Surname Oltmanns - Meaning and Origin

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G. Oltmanns

Oltmanns: What does the surname Oltmanns mean?

The last name Oltmanns is a German and Dutch name that is derived from the Germanic personal name "Odel" and is composed of two parts: "O" meaning "ancestor" and "Dal" meaning "valley." The suffix "-manns" is an occupational name meaning "man" and denotes a profession. This name would, therefore, have originally been held by someone whose occupation was associated with a valley, such as a farmer or a shepherd.

The name Oltmanns may have specifically derived from a region in the Netherlands called Oltmanns Valley, located in Dutch Limburg. This beautiful countryside is named after its many natural springs, originating from the valley. The name "Oltmanns" may also have been derived from the many small villages scattered throughout this region, such as Oltmans, Oltmanshof, Oltmannshoeve, and Oltmannsparijs, all of whom bear the beginning of this popular surname.

In the modern era, the last name Oltmanns remains quite popular in both German-speaking countries and the Netherlands. This surname is unique in that it has a long history and is often associated with attractive and rugged landscapes. It is also a surname representative of pride in national heritage and a certain type of ruggedness. Those who carry this surname may be proud to know that they come from a long line of courageous and hardworking individuals who have persevered over long uphill battles.

Oltmanns: Where does the name Oltmanns come from?

The last name Oltmanns is most commonly associated with Germany and other parts of Europe. The surname originates from the Dutch or Low German given name "Olthman" which means "he who is of old". The name is most commonly found in North Rhine-Westphalia, located in the northwest of Germany near the border with Netherlands. Over the centuries, Oltmanns families have spread to other regions throughout the country, including Lower Saxony, Hamburg, and Bremen.

Outside of Germany, the surname Oltmanns is also common in countries that have seen German immigration, such as the United States. According to the US Census Bureau, in 2020 there were over 1100 people in the United States with the Oltmanns surname. This number no doubt includes both German immigrants and their descendants who have kept the name.

Oltmanns is also a common surname in other countries in Europe, such as the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark. While the name may have been adopted by native citizens of those countries, it is likely to also be an import from Germany, as these countries historically have seen large numbers of German immigrants.

The Oltmanns surname is a testament to the migratory nature of the German people over the centuries. The name has withstood centuries of movement and change, and has spread to many countries in Europe and beyond.

Variations of the surname Oltmanns

The surname Oltmanns is an occupational surname of German origin. The name is derived from the Old German word "olt" which means old, and the common German suffix "-man" meaning man or one connected to a certain task.

Oltmanns is typically spelled in its native German language with two "n"s. However, for ease of pronunciation and adaptation to English, many Oltmanns families also spell the name "Oltmans," or in some instances, "Oldmans."

In the U.S., the surname Oltmanns is most common in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Throughout history, it has been used to refer to individuals of various backgrounds — from farmers and house painters to merchants and musicians.

The most common variants of the name Oltmanns include Olthausen, Oltman, Oltemann, Oltemans, Oltemens, Ultemann, Ulthausen, and Ultmon.

Additionally, for individuals who have anglicised the spelling of their surname, some variations of Oltmanns include Oldman, Oldmans, Oldmanns, Oltmann, Oltmanis, and Oltmanzi.

These alternative spellings are not to be confused with other non-related surnames, such as old hallman, colman, cultman, wolthausen, and soltmann.

Famous people with the name Oltmanns

• Friedrich Oltmanns: German Expressionist artist
• Erich Oltmanns: German politician
• Victoria Oltmanns: Canadian actress
• Itay Oltmanns: Israeli fullback
• Jørgen Oltmanns: Danish football player
• Wilhelm Oltmanns: German classical philologist
• Beate Oltmanns: German palaeobiologist
• Jan-Gerrit Oltmanns: Dutch audiovisual designer
• Paul Oltmanns: American statistician
• Richard Oltmanns: American psychologist

Other surnames

Oltmann