| ![Show Contents]() Vanzimmer History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
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 Germany The Vanzimmer family originated in the German state of Prussia. As hereditary surnames were adopted in that area beginning in the 12th century, people were often identified by the kind of work they did. Vanzimmer is an occupational name for a in Prussia. The name Zimmer means "room" or "chamber" while the derivative Zimmerman and its many variations are occupational names meaning carpenter, literally "room man." Early Origins of the Vanzimmer familyThe surname Vanzimmer was first found in Prussia, where the name was closely identified in early mediaeval times with the feudal society which would become prominent throughout European history. The name would later emerge as a noble family with great influence, having many distinguished branches in Germany and abroad, and become noted for its involvement in social, economic and political affairs. Chronicles first mention the knight Hans von Zimmern, who signed his name Hans Zimmerlin, of Wuerttemberg around 1414. Early History of the Vanzimmer familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Vanzimmer research. Another 140 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1550, 1644, 1672, 1685, 1693, 1730, 1766, 1778, 1811 and 1812 are included under the topic Early Vanzimmer History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Vanzimmer Spelling VariationsIn the medieval era, many different cultural groups lived in the German states. There are thus many regional variations of German surnames from that era. Westphalians spoke Low German, which is similar to modern Dutch. Many German names carry suffixes that identify where they came from. Others have phrases attached that identify something about the original bearer. Other variations in German names resulted from the fact that medieval scribes worked without the aid of any spelling rules. The spelling variations of the name Vanzimmer include Zimmer, Zimmerle, Zimmerer, Zimmermann, Zimmerman, Zimerman, Timmer (northern Germany), Timmermann, Timmerman and many more. Early Notables of the Vanzimmer familyAnother 39 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Vanzimmer Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Vanzimmer familyThe 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 Vanzimmers to arrive in North America, and among them were: Maria Margaretha and her four children, who came to Germantown, Pennsylvania in 1694. Gerhard Zimmermann came to America in 1740; Elizabeth Zimerman came to Philadelphia in 1789.
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