Show ContentsTideman 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 Tideman. 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 Tideman family.

Early Origins of the Tideman family

The surname Tideman 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 Tideman family

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

Tideman Spelling Variations

One can encounter great variation in the spelling of surnames: in early times, spelling in general, and thus the spelling of names was not yet standardized; and later, spellings would change with branching and movement of families. Variations of the name Tideman include Tiedeman, Tiedmann, Tiedman, Tiedermann, Tiederman, Tidman, Tidmann, Teedman, Teedmen, Teideman, Teidemann, Thiedemann and many more.

Early Notables of the Tideman family

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


New Zealand Tideman migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Tideman Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Miss Eliza Tideman, (b. 1853), aged 21, Cornish servant departing on 6th April 1874 aboard the ship "Atrato" arriving in Lyttelton, Canterbury, New Zealand in 1874 1
  • Mr. William Tideman, (b. 1830), aged 44, Cornish tinsmith departing on 6th April 1874 aboard the ship "Atrato" arriving in Lyttelton, Canterbury, New Zealand in 1874 1

Contemporary Notables of the name Tideman (post 1700) +

  • T Nicolaus Tideman (b. 1943), American Professor of Economics at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University


  1. Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 2018, April 30). Emigrants to Lyttelton 1858-84 [PDF]. Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/new_zealand_assisted.pdf


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