Last Name Eismann

The surname Eismann is of German origin. It is derived from an occupational name for a maker of ice, from the Middle High German word "eis," meaning ice, and "mann," meaning man or servant. Alternatively, it could also have been a nickname for someone who resembled an ice statue or was particularly cool-headed in temperament. The name may have originated from various locations in Germany, such as Eisemannshausen in Hesse, or Eisemannsfelden in Bavaria.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Eismann

The meaning and origin of the last name Eismann

The surname Eismann is of German origin, derived from the Old High German 'Eis' meaning 'ice' and 'Mann' meaning 'man' or 'warrior'. This name could have been given as an occupational name for an iceman or a nickname for someone who was very cold or stoic. Alternatively, it may have also originated from a topographic name for someone who lived near a frozen stream or in a cold region. The surname Eismann has variations such as Eisenmann and Eisman and is most common in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and regions settled by German immigrants.

Geographical distribution of the last name Eismann

The surname Eismann has a notable distribution primarily within German-speaking regions due to its origin from the Middle High German word "Eysen" meaning 'ice' and the diminutive suffix "-mann." It is most frequently found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. In Germany, it is particularly prevalent in the southern states of Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and Saxony. Beyond these regions, smaller populations of Eismanns can be found in various countries with significant Germanic immigrant communities such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. In the U.S., it is most common in states like Pennsylvania, New York, Wisconsin, and Illinois, reflecting historical immigration waves from Germany during the 19th century. The global distribution of the Eismann surname highlights its origins within Germanic cultures while also demonstrating dispersal due to migration over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Eismann

The surname Eismann has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Some common variants include Eisenmann, Iseman, Isman, and Yisman. These variations can occur as a result of factors such as linguistic differences, errors in translation or transcription, and changes in spelling conventions. The original German form of the name is Eisenmann, which translates to 'iron man' in English. It is derived from the Old High German word 'eisern' meaning 'iron' and the Middle High German word 'man' meaning 'man'. Other variations may have arisen due to regional dialects, migration, or assimilation into other cultures. The name Eismann has been borne by notable figures in various fields, including musicians, scientists, and athletes.

Famous people with the last name Eismann

The Eismann surname is associated with notable figures across various fields. One of the most recognized individuals with this name is Michael Eisman, an American businessman and philanthropist. He co-founded the private equity firm Warburg Pincus in 1966 and played a significant role in shaping its growth as one of the world's leading investment firms. In the realm of science, Dr. Hermann J. Eismann is known for his contributions to the field of genetics. As a professor at the University of California, he made important discoveries related to gene expression and chromosome structure. In entertainment, director Ulli Lommel (originally named Ullrich Eismann) has had an extensive career spanning over five decades, working on films such as "The Boogeyman" and "Mark of the Devil." Lastly, in sports, Judy Eisman is a former professional tennis player from the United States who competed in the 1960s. She was a three-time US National Doubles Champion and reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 23 in the world.

Genealogical research on the last name Eismann

The Eismann surname, of German origin, is derived from the occupational name for a maker of ice or an official responsible for the supply of ice, from the Middle High German word "eis" meaning ice and "mann" meaning man. The name is commonly found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and among Ashkenazi Jewish communities. Notable figures with the surname Eismann include Samuel Eismann, a prominent rabbi and scholar in Israel, and Kurt Eismann, an Austrian-born American violinist. In terms of genealogical records, there are numerous entries for the Eismann family in German church and civil records dating back to the 16th century. The FamilySearch website hosts a variety of records related to the Eismann surname, including birth, marriage, and death records, as well as census data and immigration records.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Eismann"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends