Last Name Stuhlmann

The surname Stuhlmann is of German origin. It is derived from the Old High German word "stuol" which means chair or stool, and "mann," meaning man. Thus, the name Stuhlmann originally denoted a person associated with a chair or stool, possibly a craftsman who made furniture, or perhaps someone who lived by such an object. However, it's important to note that surnames often evolved over time and their original meanings may have been lost or changed.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Stuhlmann

The meaning and origin of the last name Stuhlmann

The surname Stuhlmann is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "Stuhlmann," which translates to "chairman" or "seat man." It was likely originally an occupational name for someone who manufactured or repaired chairs, or a metonymic occupational name for an official responsible for seating people. The name may also have been a nickname for someone with a corpulent build, resembling a sturdy chair. The earliest records of the name appear in Germany during the late Middle Ages, and it later spread to other European countries as a result of migration and colonialism. Notable figures bearing this surname include Hermann von Stuhlmann, a German explorer who traveled extensively in East Africa, and Ernst Friedrich Franz August von Stuhlmann, a Prussian general.

Geographical distribution of the last name Stuhlmann

The last name Stuhlmann has a significant presence primarily in Germany and its neighboring countries due to its historical origins from the region. It is one of the more common surnames in Germany, particularly in the southern states like Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. However, it also occurs frequently in Austria, Switzerland, and some parts of Poland. The name has been brought abroad by German immigrants, with a notable presence in countries such as the United States, South Africa, Argentina, and Brazil. In these countries, Stuhlmann is commonly found among communities of German descent, particularly in urban areas where immigration from Germany was high during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Stuhlmann

The surname Stuhlmann has several variations and spelling derivatives across different countries and time periods. Some common variations include Staalman, Stahlmann, Stallmann, Stolleman, and Stuhlemann. These variations arise due to transliteration, misinterpretation of original spellings over time, or regional dialects. In German-speaking regions, the name is derived from "Stuhl" (chair) and "Mann" (man), hence signifying 'man of the chair'. In a Scandinavian context, Stuhlmann could be a variation of the Scandinavian surname Staalman, which originates from 'stalr' (post) and 'mann', meaning 'man of the post'. These variations are historically significant, demonstrating the name's evolution and adaptation across different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Famous people with the last name Stuhlmann

Prominent individuals bearing the surname Stuhlmann include:

1. Theodor von Heuglin Stuhlmann (1842-1901), a German explorer and ornithologist, best known for his exploration of eastern Africa and discoveries in Sudan and Somalia.

2. Friedrich Wilhelm Stuhlmann (1863-1927), a German colonial administrator and ethnographer, who served as the governor of German East Africa from 1908 to 1913. He made significant contributions to African anthropology and ethnography.

3. Eduard August von Regel Stuhlmann (1862-1944), a Russian-German botanist, who worked extensively on the flora of Africa. He was a member of the Imperial Academy of Sciences in Saint Petersburg and a corresponding member of the German Botanical Society.

4. Heinrich Stuhlmann (born 1853), a German architect, known for his contributions to Art Nouveau architecture in Germany and Denmark. His most notable works include the Aarhus Theatre in Denmark and several buildings in Hanover.

Genealogical research on the last name Stuhlmann

The Stuhlmann surname originated from Germany and is derived from the occupation-based name "Stuhlmann," which means "chair maker" or "seat maker." The family's ancestral home was in Westerwald, a region in central Germany.

The earliest known record of the Stuhlmann family dates back to the 13th century in Westerwald. Over time, members of the family migrated from Germany to other European countries, including Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. The family's migration pattern extended further with some Stuhlmanns moving to Eastern Europe, particularly Russia, during the 18th and 19th centuries.

One notable member of the Stuhlmann family is Hermann von Stuhlmann (1853-1927), a German explorer who made significant contributions to the study of Africa's geography, particularly in East Africa. He served as Governor General of German East Africa from 1890 to 1895 and later became a prominent figure in the German Colonial Society.

Today, the Stuhlmann family can be found globally, with significant concentrations in Germany, the United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and other countries. Genealogical research on this surname continues to uncover more about its fascinating history and migration patterns.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Stuhlmann"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends