Swedish, and is derived from the Swedish word stemm, meaning 'reliable' or 'trustworthy.'
Famous people with the name Stemm
- Jamie Stemm: Professional Soccer Player for FC Cincinnati
- Melissa Stemm: American former figure skater
- Marc Stemm: Former NFL Linebacker
- Tyler Stemm: Former Arena Football League Player
- Brad Stemm: Professional mixed martial artist
- Cory Stemm: Professional powerlifter
- Tom Stemm: American football coach
- Nick Stemm: Professional ice hockey player
- Michael Stemm: Professional golfer
- Eric Stemm: Singer for rock band Seer
- Jeff Stemm: American stand-up comic
- Richie Stemm: Professional BMX biker
- Kurt Stemm: Former American Ski Jumper
- Robert Stemm: Former basketball player
- Dan Stemm: Professional Paintball Player
- Joe Stemm: American racing cyclist
- Josh Stemm: Former television actor
- Greg Stemm: CEO of Cruise Company
- Diego Stemm: Venezuelan movie actor
- Blanche Stemm: Former International Track and Field Athlete