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Last Name Dillman

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What is the origin of the last name Dillman?

The surname "Dillman" is of German origin. It is derived from a nickname meaning "thick-skinned" or "tough man." In Middle High German, 'dil' means tough and 'mann' means man. This surname was originally used to describe someone who was physically strong or hardy. The name first appeared in Germany, where it was common among the nobility, and it later spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages with the expansion of the Holy Roman Empire.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Dillman

The surname Dillman is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German term "dilm" which means "eel" or "dragon worm." It is an occupational name for someone who was involved in the eel trade or fishery, or perhaps a metaphorical reference to someone with a fierce or slippery character. Over time, the spelling of the surname evolved, with variations such as Dilmann, Thielmann, and Deilman being found in historical records. The family name first appeared in Germany during the Middle Ages, and like many German surnames, it was typically passed down through the paternal lineage. Throughout history, families with the Dillman surname have settled in various parts of Europe and later, migrated to other continents, including North America, where they have made significant contributions in fields such as politics, science, and business.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dillman

The surname Dillman is predominantly distributed across North America, particularly in the United States and Canada. A significant concentration can be found in the Midwestern states of the U.S., such as Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Kansas, as well as in the eastern states like Pennsylvania and New York. Additionally, the name has a noticeable presence in western Canada, primarily in British Columbia and Alberta. Smaller numbers of Dillmans can also be found throughout Europe, particularly in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, where the name originates. The diaspora of this surname is further dispersed across other English-speaking countries like Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, reflecting historical migrations from these European regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dillman

The surname Dillman has several variations and spellings, including Dilman, Deilman, Dielmann, and Delman. These alterations can occur due to factors such as differences in regional pronunciation, transcription errors during migration, or personal preference. Additionally, some individuals may have variants based on their paternal or maternal lineage, further expanding the diversity of spellings. The root of the name is believed to be Germanic in origin, with Dillman being a derivative from "Dilmann," which means "ruler of the world" or "valiant man." It is important to note that family history and ancestry research can help individuals trace their roots and discover additional spellings and variations of their surname.

Famous people with the last name Dillman

Notable individuals bearing the surname Dillman include:

1. Richard Dillman (born 1938), an American film scholar and writer, who has published extensively on various aspects of cinema studies, including the history of Japanese cinema and European art films.
2. J. Robert Dillman (1924-1987), an American architect and urban designer known for his work with Victor Gruen Associates, where he contributed to the design and planning of numerous shopping centers and urban spaces in the United States.
3. Loni Anderson (born 1945), a prominent American actress best known for her roles in sitcoms such as "Mork & Mindy" and "WKRP in Cincinnati," earning three Golden Globe nominations for her performances.
4. Scott Dillman (born 1963), an American basketball player who played professionally in the Continental Basketball Association and the United States Basketball League, as well as in Italy, Greece, and the Philippines.
5. Melinda Dillman-Cusick (born 1960), an American physicist specializing in plasma physics and nuclear fusion research. She has worked at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and the University of California, Los Angeles. Her work has contributed to understanding the behavior of plasmas used in fusion devices such as tokamaks.

Genealogical research on the last name Dillman

The surname Dillman is of German origin, deriving from the Middle High German "dil" meaning "thick" and "mann" meaning "man." Historically, it was often found in regions such as Swabia and Thuringia, where thick-set individuals were often given this name. The earliest known bearer of this surname is believed to be Heinrich Dillman, who lived in the late 13th century in Swabia. Over time, the Dillmans migrated to other parts of Europe, including Denmark and England, due to religious and economic factors. In America, the Dillman family can be traced back to the mid-17th century when Johannes Dillman arrived in Maryland. The family later expanded across various states, notably Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Notable individuals with the name include Charles Dillman, a U.S. congressman from Iowa, and William Dillman, an American composer. Today, there are estimated to be over 150,000 people worldwide bearing the surname Dillman.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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