Last Name Lippmann

The surname Lippmann is of German and Jewish origin. It comes from the Middle High German word "Lipman," meaning "lip man" or "protector of the lips." This name was originally a nickname for someone with a distinctive facial feature, such as a prominent upper lip or a mustache, or someone who played a protective role related to the lips. The spelling Lippmann, specifically, may have evolved over time due to variations in spelling that occurred during migration and assimilation.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lippmann

The meaning and origin of the last name Lippmann

The surname Lippmann is of Germanic origin, derived from the Middle High German "Lipman" or Old Norse "Leipmannr". The name translates to 'the man from Leipzig', as Leipzig was an ancient town in Germany known for producing lip-salve, which could have been a profession or geographical reference for early bearers of this surname. Over time, the spelling has evolved to Lippmann, reflecting variations in regional pronunciation and language changes. The name became popular among Jewish families in Europe due to its association with the Talmudic scholar Rabbi Lipmann Heller, who lived in the 17th century. Today, it remains a common surname among Jews of Central European descent, but is also found worldwide as a result of migration and assimilation over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lippmann

The surname Lippmann is predominantly of German and Jewish origin, with significant concentrations in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the United States. In Germany, it is most prevalent in the Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia regions. In Austria, it is particularly common in Vienna and Lower Austria. In Switzerland, it is found primarily in the German-speaking cantons such as Aargau, Basel-Landschaft, and Zürich. The United States has a large population of Lippmanns, with many tracing their roots back to immigration from Germany and Eastern Europe during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Other countries with notable numbers of Lippmanns include France, Canada, and South Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lippmann

The surname Lippmann has several variations and spelling alternatives due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Here are some common versions:

1. Lipman - This is one of the most common variations, with "man" instead of "mann". It's often used among families that have immigrated from Germany or Eastern Europe.
2. Lippman - Another variation with a slight change in spelling, replacing "p" with "pp".
3. Lippmann-Kessler - A compound surname formed by the marriage of two families, Lippmann and Kessler.
4. Leypman - This variant is found primarily among Sephardic Jewish families of Iberian origin. The name was often altered during the Inquisition to avoid persecution.
5. Leibman - Another variation derived from Leypman or Lipman, with a change in the first syllable.
6. Laipman - A less common spelling found among individuals of German descent.
7. Lippomon, Lippomann, Lippmanne - These are historical variations and may be encountered in genealogical records.
8. Lippmann-Milürchewitz - Compound surname formed by the merger of Lippmann and Milürchewitz families.
9. Lippmann-Rosenthal - Another compound surname, formed through marriage between the Lippmann and Rosenthal families.

Famous people with the last name Lippmann

Walter Lippmann (1889-1974) was an American journalist and political commentator who is widely regarded as one of the most influential political writers of the 20th century. He won two Pulitzer Prizes, in 1922 for his book "Liberty and the News" and in 1958 for his column "Walter Lippmann's Viewpoint." He was a prolific writer and commentator on various topics such as politics, foreign affairs, and social issues. His work greatly influenced public opinion and political discourse during his time. Arthur Lippmann (1852-1916), a contemporary of Walter, was also a prominent journalist who served as the editor of the New York World from 1894 to 1904. He was known for his support of Theodore Roosevelt and his reform policies. Another notable figure with the last name Lippmann is Simon Lipman (born 1960), a British mathematician who made significant contributions in the field of number theory, specifically the study of modular forms and their applications to Diophantine approximation.

Genealogical research on the last name Lippmann

The Lippmann surname originates from Germany, specifically from regions such as Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland. It is an occupational name for a money changer or a merchant, derived from the Middle High German "Lipman" or Yiddish "Lipman," both meaning "lion man."

The Lippmann family can be traced back to the 13th century, with documented records in Germany dating as far back as 1260. Notable figures bearing the name include Louis D. Brandeis, a prominent American jurist and associate justice of the Supreme Court, who was born into a Jewish Lippmann family in Bohemia (modern-day Czech Republic) before emigrating to the United States. Another well-known figure is Kurt Tucholsky, a German journalist and satirist whose works were influential in the 1920s and 1930s.

The Lippmann family has been recorded in various parts of Europe, including France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, due to migrations and dispersions over time. The name can also be found among Jewish communities in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lippmann"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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