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Last Name Hermes

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What is the origin of the last name Hermes?

The surname Hermes is of Greek origin. In Greek mythology, Hermes was the messenger of the gods and the god of trade, heralds, merchants, thieves, athletics, travelers, sports, and arts such as literature and music. The name Hermes is derived from the Greek word "herma" which means a boundary stone or pillar, likely due to his role as a guide or messenger. As a surname, it has been used in various European countries since the Middle Ages.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Hermes

The surname Hermes is of Greek origin, derived from the name of the messenger god in Greek mythology. In Greek mythology, Hermes was the son of Zeus and Maia, and was known as the swift-footed, winged messenger of the gods. He was also the patron of commerce, trade, thieves, and travelers. The surname Hermes may have been adopted by individuals who wished to pay tribute to this ancient deity or who believed that they shared his quick wit, agility, or cunning nature. The name was first recorded in Greece during classical times and has since spread throughout the world due to Greek colonization and the diaspora of Greek populations. Today, Hermes is a relatively uncommon surname but remains an important part of Greek cultural heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hermes

The surname Hermes is predominantly found in Western Europe, particularly Germany and France, where it originated from. It is one of the oldest names associated with the ancient Greek god Hermes, the messenger of the gods. Over time, due to migration and historical events, the name has spread across several countries. In Germany, it ranks among the top 100 most common surnames, while in France, it is more frequent in regions such as Alsace and Lorraine. The name also appears in significant numbers in Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. In English-speaking countries like the United States and Canada, Hermes is less common but still present, often due to immigration from Europe or the adoption of unique spellings.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hermes

The surname Hermes has various spellings and variations across different regions and languages. Some common variations include: Hermes, Hermès (French), Herma, Hermas, Hermaeus, Hermius, Hermez, Hermis, Hermetz, Hermess, and Hermisse. These variations may stem from linguistic adaptations, regional dialects, or transcription errors over time. However, the most common spelling of this surname in English is Hermes.

Famous people with the last name Hermes

The Hermes surname is commonly associated with Hermes Kruger, a renowned South African artist known for his abstract sculptures and installations that explore themes of identity, history, and memory. Another notable figure is Christophe Hermans, a Belgian jazz musician who has played the saxophone for various bands including ICP Orchestra and Willem Breuker Kollektief. In the world of business, Eric E. Hermes was the former CEO of Deutsche Bank AG, one of Germany's largest banks. Lastly, Andre Hermann Hermes, commonly known as André Hermelin, was a French mathematician who made significant contributions to set theory and mathematical logic. These individuals demonstrate the versatility and achievements across various fields by people bearing the surname Hermes.

Genealogical research on the last name Hermes

The surname Hermes originates from Germany and is derived from various places named Hermesheim, Hermersheim, and Hermersbach, located in the Palatinate region. The name is believed to be associated with the Old High German word "hermiz" meaning "army or military." The earliest recorded occurrence of the surname Hermes dates back to the 13th century, specifically in a document from the diocese of Speyer in Germany. Over time, the family expanded and migrated, with notable Hermes families establishing themselves in various parts of Europe such as France, England, and the Netherlands. In modern times, descendants of the Hermes family can be found worldwide, with significant populations in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada. The Hermes name is also famously associated with the French company Hermès International, a luxury goods manufacturer known for producing high-quality leather products and fashion accessories.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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