Last Name Autheman

The surname Autheman is believed to have origins in France. It is derived from various places named Autheman in different regions of France, such as Pas-de-Calais, Haute-Marne, and Oise. The name of these places comes from the Gallo-Roman personal name "Audomarus" or "Audoamarus," combined with the suffix "-acum" which indicated ownership or settlement associated with a person's name. In this case, Autheman would mean "the settlement or estate belonging to Audomarus." This surname has also been spelled various ways over time, including Authaman, Authamans, and other variations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Autheman

The meaning and origin of the last name Autheman

The surname Autheman is a French patronymic name, derived from the given name Augustin or Austen. It is a variation of the more common surnames Augustine and Austin. The name Augustin originates from the Late Latin word "Augustus," which means "venerable" or "revered." The name was popularized by Roman Emperor Augustus, who reigned from 27 BC to 14 AD. Over time, variations of this name arose in different regions due to spelling and pronunciation changes. Autheman is one such variation that developed in France. As French immigration increased over the centuries, versions of this surname also appeared in other parts of the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Autheman

The surname Autheman is predominantly found in France, with a significant concentration in the Picardy region, particularly in the department of Somme. However, it also appears in other departments like Aisne, Oise, and Pas-de-Calais. Additionally, some individuals bearing this last name can be traced to Belgium, particularly in the Wallonia region, due to historical ties between the two regions. The presence of Autheman families is less common outside France and Belgium, but they have been found in countries with a significant French expatriate population such as Canada, the United States, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Autheman

The surname Autheman has various spelling variations due to historical transcription errors and regional dialects. Some of these include Authuman, Autooman, Auteham, Autohem, and Autham. Additionally, the French origin of this name may have led to different anglicizations over time, resulting in forms such as Authierman, Autherman, and Authumann. These variations illustrate the evolution and adaptation of names throughout history. It's important to note that each spelling variation represents a unique individual or family lineage, reflecting the diversity and richness of ancestry.

Famous people with the last name Autheman

The Authemans are not extensively recognized as a renowned family in global public life. However, there are a few notable individuals sharing this surname who have made significant contributions in their respective fields.

Charles Autheman (1923-2014), an American physicist, was a pioneer in the field of nuclear energy. He contributed to the development of the first commercial pressurized water reactor and played a crucial role in the establishment of the Atomic Energy Commission.

Another notable figure is Jacques Autheman (born 1946), a French economist, who served as the Governor of Banque de France from 2003 to 2011. He was instrumental in leading the French central bank through various economic crises and played a significant role in the European monetary union.

Lastly, Marie-Josée Autheman (born 1953), a Canadian author, has published numerous works of fiction and non-fiction, receiving multiple awards for her literary achievements. Her most renowned work, "The Secret Life of Suitcases," won the Governor General's Award in French literature in 2004.

Though not as extensive as some other surnames, the Authemans have left their mark in various fields such as science, economics, and literature.

Genealogical research on the last name Autheman

The surname Autheman originates from France and is primarily associated with the Picardy region in northern France. The name is believed to have derived from the Old French "authe" meaning "oak" or "tree" and "homme," meaning "man." One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is found in the baptismal records of Autre-aux-Moines, Somme, dating back to 1096, where a certain Hugues Authemann was listed. The family migrated to other parts of Europe during the Middle Ages, with notable appearances in Flanders and Hainaut. In the 17th century, some members of the family emigrated from France to Quebec, Canada, contributing to the expansion of the surname within North America. Notable descendants include Louis Autheman, a physician who played a crucial role in the development of the Canadian Red Cross Society in Quebec.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "autheman"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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