Show ContentsTheilman History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The German state of Prussia, which reached the zenith of its power in the late 19th century, is the glorious birthplace of the distinguished surname Theilman. In the medieval era, after the fall of the Roman Empire, the German lands were inhabited by a variety of Barbarian tribes. The borders of the Barbarian kingdoms changed frequently, but the region that became known in Prussia was roughly divided between the areas of Brandenburg-Prussia, West Prussia, and East Prussia. The colorful history of Brandenburg-Prussia, which is essentially the birthplace of modern Germany, provides a glimpse at the oldest origins of the Theilman family.

Early Origins of the Theilman family

The surname Theilman was first found in northern Germany, especially Hamburg, where the name acquired prominence for its contribution to the emerging mediaeval society. It later became more recognized as many branches of the same house acquired distant estates and branches, some in foreign countries, elevating their social status through their great contributions to society. Chronicles suggest that the name is a northern German variation of Dietrich or Diederich. Chronicles first mention one Tidemannus (Tidericus) of Hamburg in 1262.

Later, Tiedemann Giese (1480-1550), was Bishop of Kulm was Bishop of Kulm (Chelmno) first canon, later Prince-Bishop of Warmia. He mentored a number of important young scholars, including Copernicus.

Early History of the Theilman family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Theilman research. Another 178 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1724, 1812 and 1821 are included under the topic Early Theilman History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Theilman Spelling Variations

Many cultural groups lived in the German states in medieval times. Each had its own dialect and traditions, and unique variations of popular names. Low German, which is similar to contemporary Dutch, was spoken in Westphalia. German names are characterized by additions such as regional suffixes and phrases that tell something about the origin or background of its original bearer. Further contributing to the variation in German names was the fact that there were no spelling rules in medieval times: scribes recorded names according to their sound. The recorded spelling variations of Theilman include Tiedeman, Tiedmann, Tiedman, Tiedermann, Tiederman, Tidman, Tidmann, Teedman, Teedmen, Teideman, Teidemann, Thiedemann and many more.

Early Notables of the Theilman family

Another 42 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Theilman Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Theilman family

The state of Prussia was a great influence on the shape of modern Germany. After the Second World War, Prussia's land was divided among the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany and the state was abolished. Some Prussians remained in those countries after the war, while many others migrated to North America in search of a new start. Philadelphia was their primary point of entry to the United States, after which many of them moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. A large number of Prussians also migrated to Ontario and the prairie provinces as United Empire Loyalists. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Theilmans to arrive in North America, and among them were: Georg Ludwig Thiedemann, who settled in Winterhill, Massachusetts in 1778. Nicholas Tiedeman came to Philadelphia in 1812.


Contemporary Notables of the name Theilman (post 1700) +

  • V. P. Theilman, American politician, Member of South Dakota State Senate 6th District, 1889-90 1


  1. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, October 22) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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