Surname Timmers - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'T'
Timmers: What does the surname Timmers mean?
The last name Timmers is of Dutch origin and means “maker of timber.” The name is derived from the Dutch word for a sawyer, or a person who works with timber. It likely originates from the occupation of sawing and cutting wood to make furniture, tools, and other useful items. It is a very common name in the Dutch-speaking regions of Europe, including the Netherlands, Germany, and parts of Belgium.
In the Netherlands, the name is pronounced with a soft “i” sound instead of a “y” sound. This makes the name sound like “Timmers” instead of the more familiar “Timmerman”. The variant spelling of the name in Dutch is “Timmersman”. Additionally, there is a variant spelling of the name in Germanic languages, “Timmler”.
The surname Timmers is most commonly found in the Netherlands, due to its deep roots in the region. Due to its prevalence in the region, the name is often associated with Dutch culture and heritage. It is believed to have first appeared in records in the 12th century, making it one of the oldest Dutch surnames.
The surname Timmers is frequently found in Dutch families around the world. It is an effective way to trace Dutch ancestry and a way to honor a family’s heritage. People of Dutch descent who carry the surname Timmers may take great pride in their roots. The name is a testament to the strength and skill passed down through past generations.
Order DNA origin analysisTimmers: Where does the name Timmers come from?
The last name Timmers is most common in countries where Dutch is spoken. In the Netherlands, Belgium, and Suriname, it is among the fifty most common surnames. It is also common in areas of the Netherlands that were at one point part of the Dutch East India Company—particularly Indonesia and the Netherlands Antilles.
Timers is believed to have originated in North West Germany and the Netherlands. It's derived from the word "timmerman," or "carpenter," and was likely the name of a person who was known for their work as a carpenter. It has evolved over time, and variations of the name include: Timmermans, Tymers, Tymersz, Timers, and Timmersz.
Outside of Dutch-speaking countries, the name is found most prominently in the U.S., where there are over 4,700 individuals with the surname. Other countries with significant populations of Timmers include Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, France, and the United Kingdom.
Variations of the surname Timmers
The surname Timmers is relatively uncommon, but is found in many countries across Western Europe. Variants and spellings of the surname include: Timmers (in Dutch), Timmermans (in Dutch), Timmersmann (in German), Timmerman (in Dutch, German, and Scandinavian), Kyrhmärs (in Finnish), Timér (in Hungarian), Timmarsson (in Swedish), Dhimmer (in Luxembourgian), Tiemers (in Danish), Timmer (in German and Dutch).
The origin of the surname is likely Dutch. In Dutch it was originally an occupational name for a carpenter or a builder of timber frames, derived from the word ‘timmer’, meaning timber. In other countries, the surname is derived from the Dutch word for timber and its variants.
The surnames Timmers and Timmermans are derived from the Dutch word form, while other variants have developed and taken on different spellings over the centuries. Variants exist in German, Finnish, Hungarian, Swedish, Luxembourgian, and Danish. In some countries, the surname has been spelt with an additional letter, double a (aa), which is sometimes written as "man" in place of "mens".
Though the surname was at first an occupational name, it was also given to those who lived in or near houses or buildings made of timber. This suggests that the name is likely Germanic in origin and that it pre-dates the start of the Dutch language. It is also possible that the surname was adopted as a surname by those living in Dutch-speaking countries during the early settlement period.
In addition to its many different spellings, the surname also has numerous associated surnames, which are derived from the main surname. These include Timm, Timmersdröjer, van Timmerman, van Timmer, Timmermanns, Timmerhans, and Timmerson.
Famous people with the name Timmers
- Maik Timmers: Dutch cyclist who won a silver medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona.
- Micha Timmers: Dutch football player who competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics for the Netherlands.
- Bart Timmers: Dutch actor known for his roles in movies such as Hercules Reborn and Four Amigos.
- Timothy Timmers: American painter and sculptor whose work is part of the permanent collection of institutions such as the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Modern Art.
- Jannie Timmers: Dutch singer-songwriter whose music has been featured in the Dutch films Lavender and Tucker & Dale vs Evil.
- Nick Timmers: Australian actor who has appeared in movies such as Wonder and San Andreas.
- Samuel Timmers: Australian rugby league player who is currently playing for the Canterbury Bulldogs in the National Rugby League competition.
- Anna Timmers: Dutch journalist and author of several books, including Revolution of the Common Sense and the best-selling New Age Philosophy for the 21st Century.
- Georgette Timmers: Dutch fashion designer, best known for her "geometric knitting" style.
- Robert Timmers: Belgian sculptor who is known for his bronze sculptures of animals and other wildlife.