Haamm History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

Etymology of Haamm

What does the name Haamm mean?

Nestled between the Rhine and Wesser rivers is the ancient German region of Westphalia. Westphalia, the home of the name Haamm. When hereditary surnames were adopted in this region, after the 12th century, names that were derived from localities were quite common. These "local" surnames originally denoted the proprietorship of the village or estate. When coupled with the German preposition von, which means from or of, local names can indicate that the initial bearer of the name was an aristocrat. However, in modern times, the use of the preposition has often long since been dropped from use. The Haamm family originally lived near a river or lake. The names was originally derived from the High German ham, which meant lakeside or river side. In the early Middle Ages, this surname was frequently preceded by van dem or von, which translate as at the and emphasize the local origins of the surname. Hamm is also the name of a place situated on the banks of the River Lippe in Westphalia, which was founded in 1229.

Early Origins of the Haamm family

The surname Haamm was first found in Westphalia, where the name Hamm contributed greatly to the development of an emerging nation which would later play a large role in the tribal and national conflicts of the area. In later years the name branched into many houses, each playing a significant role in the local social and political affairs.

Early History of the Haamm family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Haamm research. Another 90 words (6 lines of text) covering the year 1746 is included under the topic Early Haamm History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Haamm 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 Haamm include Hamm, Hamme, Hahm, Hahme, Hahmm, Hahmme, Haamm, Haamme, Haam, Haame and many more.

Early Notables of the Haamm family

More information is included under the topic Early Haamm Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Haamm family

Many Germans emigrated across the Atlantic to seek better lives in North America. This great migration began in the middle of the 17th century and continued into the 20th century. Resettlement was particularly attractive to those from Westphalia as a means of escape from poverty and religious persecution. For many Westphalian farmers, the chance to own one's own land was also a major incentive. The process of the widespread colonization of the United States began in 1650, when many immigrants from Germany settled in pockets in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. In Canada, German settlements centered around Ontario and the Prairie provinces. Among them: Conrad Hamm who arrived in New York City in 1710; Magdalena Hamm who arrived in Fredrick County, Maryland in 1773; Adam Hamm who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1774.