Surname Behrman - Meaning and Origin

Behrman: What does the surname Behrman mean?

The last name Behrman is a German surname with roots in several regions of Europe. The name is believed to have originated in the German region of Bavaria, where it is most commonly found today. Its meaning is derived from the German verb “behrm” or “bachlein”, which essentially means ‘beekeeper’ or ‘apiarist’.

Given its association with bees, many believe the Behrman surname to have an element of hard work and dedication, two traits that are associated with beekeepers. This is further demonstrated in the coat of arms of the Behrman clan, which contains a bee hovering above a pair of crossed scissors and a comb, which indicate the skilled craftmanship of working with bees and their hives.

Other meanings attributed to the name include the idea of a guardian of bees, symbolising a protective parent figure, and the symbolic importance of bees as a symbol of industry and hard work for which the Behrman family is known. Additionally, the Behrman family crest also includes symbols of fortitude and courage, which is synonymous with the strong spirit of the Behrman family.

The Behrman surname completely encapsulates the hardworking nature of the family and is an admirable asset in any family tree.

Behrman: Where does the name Behrman come from?

The last name Behrman is most frequently found in the United States today where it is the 876th most common surname. It is also found in Germany, Mexico, Canada, and countries in South America as well. The name is particularly common in England and Scotland.

The name Behrman is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German “berchman” meaning “priest”. It is likely that this last name began as a nickname for a priest, used to distinguish them from other members of a community.

It is believed that the earliest known record of the Behrman surname dates back to 1385, in the region of Mecklenburg, Germany. The surname is believed to have spread from Germany to other parts of the world as immigrants moved in search of better opportunities.

Behrman is a geographically far-reaching surname. In the United States, over 19,000 people bear this name, primarily concentrated in the Midwest and the East Coast. In Germany, this name is one of the most common in the state of Schleswig-Holstein. In England and Scotland, the surname is very common in rural areas, particularly in central England.

The name Behrman continues to spread as people from all walks of life migrate within and between countries for a better life.

Variations of the surname Behrman

Behrman is a surname of Germanic origin. It can be found in various spellings and variants throughout the world, including the following:

• Behrmann

• Behrmannn

• Behrmanglhauser

• Behrmenn

• Behrmannn

• Behrmanns

• Behrmannss

• Behrmanglauser

• Bergmann

• Berghman

• Bergman

• Berghmann

• Berghmans

• Bergmans

• Bergerman

• Bergermann

• Bergmar

• Bergmuller

• Bergmeister

• Bergmöller

• Berhardt

• Bierman

• Bergermans

• Behrmayr

• Behrmayer

• Behrmeister

• Behrmeyers

• Bergmey

• Behrmeyer

• Behrmink

• Behrminks

The German surname Behrman is derived from the old German personal name "Berahtmar,” which is composed of two elements: "beraht," which was a popular personal name meaning "bright and famous," and "mar," which means "famous." The original bearer of the surname likely originally lived in the area of Germany where it is still commonly found today (namely the Upper and Lower Rhineland areas).

Most variants of the surname Behrman are ultimately derived from a combination of the same root elements, and spelling variations arose due to regional linguistic differences and migrations of people. The marriage of two individuals of different linguistic backgrounds could also have been a factor in the variations.

This surname is still popular in the German-speaking countries of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, as well as in select parts of Eastern Europe, mainly in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. However, due to many German immigrants settling in the Newfoundland area of Canada and other places around the world, Behrman is found in many other countries as well.

Famous people with the name Behrman

• David Behrman: American composer of experimental music
• Jack Behrman: American basketball player
• Clarence Behrman: American color sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps
• Fred Behrman: American banker and politician
• Andy Behrman: American author and cyclist
• Louis Behrman: American playwright and director
• Marjorie Behrman: American banker
• Jerome Behrman: American lawyer and diplomat
• Matthew Behrman: American banjo musician
• Edward Behrman: American director of commercials
• Eric Behrman: American rower and Olympic medalist
• Ben Behrman: Canadian poet and writer
• Alex Behrman: American broadcaster
• Ellen Behrman: American television and theatre actress
• Kristen Behrman: American actress and screenwriter

Other surnames

Behrmann