What is the origin of the last name Johannsmann?

The surname Johannsmann is of German origin. It is derived from the given name Johannes (John) and the diminutive suffix -mann, meaning "son of John." This surname became widely distributed across Germany during the Middle Ages as a result of migration and settlement patterns.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Johannsmann

The meaning and origin of the last name Johannsmann

The surname Johannsmann is of German origin, derived from the personal name Johann (John) and the diminutive suffix -mann, meaning 'little John'. This patronymic name was originally used as a nickname for someone who had a characteristic resemblance to St. John the Baptist or was born on the feast day of this saint. Over time, it became a hereditary surname in various regions of Germany, particularly in northern areas like Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg. The name has several spelling variations due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over the centuries, including Johannesmann, Johansmann, and Janssen.

Geographical distribution of the last name Johannsmann

The surname Johannsmann is predominantly found in German-speaking regions, notably Germany and Austria, due to its Germanic origins. It is derived from the personal names Johannes or Hansman and indicates someone associated with either John or Hans. Variations such as Johansson, Johanssen, and Jansen are also common in Scandinavian countries, where they may have been adopted by people of German descent or due to similar-sounding native names. The name's presence is also notable in other European countries with significant Germanic influences, such as Switzerland, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. In North America, the surname Johannsmann can be found among the descendants of German immigrants who settled there throughout history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Johannsmann

The surname Johannsmann has several variants and spelling versions due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include:

1. Johannesmann
2. Johannsenmann
3. Johansmann
4. Johansemann
5. Johansman
6. Johansonmann
7. Johansmahn
8. Johannsman
9. Johannsmannn (with triple 'n')
10. Johanns-Mann
11. Johannes-Mann
12. Johan-smann
13. Johan-sen-mann
14. Johan-sman
15. Johan-son-mann

These variations may stem from different regions, dialects, or historical periods, and can sometimes lead to confusion when searching records or genealogies. However, it's essential to note that these variants all share a common root in the personal name Johannes (meaning "God is gracious") combined with the occupational suffix Mann (meaning "man" or "worker").

Famous people with the last name Johannsmann

The Johannsmann family has produced notable individuals across various fields. One prominent figure is Peter Johannsmann (b. 1938), a renowned German scholar and linguist who specialized in Old Norse studies. He has authored numerous academic works, including the influential "Das altnordische Verbum" (1965). Another notable individual is Hans-Werner Johannsmann (1940-2017), a German politician who served as Mayor of Pforzheim from 1983 to 2009. Known for his commitment to environmental issues, he was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit in 2006. Lastly, Jens Johannsmann (b. 1974) is a German musician and guitarist who rose to fame as a member of the pop-punk band Till Lindemann & Co. Their single "An deiner Seite" reached number one on the German charts in 2008, demonstrating Johannsmann's significant impact on the music industry.

Genealogical research on the last name Johannsmann

The surname Johannsmann is primarily found in Germany and has roots dating back to the Middle Ages. Variants such as Johannesmann and Johansmann also exist. The name is an occupational or patronymic name derived from the personal name Johannes, meaning "God is gracious," and the German word Mann, which means man or warrior. This suggests that an original bearer of the name was a servant or son of a man named Johannes. Notable individuals with this surname include Johann Georg Johannsmann, a German composer who lived in the 17th century, and Wilhelm Johannsmann, a German military officer during World War I. The migration of Germans to other parts of Europe and North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries led to the global dispersal of individuals bearing this surname.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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.

Last updated :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names