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Last Name Drimmer

What is the origin of the last name Drimmer?

The last name Drimmer is of German and Jewish origin. It is derived from the German surname "Treimer," which means "joiner" or "carpenter." In Hebrew, it is interpreted as a diminutive form of the name David (Dovidim). The name was likely adopted by Jews with German ancestry, and it became more common among Ashkenazi Jewish families. The name spread across Europe, particularly Eastern Europe, during migrations due to religious persecution and economic reasons. However, it's important to note that surnames often have multiple origins and variations, so this is one of the possible explanations for the origin of the Drimmer last name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Drimmer

The meaning and origin of the last name Drimmer

The surname Drimmer is of Germanic origin, derived from the medieval given name Dreimar or Driedmar. The name is composed of two elements: "dreih" meaning three and "mari," a short form of various male names beginning with Mar-, such as Marin or Martin. Over time, this personal name evolved into the modern surname Drimmer, found predominantly among German-speaking populations. It is possible that some bearers of the name may have immigrated to other countries, including the United States and Canada, due to historical events like the Protestant Reformation and the 19th-century industrial revolution.

Geographical distribution of the last name Drimmer

The surname Drimmer is primarily found in Eastern Europe, particularly in countries such as Poland and Ukraine. It originates from Jewish families, specifically those who belonged to the Ashkenazi group. Historically, many Jewish families with the last name Drimmer migrated from these regions to other parts of Europe, North America, and Israel during various waves of immigration, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries. In North America, significant populations of people with the surname Drimmer can be found in the United States and Canada, primarily in urban centers such as New York City and Toronto. Smaller communities can also be found in Israel and South Africa, reflecting the global dispersion of this Jewish surname over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Drimmer

The surname Drimmer has several variations and spellings, stemming from different regions and cultures. Some of these variations include:

1. Drimmer - The most common spelling of this surname.
2. Drehmer - A variant that originated in German-speaking countries. It is phonetically similar to Drimmer, with a slight alteration in the way the "r" and "m" sounds are pronounced in German.
3. Driemer - This spelling may have arisen from a misinterpretation or misspelling of the original surname. It still retains some resemblance to the original Drimmer.
4. Drymer, Dreymer - These variants could potentially be found among individuals with German or Jewish ancestry, as the name's roots may be traced back to those regions.
5. Driemen, Dreymen - Variations that might have originated from Dutch or Yiddish speakers, with the addition of an "n" at the end of the surname.
6. Drimmer-Stein, Drimmerstein - Compound surnames, where Drimmer is combined with Stein (meaning stone in German) to create a new surname. This could indicate a connection or association between the two families.
7. Drummer - While this name has a different meaning and origin, it might be an incorrect transcription of Drimmer, especially for individuals who have migrated from regions with heavy German or Jewish populations.

Famous people with the last name Drimmer

Notable individuals with the surname Drimmer include:

1. Isaac Drimmer (1924-1987), an American lawyer and politician who served as the New York State Attorney General from 1979 to 1983. He was involved in cases related to organized crime, consumer protection, and civil rights.

2. David Drimmer (born 1960), a Canadian filmmaker and producer who has worked on various documentaries and TV shows. He is the founder of the production company Driffer Films.

3. Michael Drimmer (born 1958), an American author, screenwriter, and television producer. His works include the novel "A Good Day to Die" and the television series "The L Word."

4. Rachel Drimmer (born 1976), an American lawyer and copyright expert who served as Director of Copyright at Public Knowledge, a digital rights advocacy group. She is currently the Associate General Counsel for Policy at Reddit.

Each of these individuals has made significant contributions in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Drimmer

The Drimmer surname is of Ashkenazi Jewish origin and is believed to have roots in Germany, Poland, and Russia. The earliest known records of the Drimmer family date back to the late 16th century in the German city of Frankfurt am Main. The name is derived from the occupational term "Trimmer," a worker who trims or mends cloth.

In Poland, the Drimmer family appeared in the 17th and 18th centuries in regions such as Piotrkow Trybunalski, Lodz, and Warsaw. In Russia, they settled primarily in cities like Odessa and Rostov-on-Don during the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to Jewish immigration.

Drimmers migrated to the United States in significant numbers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with many settling in cities like New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia. Famous individuals bearing the Drimmer surname include artist Max Drimmer, musician Daniel Drimmer, and actor-director David Drimmer.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 27 July 2025

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