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![Show Contents]() Siegelman History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Germany
The German state of Bavariais the ancestral home of the Siegelman family. Hereditary surnames began to be used in Germany during the 12th century. Names like Siegelman, that came from the name of the job done by their initial bearer, were very popular. Siegelman is an occupational name for a maker or purveyor of wax seals of the type commonly used to certify the authenticity of letters and documents until early this century, or a person responsible for the sealing and signing of official documents, a position known as Siegelbeamter. The name comes from the German word "siegel," which means "seal." Early Origins of the Siegelman familyThe surname Siegelman was first found in Bavaria, where the family gained a significant reputation for its contributions to the emerging mediaeval society. The name became prominent as many branches of the family founded separate houses and acquired estates in various regions, always elevating their social status by their great contributions to society. Individual bearers of the name first mentioned in ancient chronicles include Tetmarus Sigeler of Stettin in Pomerania (c.1263,) and Sigler of Wuerzburg (c.1383). The name literally refers to the position of "Siegelbeamter," responsible for seals and the signing of documents. Early History of the Siegelman familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Siegelman research. Another 251 words (18 lines of text) covering the years 1560, 1774, 1777, 1807, 1815, 1816, 1817, 1818 and 1862 are included under the topic Early Siegelman History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Siegelman Spelling VariationsMany 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 Siegelman include Siegel, Sigel, Sigl, Siegl, Siegler, Sigler, Siglin, Sieglin, Siegelin, Sigelin, Siglen, Sieglen, Siegele and many more. Early Notables of the Siegelman familyMore information is included under the topic Early Siegelman Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Siegelman familyEuropean migration to North America began in the mid-17th century and continued unabated until the mid-20th. Many Bavarians made the long trip to escape poverty or persecution based on their religious beliefs. The chance for tenant farmers to own their own land was also a major drawing card. They settled all across the United States in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Many came to Canada also, settling in Ontario and the prairie provinces. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Siegelmans to arrive in North America, and among them were: Jacob Siegel, who came to Pennsylvania in 1727. Johannes Siglin settled in Pennsylvania in 1753 with his wife and five children, as did John Siegel in 1765.
| Contemporary Notables of the name Siegelman (post 1700) | + |
- Donald Eugene Siegelman (b. 1946), American Democratic Party politician, Secretary of State of Alabama, 1979-87; Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Alabama, 1996, 2000; Governor of Alabama, 1999-2003 1
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