Hillmer Surname History

Origins Available:
England

The name Hillmer is from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of the Britain and comes from the name Hildemar. In Old English, patronyms were formed by adding a variety of suffixes to personal names, which changed over time and from place to place. For example, after the Norman Conquest, sunu and sune, which meant son, were the most common patronymic suffixes. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the most common patronymic names included the word filius, which meant son. By the 14th century, the suffix son had replaced these earlier versions. Surnames that were formed with filius or son were more common in the north of England and it was here that the number of individuals without surnames was greatest at this time.

Early Origins of the Hillmer family

The surname Hillmer was first found in Huntingdonshire, where they held a family seat from very early times.

Early History of the Hillmer family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hillmer research. Another 53 words (4 lines of text) covering the year 1273 is included under the topic Early Hillmer History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hillmer Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Hillmer has been spelled many different ways, including Hillmer, Hilmer, Hillmers, Hilmers, Hillner and many more.

Early Notables of the Hillmer family

More information is included under the topic Early Hillmer Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hillmer migration to the United States +

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Hillmers to arrive in North America:

Hillmer Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Carl Hillmer, who landed in Texas in 1850
Henry Hillmer, who landed in Philadelphia in 1858

Contemporary Notables of the name Hillmer (post 1700) +

Karin Hillmer, American artist
Dale Hillmer, Canadian corporate executive