Find out how popular the first name Tammer has been for the last 21 years (from 1989 to 2009) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Tammer by gender

Based on the last 21 years of data, Tammer is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2009, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Tammer.

The history of the first name Tammer

The name Tammer is believed to have its origins in the ancient Germanic languages, where it was derived from the Proto-Germanic root "tameraz," which means "tamer" or "one who tames." This root word is thought to have been used to describe individuals who worked with animals, particularly those who trained horses or other domesticated creatures.

In the early medieval period, the name Tammer was relatively common among the Germanic tribes that inhabited parts of present-day Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia. It was often given to boys as a symbolic representation of strength, discipline, and the ability to control and train animals, which were highly valued skills in these largely agrarian societies.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Tammer can be found in the Old Saxon Heliand, an important literary work from the 9th century that retells the life of Jesus Christ in an alliterative verse style. In this text, a character named Tammer is mentioned as a follower of Jesus, though little is known about the historical accuracy of this reference.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Tammer remained popular among German-speaking populations, though its spelling and pronunciation varied across different regions. Notable historical figures who bore this name include Tammer von Goslar (c. 1050-1120), a German nobleman and military leader who fought in the Crusades, and Tammer Hagen (c. 1280-1345), a renowned blacksmith and artisan from the city of Nuremberg.

As the use of surnames became more widespread in Europe, some families adopted the name Tammer as a hereditary surname, often indicating a direct lineage to an ancestor who worked as a tamer or trainer of animals. This practice was particularly common in areas with a strong equestrian tradition, such as parts of modern-day Germany and the Netherlands.

In the Renaissance and Early Modern periods, the name Tammer continued to be used, though its popularity waned somewhat as more classical and biblical names gained favor among the educated classes. However, notable figures from this time who bore the name include Tammer Bernhard (1555-1628), a German painter and engraver known for his religious works, and Tammer Jurgen (1680-1742), a Dutch explorer and navigator who sailed for the Dutch East India Company.

As the centuries progressed, the name Tammer became less common, though it has continued to be used sporadically in various parts of Europe, particularly in regions with strong Germanic cultural influences. While it may not be as widely recognized as some other names of Germanic origin, Tammer remains a part of the rich tapestry of names that reflect the diverse linguistic and cultural heritage of the region.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Tammer was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Tammer, please contact us.

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