Surname Schirmer - Meaning and Origin

A Journey with iGENEA: A Personal Voyage through My Ancestral DNA

Embracing my past, discovering my ancient lineages, and unraveling the deep meaning of my surname, Schirmer, through iGENEA’s DNA test was an incredibly emotional journey, altering my sense of identity and connection with the wider world community.

B. Schirmer

Schirmer: What does the surname Schirmer mean?

The surname Schirmer is an occupational name for someone who was a singer or worked within the music industry. Derived from the Middle High German 'schirmen' meaning 'to shelter', the name likely described someone who provided a source of music or entertainment as a singer or performer.

The Schirmer surname most commonly appears in the German-speaking regions of Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Records show that the earliest example of the name found was in Hanchesilvania, Germany in the late 1500s. This surname could also be found among Jewish populations in Eastern Europe in the late 1700s and early 1800s, such as in Russian records from 1811.

The Schirmer surname has spread all across Europe and to the Americas, primarily by the migration of those with the name. These migrants brought their music with them, further spreading the legacy of the Schirmer name. Today, the Schirmer surname can be found in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and various other countries where descendants of German migrants have settled.

As the name Schirmer has been adopted as a surname for many generations, it likely carries for many families a proud personal legacy. It serves as a reminder of the remarkable accomplishments of their musical ancestors whose voices enriched many lives.

Schirmer: Where does the name Schirmer come from?

The surname Schirmer is most common today in Germany. According to Ancestry.com, there are currently over 85,000 living persons in Germany with this surname. The name Schirmer is thought to derive from a Middle High German word meaning "tailor," suggesting that it originally indicated someone who performed that occupation.

Most of the people with this surname today in Germany are likely descended from families who have lived there for centuries. It is possible that the people may be related, but it is not known for certain. The surname is also found in Austria, Switzerland, and the United States. The US Census Bureau indicates that there are currently over 8,000 people with the last name Schirmer living in the United States.

In addition to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the United States, the last name Schirmer can also be found in Denmark, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Interestingly enough, the name is most commonly found in Germany, with over 85,000 people bearing the name. This suggests the surname has a long and deep history in the country.

Overall, the last name Schirmer is most commonly found today in Germany. There are currently over 85,000 people living in Germany with this last name, far more than in any other country. Beyond Germany, the name can also be found in various other countries in Europe and North America.

Variations of the surname Schirmer

The surnames Schirmer and Schurmer both originate in Germany and have evolved from the early Germanic word "shurme", meaning sheriff. It is likely that the surname developed from the personal name Shurme that arose from this word.

Variations of Schirmer can include Shermer, Schermer, Shirer, Shurmer or Schürmer. Other, less common variations are Schirmerr, Schümer and Schü trucker.

Spellings of Schirmer can include Schirmmer, Schirmar, Schirrmaer, Schirrmaier, Schirman or Schirmen. These spellings are found particularly in the United States, arising from the attempt to create a more " American " version of the surname.

Surnames of similar origin, such as Shearer, Sheerin, Schrier and Sherrin, can also be found throughout America and Europe. These surnames likely developed from a variety of sources, such as regional dialects or truncated versions of the original name.

The name Schirmer can also be found in locations outside of Germany, particularly in the Netherlands, Switzerland and Austria, where the name often appears as Schirmerr, Schmerrer or Shurmer.

Overall, the surname Schirmer can appear in a variety of forms due to the evolution of the language, changes in spelling and regional origin.

Famous people with the name Schirmer

• Günther Schirmer (German classical music composer)
• Maria Schirmer (German classical music pianist)
• Luca Schirmer (Italian actor, comedian and television presenter)
• Georg Schirmer (German music composer, conductor and choir director)
• Bernhard Schirmer (German music composer, arranger and choral director)
• Roy Schirmer (American race car driver)
• Ralph Schirmer (German artist and painter)
• John Schirmer (American painter)
• Ferdinand Schirmer (German classical music composer)
• Karl Schirmer (German abstract painter, sculptor and textile designer)
• Wolfgang Schirmer (Austrian composer and music librarian)
• Helmut Schirmer (German sculptor, installation artist and performance artist)
• Harry Schirmer (German World War II soldier and concentration camp survivor)
• Horst Schirmer (German politician and Member of Parliament)
• Käthe Schirmer (German author and feminist)
• Hugo Schirmer (Australian scientist specializing in aviation physiology and aerospace medicine)
• Olive Schirmer (American actress)
• Hans Schirmer (German politician, Member of Parliament and Minister of Education and Cultural Affairs)
• Recording artist Herbert Schirmer (American violinist and recording artist)
• Mary Schirmer (American fitness instructor and health coach)

Other surnames

SchirmSchirmacherSchirmannSchirmeisterSchirmelSchirmersSchirmke