Hillemann last name popularity, history, and meaning

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

Meaning of Hillemann

A variant spelling of the German surname meaning "from the little hill".

Hillemann, 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 Hillemann surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Hillemann in America

Hillemann is the 142819th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Hillemann surname appeared 107 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 Hillemann.

The history of the last name Hillemann

The surname Hillemann has its origins in Germany, dating back to the medieval period. It is a toponymic surname, which is derived from geographical or topographical features of the landscape. The name is composed of the German words "Hill," meaning "hills" or "elevated ground," and "Mann," translating to "man." Therefore, Hillemann likely refers to a person who lived on or near a hill.

Hillemann's roots can be traced back to the regions of Lower Saxony and Westphalia in northwestern Germany. These areas were known for their rolling hills and elevated terrains, making the surname quite fitting for the inhabitants. Historical references to the surname appear in various medieval documents and church registers from the 14th and 15th centuries, often written as Hileman or Hillmann.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Hillemann is found in a 1350 manuscript from the city of Hanover. The record mentions a Johann Hillemann, a local merchant who was active in the Hanseatic League. His involvement in trade and commerce made the name renowned in that region, and it appears that his descendants continued to use the surname in subsequent generations.

By the 16th century, the surname had spread further across Germany, with notable bearers such as Heinrich Hillemann, a prominent Lutheran pastor born in 1552 and who passed away in 1616. His works in religious reform and his written sermons contributed significantly to the Lutheran tradition in northern Germany. Documents from that period showcase various spellings of the surname, including Hillmann and Hyllmann, reflecting the phonetic transcription common at the time.

In the 18th century, the Hillemann surname can be found among the records of the Kingdom of Prussia. One influential figure was Friedrich Hillemann, a military officer born in 1721 and known for his service during the Seven Years' War. His strategic prowess earned him recognition, and he was later commemorated in various military chronicles and regimental histories.

The surname also made its way to the New World during the waves of German immigration in the 19th century. Records from New York in the mid-1800s mention a Wilhelm Hillemann, an immigrant who settled in the state and later became a successful farmer. His perseverance and contributions to his community were documented in local histories, painting a picture of the American dream realized by the Hillemann family.

By examining these historical records and references, it becomes evident that the surname Hillemann has a rich and varied history, characterized by its geographic ties and the noteworthy achievements of its bearers. The evolution of its spelling and the spread across different regions and continents highlight its enduring legacy. From medieval merchants and religious reformers to military officers and pioneering immigrants, the Hillemann surname carries a storied past reflective of broader historical trends.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Hillemann

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

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 Hillemann was:

Race/Ethnicity Percentage Total Occurrences
Non-Hispanic White Only 94.39% 101
Non-Hispanic Black Only (S)% (S)
Non-Hispanic Asian and Pacific Islander Only 0.00% 0
Non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaskan Native 0.00% 0
Non-Hispanic of Two or More Races 4.67% 5
Hispanic Origin (S)% (S)

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 Hillemann was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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"Hillemann last name popularity, history, and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on March 12, 2025. http://namecensus.com/last-names/hillemann-surname-popularity/.

"Hillemann last name popularity, history, and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/last-names/hillemann-surname-popularity/. Accessed 12 March, 2025

Hillemann last name popularity, history, and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/last-names/hillemann-surname-popularity/.

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