Show ContentsZimmermen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Prussia, one of the oldest and largest German regions, is the birthplace of the Zimmermen family. After the 12th century, hereditary surnames were adopted according to fairly general rules. Names derived from occupations were particularly common in this region. Zimmermen is an occupational surname 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 Zimmermen family

The surname Zimmermen 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 Zimmermen family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Zimmermen 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 Zimmermen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Zimmermen 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 Zimmermen include Zimmer, Zimmerle, Zimmerer, Zimmermann, Zimmerman, Zimerman, Timmer (northern Germany), Timmermann, Timmerman and many more.

Early Notables of the Zimmermen family

Another 39 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Zimmermen Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Zimmermen family

Prussia played an extremely influential role in shaping modern German history. It remained a part of Germany until after the Second World War. Prussia was divided among the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany. Many Prussians became residents of these new countries after the War, and many migrated to other parts of Germany or Europe, as well as to North America. In the United States, the majority of settlers landed in Philadelphia, and moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Many German settlers also migrated to Canada, particularly to Ontario and the Prairies. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Zimmermen 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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