Last Name Lienemann

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lienemann

The meaning and origin of the last name Lienemann

The surname Lienemann is of German origin, derived from various locations named "Lienemannshof" or "Lienemannswalde", which are present in several regions of Germany. The name is a compound word, with "Liene" referring to a stream or small river, and "Mann" meaning man or settlement. Thus, Lienemann can be roughly translated as "the man by the stream". This surname may have originated from those who lived near such geographical features or even took up residence there over time. The name has various spellings, including Leinemann, Lienemanns, and Linemann, due to variations in transcription and translation over the centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lienemann

The last name Lienemann is primarily distributed across Germany and neighboring regions due to its origins as a regional German surname. According to data from various sources, it's most commonly found in the northern part of Germany, particularly in states like Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, and North Rhine-Westphalia. Smaller concentrations can also be found in other European countries such as Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, likely due to migration and historical links between these regions. In the United States, the name is present, with notable populations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan, suggesting potential German immigration during the 19th century. The distribution of Lienemann also extends to other countries, such as Canada, Australia, and South Africa, as a result of historical migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lienemann

The surname Lienemann has several variations and spellings across different regions and time periods. Some common variations include Leinemann, Lienmann, Leyneman, and Lijneman. These differences may arise due to spelling changes over time, regional dialects, or personal preferences in transcription. The name is believed to be of German origin, derived from the words "lin" meaning "flax" and "mann" meaning "man," suggesting an occupational surname for someone who worked with flax. However, it's important to note that the exact derivation may vary depending on specific family histories and migration patterns.

Famous people with the last name Lienemann

Notable individuals with the surname Lienemann include:

1. John Lienemann (born 1967), an American photographer who has been widely published and exhibited internationally, with a focus on documenting social issues.
2. Jens Peter Lienemann (born 1984), a German professional footballer who currently plays for VfL Osnabrück in the German third division.
3. Hans Lienemann (1905-1978), a German general during World War II, who served as the commander of the 2nd Panzer Army and was involved in the Battle of Normandy.
4. Thomas Lienemann (born 1962), a German politician from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, serving as the mayor of Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler since 2017.
5. Jens Lienemann (born 1964), a German lawyer and former member of the Bundestag for the CDU from 2013 to 2017, representing the district of Ahrweiler.

Genealogical research on the last name Lienemann

The Lienemann surname is of German origin and is believed to have derived from various places in Germany, including Lower Saxony, Brandenburg, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name was in the 13th century, with mention of a knight named Konrad von Lyneman in the region of East Frisia. Over time, the spelling of the surname has evolved from Lienemann, Lyenemann, and Lineman to its current form. The migration patterns of the Lienemann family were predominantly westward, with many members settling in the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, and eventually North America during the 18th and 19th centuries. In the United States, significant populations of Lienemanns can be found in states like Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and Iowa, due to German immigration waves. The family name is believed to have been brought to these regions by early settlers who were farmers, craftsmen, and laborers, contributing to their subsequent success and growth within those communities.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lienemann"
• 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 : 23 July 2025