Last Name Jungmann

The surname Jungmann has German origins and is derived from the Middle High German word "Jungman," which means young man. The name was often given to a son born after his father had already fathered older sons. In some cases, it could also be a nickname for someone who was youthful or vigorous in appearance or behavior. The surname Jungmann is found primarily among German-speaking populations and has various spellings such as Jungman, Jüngmann, Jüngelmann, and Jeungmann.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jungmann

The meaning and origin of the last name Jungmann

The surname Jungmann originates from Germanic roots, specifically the Old High German "Jungmann," which translates to "young man" or "youth." This name was often given as an occupational surname to a young servant or apprentice in a household. Over time, it evolved into a hereditary surname in various parts of Germany and Central Europe. In the Bohemian region, where many Jungmanns reside today, the name became Jungmann-von Prazmo, possibly due to an association with the village of Prazmo (now Pražmo in the Czech Republic). Notable figures bearing this surname include Adalbert von Jungmann, a prominent Bohemian linguist and educational reformer.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jungmann

The surname Jungmann is predominantly of Czech origin, with a significant concentration in Bohemia, which is now part of the Czech Republic. Historically, the name was common among German-speaking settlers in the region during the Middle Ages. Over time, the family spread to other parts of Europe, particularly to Germany and Austria. In the modern era, emigration patterns led to a presence of Jungmann descendants in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America. Notably, many Czech immigrants to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries carried the name. Today, Jungmann remains a common surname in the Czech Republic and Germany, but is also found in significant numbers in other countries with a history of immigration from these regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jungmann

The surname Jungmann has various spelling and pronunciation variants due to historical and regional differences. Some common versions include:

* Jungman
* Jungmanns
* Jüngmann
* Jeungmann
* Jungmen
* Jüngmen
* Jungenmayer (a variant found in Germany)
* Youngman (an anglicized version)

These variations may arise from differences in the spelling of names during historical periods, regional dialects, or errors in transcription. The original spelling is likely Jungmann, a common surname in Bohemia and Moravia, regions now part of the Czech Republic. However, over time and migration, the name has been adapted to different languages and writing systems, leading to these variations.

Famous people with the last name Jungmann

Josef Dobrovský and František Palacký are two well-known figures bearing the surname Jungmann, both significant historical figures from Bohemia, now the Czech Republic. Josef Jungmann (1773-1847) was a prominent linguist, writer, and reformer who played an essential role in the Czech National Revival. He made significant contributions to the modernization of the Czech language, translating works like Aesop's Fables and Shakespeare into Czech. František Jakub Jungmann (1793-1874), son of Josef, was also a writer, educator, and philologist who continued his father's work in promoting the use of Czech language and literature in education and public life. He authored several influential works, including the first modern Czech grammar book and the children's book "The Little Squire." Both men had profound impacts on the cultural and linguistic landscape of the region.

Genealogical research on the last name Jungmann

The surname Jungmann is of Czech origin and has its roots in Bohemia, which is now part of the Czech Republic. One of the earliest recorded instances of this surname can be traced back to the 14th century. Jan Jungmann, a Bohemian writer and linguist, was born around 1793 and played a significant role in the development of modern Czech language and literature during the National Revival period. His son, Václav Hanka, also made significant contributions as a philologist, historian, and poet. The Jungmann family's lineage extends to other notable individuals such as Franz Xaver Jungmann, who was a composer and music theorist in Vienna during the 19th century. The surname Jungmann can be found among Czech immigrants in various parts of the world, including North America and Australia, due to historical migration patterns.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Jungmann"
• 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 : 10 August 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends