Find out how popular the last name Hammerschlag is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Hammerschlag.

Hammerschlag, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Hammerschlag surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Hammerschlag in America

Hammerschlag is the 150436th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Hammerschlag surname appeared 100 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Hammerschlag.

The history of the last name Hammerschlag

The surname Hammerschlag originates from the German-speaking regions of Europe, particularly within modern-day Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The name is traced back to at least the medieval period, possibly emerging around the 12th to 15th centuries. The surname derives from two German words: "Hammer," meaning hammer, a common tool, and "Schlag," meaning strike or blow. The name essentially translates to "hammer blow," likely indicating an occupational surname related to blacksmithing or metalworking, professions that were widespread and crucial during that era.

Records from medieval times containing the surname Hammerschlag are scarce but insightful. Early documentation includes references in local guild records and town charters, highlighting the involvement of individuals bearing the name in trades and crafts. One of the earliest mentions is from a 1320 guild record in Cologne, where a Conrad Hammerschlag is listed as a master blacksmith.

Johannes Hammerschlag, born in 1492 and died in 1559, was a notable figure in Augsburg, where he gained renown for his skill in forging iron tools and implements, reflecting the typical occupation associated with the name. Another early example includes a reference to Peter Hammerschlag, born in 1510 in Frankfurt, who was involved in the production of armaments during periods of regional conflict, demonstrating the surname's deep connection to metalworking trades.

In the 17th century, the name appears in various legal documents and parish records across southern Germany and Austria. A notable individual from this period is Maria Hammerschlag, born in 1655 in Vienna. She gained prominence not in blacksmithing but as the wife of a wealthy merchant, reflecting the social mobility possible within some families bearing the surname.

Moving into the 18th century, the name appears in records related to the burgeoning industrial period. In 1732, a Georg Hammerschlag, born in 1705 in Nuremberg, is documented as an early industrialist who established a small foundry, marking the transition of the surname from artisanal craftsmanship to industrial entrepreneurship.

Another significant figure is Friedrich Hammerschlag, born in 1798 and dying in 1867, who was a metallurgist and inventor in Dresden. He made considerable contributions to metalworking techniques and filed several patents for innovations in forging and smelting processes, ensuring the enduring legacy of the Hammerschlag surname in the annals of industrial history.

These individuals illustrate the rich heritage and occupational significance of the surname Hammerschlag, tracing a lineage from medieval blacksmiths to key figures in the industrial advancements of their time.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Hammerschlag

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Hammerschlag.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Hammerschlag was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

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

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

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