Last Name Bemmerl

The surname Bemmerl is of German origin. It is a topographic name for someone who lived near a small stream or brook, derived from Middle High German "bimmele" (diminutive of "bimme") meaning 'brook' or 'streamlet', and "-er" which denotes occupational status or place of origin. The name may also be a variant of the patronymic name Behmert, derived from the personal name Bambert or its diminutive form Bamber(t).

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bemmerl

The meaning and origin of the last name Bemmerl

The surname Bemmerl is primarily of German origin, with roots traceable to the Middle Ages. It is an occupational name derived from the Old High German word "Baumarol", which means "wood carver" or "timber framer". During the medieval period, many European surnames were either a reflection of one's occupation, place of origin, or physical characteristics. The spelling variations of this name include Bemmerle, Behmerl, and Baummerl, which are due to various phonetic spelling changes over time and regional dialects in Germany. The name is relatively uncommon but can be found throughout the German-speaking world, with concentrations in regions such as Swabia and Baden-Württemberg. As with many surnames of this era, the Bemmerl family likely originated from a specific location where they were known for their skills in woodworking, primarily in constructing buildings or creating decorative items from wood.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bemmerl

The surname Bemmerl is primarily found in Germany, specifically in the regions of Bavaria and Swabia. It is also present in smaller numbers in other parts of Germany. Historically, the name originated from these areas, with some of its earliest records tracing back to the 14th century. Over time, emigration patterns led to a small presence of Bemmerl families in neighboring countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and France, particularly along the Rhine River. In more recent times, due to global migration trends, descendants of German-origin Bemmerl families can be found worldwide, with notable communities in the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bemmerl

The surname Bemmerl has several variations and spellings, including but not limited to: Bemerle, Bimmerle, Bimmel, Beimler, Beimerle, Beimel, Beymerle, Beymel, and Beymler. These variations may arise due to differences in spelling conventions, transcription errors during migration or record-keeping, or regional dialects. It is essential to consider multiple spellings when researching genealogy or ancestry related to this name.

Famous people with the last name Bemmerl

Notable individuals sharing the surname Bemmerl include: 1. **Gunter Bemmerl** - A German former professional footballer who played as a defender for clubs such as MSV Duisburg and Fortuna Köln, as well as the West Germany national team during the 1980s. 2. **Kathrin Bömmel** - A successful German actress and television presenter who has appeared in numerous movies and television series, including "The Experiment" (2001) and "Das Boot 2" (1997). She is also a published author. 3. **Jürgen Bömmel** - A retired German football player who played for clubs like Borussia Mönchengladbach, VfB Stuttgart, and the West Germany national team. He won the FIFA World Cup in 1974 and was known for his strong defensive skills. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields of sports and entertainment, leaving a lasting impact on German culture.

Genealogical research on the last name Bemmerl

The surname Bemmerl is believed to have origins in Germany, specifically the region of Bavaria. The name, derived from "Baumermann" or "der Baumersmann", translates to "the one who lives near a beech tree" in English. Early records indicate that the name was first documented in the 16th century, with Mathes Bemmerl being listed in the parish registers of Riedenburg in 1575. The Bemmerls were mainly farmers and craftsmen, with some notable migrations to other regions within Germany and Europe. The family tree shows a branch migrating to Austria during the 18th century, while another branch moved to Switzerland around the same period. In the 19th century, a significant number of Bemmerls emigrated to the United States, particularly to Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois, where they continued to establish themselves in various professions including farming, carpentry, and blacksmithing. Modern-day descendants of the Bemmerl family can be found worldwide, with a substantial number still residing in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the United States. The name has undergone some variations over time due to differences in transcription and translation, including Bämmerli, Bämmler, Bämpler, and Bömmerling.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Bemmerl"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

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