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Last Name Volkmer

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What is the origin of the last name Volkmer?

The surname "Volkmer" is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word 'volc' meaning 'people' and 'meri' meaning 'merchant'. In its original form, it was used to denote a merchant who dealt with the people or community. Over time, as families moved and surnames evolved, variations such as Volckmer, Volkmann, Vogler, etc., also appeared in different regions of Germany.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Volkmer

The meaning and origin of the last name Volkmer

The surname Volkmer is of Germanic origin, stemming from the Old High German name "Folchamar" or "Volkamarr", which translates to "famous in battle" or "people power in war". It was primarily found among the tribes inhabiting northern Europe during the Early Middle Ages. The name Volkmer became a popular surname as people began to take on hereditary names during the High and Late Middle Ages, following the Germanic practice of naming children after deceased ancestors. Over time, variations in spelling have occurred due to factors such as transliteration and dialectical differences. Today, the surname Volkmer can be found among German-speaking populations around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Volkmer

The surname Volkmer is predominantly distributed across Germany and its neighboring regions, being one of the most common German-origin names. A significant number of individuals with this name reside in North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, Saxony, and Lower Saxony, reflecting its historical roots in these regions. Smaller populations can be found in other German-speaking countries like Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, as well as among the German diaspora in various parts of the world. Outside Europe, the Volkmer surname can also be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America, particularly Brazil and Argentina, due to historical migration patterns. The distribution pattern indicates a strong connection between the name and Germanic heritage, with some dispersal through global migration over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Volkmer

The surname Volkmer has several variants and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration from various languages over time. Some common variations include: Volkmar, Volkmarr, Volckmar, Vulkmar, Volkemaar, Volckemar, Vulkemeer, Volkermeir, Volckermeir, and Vulkmeier. These variations originate from the Old High German "Wolcmar," which means "ruler of the wolf." The name Volkmer is also found in some regions as a first name, such as in parts of Germany and Poland. It is worth noting that spellings may vary depending on the region or country of origin, and can be affected by factors such as migration, assimilation, and historical record keeping practices.

Famous people with the last name Volkmer

Notable individuals with the surname Volkmer include:

1. **Heinrich Volkmer** (1843-1926), a German architect and engineer known for designing buildings in Berlin, Germany, including the Reichstag Building.

2. **Rolf Volkmer** (born 1957), a German retired football player who spent most of his career playing for FC Karl-Marx-Stadt, winning the DDR-Oberliga title with them in 1980.

3. **Johannes Volkmer** (1864-1925), a German philosopher and academic who made significant contributions to the study of law and ethics. He was one of the founders of the philosophical journal, *Logos*.

4. **Hans-Joachim Volkmer** (born 1935), a former East German politician who served as the Minister for Regional Planning in the cabinet of Willi Stoph from 1973 to 1989.

5. **Jochen Volkmer** (born 1962), a German actor and voice actor known for his roles in *Fack ju Göhte*, *SOKO Leipzig* and the video game *The Witcher*.

Genealogical research on the last name Volkmer

The surname Volkmer is of German origin, derived from the Old High German "Folcu-meri" meaning "servants or messengers of Folco." The first recorded instances of the name appeared during the High Middle Ages, particularly in Saxony and Thuringia regions, where the name was predominantly concentrated. Notable individuals with the surname Volkmer include Johannes Volkmer (15th-century blacksmith), Friedrich Volkmer (19th-century architect), and Hans Volkmer (20th-century actor). The spread of the Volkmer family is primarily observed in Germany, with significant diaspora communities in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada. Genealogical research suggests that the Volkmer lineage can be traced back to various German towns, including Göttingen, Jena, and Erfurt, among others.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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