Surname Schirmke - Meaning and Origin
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Schirmke: What does the surname Schirmke mean?
The last name Schirmke is of German origin, and it is derived from the German work "schirm", meaning screen or shelter. This surname is most likely derived from the occupation of someone who was a maker of sun shields or umbrellas. Alternatively, it could have been used to identify a person who owned such an object or derived from a habitational name for someone who lived at or near a place distinguished by the presence of a screen or shelter. This last name could have been adopted in any of the German countries, as part of a tradition of naming ancestral relatives from the same family.
The name is a common surname among many countries along the ethnic German border, in particular parts of Russia and Poland. As such, many people of Jewish background will have adopted Schirmke as a last name, as a way to hide their Jewish roots.
The name Schirmke has carried through the generations as a family name, and can be found in many places around the world, particularly in countries which used to be part of the German Empire, or present day Germany. Although the name is not as popular today as it was in the past, it is still used and carried on with pride.
Order DNA origin analysisSchirmke: Where does the name Schirmke come from?
The last name Schirmke is most commonly found in German-speaking countries, particularly in Germany. According to the Geneanet database, the name is most common in North Rhine-Westphalia, the most populous state in Germany. In addition to North Rhine-Westphalia, the surname is found in other regions of Germany, including Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, and Saxony-Anhalt.
Outside of Germany, Schirmke is also found in smaller numbers in other German-speaking parts of Europe, such as Austria and Switzerland. The name is also found, though it is likely rare, amongst populations with strong ties to Germany, like Russian Mennonites, who have their roots in German-speaking Prussia.
The name Schirmke appears to be of German origin, likely deriving from a German occupational name for someone who worked as an umbrella maker or seller. This is supported by the fact that the name appears most commonly in regions of Germany with a history of trade and artisanship, like North Rhine-Westphalia.
It's notable that the surname is still most common in the parts of Germany where it initially emerged. This indicates that is has likely been passed down from one generation to another, and does not appear to have gained significant traction outside of German-speaking areas.
Variations of the surname Schirmke
The surname Schirmke can be written in a number of different ways. Variants of the name include Schirrmacher, Schirmacher, and Schurrmacher. Additional spellings of the name include Schurmke, Shirmke, Schurmken, and Schurrken.
Surnames of the same origin as Schirmke include Schirm, Schurr, Schurman, and Shurman. Other linked surnames include Scherm, Scherman, Schurmann, Shurmann, Shermacher, Shirmacher, Schirmann, and Shurrmann.
Schirmke is a German surname, derived from the Middle High German word "schirmen," which translates to "to protect or shield." Thus, the surname is often associated with protection. Historically, those with the Schirmke surname likely served as people who protected their societies from outside threats or watched over people within the society.
The Schirmke surname has been found in records since the 1500s, denoting that the name itself is quite old. It is primarily found in Germany, but has also been recorded in Austria and the United States. Records show that Wilhelm Schirmke immigrated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1753, indicating that the Schirmke surname was present in America since colonial times.
Famous people with the name Schirmke
- David Schirmke: Self-made entrepreneur and business owner.
- Peter Schirmke: Professional golfer and instructor.
- Joe Schirmke: Professional football running back.
- Jim Schirmke: Former Major League Baseball pitcher.
- Ginny Schirmke: Businesswoman and entrepreneur.
- Jenny Schirmke: Actress and stand-up comedian.
- Alex Schirmke: Violinist and music conductor.
- Paul Schirmke: Woodworker and craftsman.
- Tom Schirmke: Painter and sculptor.
- Jan Schirmke: National Park Ranger.