Oltmann History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

The ancestral home of the Oltmann family is in the German province of Bavaria. Oltmann is a German nickname surname. Such names came from "eke-names," or added names, that described their initial bearer through reference to a physical characteristic or other attribute. The name Oltmann derives from the High German word "alt" which means "old," and other components which meant "servant." It is also derived from the first name Aldman, which means old man.

Early Origins of the Oltmann family

The surname Oltmann was first found in Lower Bavaria, where the name is considered to have made an early contribution to the feudal society which became the backbone of early development in Europe. The name became prominent in local affairs and branched into many houses which played important roles in the savage tribal and national conflicts, as each group sought power and status in an ever-changing territorial profile.

Early History of the Oltmann family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Oltmann research. Another 145 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1558, 1590 and 1706 are included under the topic Early Oltmann History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Oltmann Spelling Variations

In 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 Oltmann include Altmann, Alltman, Altmanns, Altmanne, Alltmanne and others.

Early Notables of the Oltmann family

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

Oltmann migration to the United States +

German settlers were among the most common to come to North America between the mid-17th and mid-20th centuries. Poverty and religious persecution drove many Bavarians to make this long trek. tenant farmers were also enticed by the prospect of owning land. From east to west, these German immigrants populated the United States, settling in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Ontario and the prairie provinces of Canada also provided homes to many. Early settlers bearing the Oltmann surname or a spelling variation of the name include:

Oltmann Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Mr. Joh. Hein. Oltmann, aged 20, from Hanover who arrived in Galveston, Texas aboard the ship "Ferdinand" in 1844
Mr. Joh. Oltmann, aged 29, German who arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1845 aboard the ship "Ferdinand"