Last Name Dahmer

The surname Dahmer is of German origin. It is derived from a place named Dahme in the German states of Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt. This place is recorded in documents dating back to the 13th century. The name of the place is thought to be derived from the Old High German word "daham," which means "home, estate." Individuals who lived in or were from this area would have taken the name as their surname when the practice of using a family name became widespread in Europe during the Middle Ages. The most notable individual with the surname Dahmer is Jeffrey Dahmer, an American serial killer active during the 1970s and 1980s. However, it's important to note that the vast majority of people with this surname are not related to him.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Dahmer

The meaning and origin of the last name Dahmer

The surname Dahmer is of Germanic origin, specifically from the region of Swabia, which is now part of modern-day Germany and Switzerland. The name is derived from the Old High German word "Dacham," meaning 'home' or 'farmstead.' Over time, it evolved into various forms such as Dahme, Daumer, and finally, Dahmer in its current spelling.

Throughout history, many notable figures have carried this surname. However, the name gained notoriety due to one of its bearers, Jeffrey Dahmer, an American serial killer who committed heinous crimes in the late 20th century. His actions tainted the reputation of the Dahmer family name, with some members changing their names as a result. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that the vast majority of people named Dahmer are law-abiding citizens with no connection to the infamous criminal.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dahmer

The surname Dahmer is predominantly found in Western Europe, particularly in Germany where it originated. According to data from FamilyEducation.com, it ranks as one of the top 1,000 most common last names in Germany. Small numbers of people with this surname can also be found in other German-speaking countries such as Austria and Switzerland. In addition, there are notable populations of people bearing the name Dahmer in the United States, with concentrations primarily in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, likely due to German immigration waves during the 18th and 19th centuries. The name is relatively rare elsewhere globally. It's important to note that surnames can change over time due to factors like migration, assimilation, and natural evolution.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dahmer

The surname Dahmer has several spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time, as well as regional dialects. Some common variations include: Dahmert, Daumer, Daumler, Daumert, and Dohmer. These variations may arise from changes in the pronunciation of the name over generations, or from errors in the recording and transcribing of names in official documents. It is important to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate a relationship between individuals with different spellings, as surnames were often assigned randomly in some regions or based on occupations or characteristics. The original root of the name Dahmer is Germanic, derived from words meaning "day" and "home," indicating an origin associated with a farmstead worked during daylight hours.

Famous people with the last name Dahmer

The Dahmer family name is perhaps best known for its association with serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. Born on May 21, 1960, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jeffrey, the eldest of Lionel and Joyce Dahmer's six children, became infamous due to his gruesome murder spree between 1978 and 1991. His crimes involved the brutal murder and dismemberment of 17 young men, mostly African American or Asian, many of whom he met at gay bars or through offers of friendship. Dahmer was arrested in July 1991 after one of his victims escaped and led police to his apartment. He was sentenced to multiple life terms without parole in February 1992. Another notable individual with the same surname is Lionel Dahmer, Jeffrey's father, a retired chemistry professor who became known for his unwavering support of his son during and after the trial.

Genealogical research on the last name Dahmer

The surname Dahmer is primarily associated with Germanic origins, stemming from the Old High German "Dacham" or "Daha," which means "homestead by the river confluence." One of the earliest known bearers of this name was Conradus de Demer in the 13th century in Germany. The family migrated to America in the late 18th and 19th centuries, with many settling in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Notable individuals include Jeffrey Dahmer, a notorious American serial killer, born in Wisconsin in 1960, and John Henry Dahmer, an American politician and U.S. Congressman from Texas during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The family tree has branches across several American states, with variations such as Dahmert, Dahmere, and Daumer appearing in some records.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Dahmer"
• 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 : 10 June 2025

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