Last Name Schram

The surname Schram is of German origin. It is derived from a variety of sources. One possible origin is from the Middle High German "schram" meaning "grove" or "clearing." Another possibility is that it is a nickname for a short, stocky person, as "Schramm" in Middle High German meant "stout" or "strong." The surname may also have been a metonymic occupational name for a carter or a waggoner, from the Low German "schramme," meaning "sled" or "wagon." It is also found as a variant of the Jewish surname Schrama, which originated as a patronymic from the personal name Shlomo (Solomon).

Learn more about the origin of the last name Schram

The meaning and origin of the last name Schram

The surname Schram is of German and Dutch origin, derived from various regional place names or occupational names related to the Old High German word "scramm," which means "crane." It may have been used as a topographic name for someone who lived by a crane-filled marshland or as an occupational name for a crane maker or operator. The surname Schram can also be found in Scandinavian countries due to immigration and cultural influences. Notable individuals with the surname Schram include the American football player George Schram, Dutch ice hockey player Cor Schram, and German actor Hans Schram.

Geographical distribution of the last name Schram

The surname Schram is primarily concentrated in regions with Germanic heritage due to its origin from the Middle High German word "schrama" meaning 'shriek' or 'scream'. In modern times, it is most prevalent in Germany, especially North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg, and Bavaria. Additionally, significant numbers of people bearing the Schram surname can be found in the United States, particularly in states like Wisconsin, Minnesota, Texas, and California. This distribution is a result of German immigration waves to the U.S. during the 19th century. Smaller populations are also present in other parts of Europe such as Austria, Switzerland, Norway, and Denmark, reflecting the dispersal of migrants from Germany over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Schram

The surname Schram has several variations and spellings due to different transliteration methods over time. Some common variants include Schramm, Schramp, Schrahm, and Schramme. In some cases, it may also be spelled as Schrammeck or Schrambeck. These variations are often the result of minor alterations such as adding or omitting letters, changing the spelling of certain letters, or adjusting the placement of accents. Despite these differences, they all share a common root in the German and Dutch names, which are derived from the word "schramm," meaning "craggy" or "rocky."

Famous people with the last name Schram

The Schram surname has been associated with notable figures across various fields. In music, Peter Schram was a Danish composer and organist during the Baroque period. In the realm of science, John Schram (1867-1942) made significant contributions to physical chemistry, being one of the first to propose the concept of chemical equilibrium constant.

In sports, the Schram family from Norway has produced several notable athletes, including Eiliv Schram (1912-1993), a gold medalist in ski jumping at the 1936 Winter Olympics, and his granddaughter Hilde Schramm, who represented Norway in alpine skiing in the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics.

In the world of entertainment, Tom Schram is an American actor known for his roles in shows like "Saved by the Bell" and "Married... with Children." Lastly, Jessica Schram, also an American actress, gained recognition for her roles in "Life Unexpected," "Veronica Mars," and "True Blood."

Genealogical research on the last name Schram

The surname Schram originates from Germany and is derived from the Old High German "scraima" which means "shriek" or "noise." It was originally an occupational name for a blacksmith or bell-founder, as the sounds of their work would have been noisy.

The Schram family can be traced back to the 13th century in Germany, with the first recorded instance being a certain Dietrich Schram who lived in Swabia around 1250. The family later migrated to Holland and Belgium, where they became prominent in the textile industry during the 16th century.

In the 17th century, some members of the Schram family emigrated from Holland to America, settling primarily in Pennsylvania and New York. Notable descendants include George Washington Schram, a 19th-century American businessman and philanthropist who founded the Schramsberg Vineyards in California.

Today, the Schram family name is found predominantly in North America, with significant populations in the United States and Canada. Variations of the name include Schramm, Schramek, Schramke, and Schramme.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Schram"
• 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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