Surname Maasmann - Meaning and Origin
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Maasmann: What does the surname Maasmann mean?
The last name Maasmann is of German origin. It is thought to be derived from the German word "Masse," meaning "measure" or "mass," and the suffix "-mann," indicating "man." This suggests that the name may have originally been used to signify a man who was involved in activities related to measuring.
In some cases, the last name Maasmann may also be a variant spelling of the Dutch name Meijerman, which means "manager" or "steward." This suggests that it could have been used to refer to a person who held a position of authority or managed an estate or other property.
The name Maasmann is quite rare and primarily found in Germany and the Netherlands. The name also appears in variations such as Maassman, Maasemann, or Mesmann.
No matter the origin, the last name Maasmann is steeped in history. It's a reminder of the past, and a reminder of individuals who might have held a tenure in measuring or managing, and who found a way to live on through their name.
Order DNA origin analysisMaasmann: Where does the name Maasmann come from?
The surname Maasmann is fairly widespread across Germany and the Netherlands. It is most commonly found in the regions that were historically part of the Hanseatic League, which flourished from the 13th to the 17th centuries. The city of Bremen in northwest Germany is an especially popular area in which the surname is found. It is also found in sizeable numbers in the neighboring state of Lower Saxony and in northern Netherlands, especially the provinces of North Holland and Groningen.
Maasmann is likely derived from the Middle High German word "man" meaning "man" or "person", combined with the Low German word "maas" referring to a "moat". Thus, the name may have originally referred to someone who lived near or by a moat. In Dutch, Maasmann is sometimes known as Masmann, suggesting a possible connection between the modern Dutch and Middle High German.
Outside of Germany and the Netherlands, the surname is quite rare. It can still be found in smaller numbers in the former DDR, or German Democratic Republic, and scattered throughout other European countries. However, some descendants of German immigrants to the United States still carry the Maasmann surname today, though the numbers are a tiny fraction of what they were in previous centuries.
Variations of the surname Maasmann
The surname Maasmann has many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. These include Maasman, Maesman, Maesmam, Maesma, Mesman, Massman, Maasman, Masman, Maaskamp and even Massmann.
The versions of this surname found in the Netherlands generally reflect dialectical differences, for example Maesman is a version found in Limburg, Netherlands, while Maaskamp is found in Gelderland. The German spellings of Maesmann and Masmann are commonly used, as well as the Dutch spelling Maasman.
The origin of this surname is quite interesting. It appears to have originated as an occupational name derived from the German word “Masemann”, meaning Mason. This could refer to someone who was a builder or bricklayer. The spelling eventually became Maesman or Massman and depending on the particular region, the spelling was adapted to the local dialect.
In the 19th century, many variants of the name emigrated to America where anglicized versions such as Maesman, Maasman, and Massman are seen in records.
It is also found in other countries, such as Canada, Australia, and South Africa. All of these variants are of the same origin and indicate a connection with the original German spelling.
Famous people with the name Maasmann
- Herbert Maasmann: German theologian, bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hanover, professor of theology at the University of Goettingen.
- André Maasmann: Swiss businessman and former CEO of the Anglo-American conglomerate Alcon.
- Arnie Maasmann: American pastor, author and speaker.
- Eric Maasmann: Dutch tennis player, active from 1992 to 2002.
- Evert Maasmann: Dutch photographer and illustrator, known for his nature and bird photography.
- Hugo Maasmann: German Expressionist painter and sculptor.
- Ursula Maasmann: German Olympic diver, silver medalist in the 1976 Summer Olympics.
- Erhard Maasmann: German rower, won a bronze medal in the 1963 European Championships.
- Franz Maasmann: German benefactor, founded the Maasmann Foundation.
- Hans Maasmann: German diplomat and former Ambassador to the Philippines.