Theismann
Of German origin, meaning "self-disciplined" or "one who controls themselves."
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 137 Americans carry the last name Theismann. That puts it at #140,157 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 0.04 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 2,501,856 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Theismann surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
137
1 in 2,501,856
Census rank
#140,157
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
0.0
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
119
very rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 119 bearers of the surname Theismann in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 0.04 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 140157th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Theismann, the largest self-reported group is White at 94.1%.
Origin
Meaning and origin of Theismann
The surname Theismann originated in the German-speaking regions of Europe, particularly in the area that is now modern-day Germany. It likely emerged during the late medieval period, around the 13th or 14th century. The name is believed to derive from the Old German word "deis," which means "fat" or "stout." This suggests that the name may have been initially bestowed as a descriptive nickname referring to a person's physical stature or appearance.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Theismann can be found in the Heidelberg Tax Rolls from the late 15th century, where a certain Hanns Theismann is listed as a resident of the city. Additionally, the name appears in various church records and local archives from the 16th and 17th centuries across various German states and principalities.
In the 17th century, a notable figure bearing the name Theismann was Johann Theismann (1618-1677), a German theologian and professor at the University of Giessen. He authored several works on theological subjects and played a significant role in the intellectual discourse of his time.
Another prominent individual with this surname was Friedrich Theismann (1741-1808), a German composer and organist who served as the court Kapellmeister in several German cities, including Bayreuth and Ansbach. His compositions, particularly his organ works, were highly regarded during his lifetime.
In the 19th century, Karl Theismann (1823-1901) was a German architect and urban planner who contributed to the design and development of several cities in Germany, including Berlin and Leipzig. His work helped shape the architectural landscape of these cities during a period of rapid urbanization.
Moving into the 20th century, Günter Theismann (1920-2003) was a German writer and poet who gained recognition for his lyrical works and contributions to the literary scene in post-war Germany. His poetry collections, such as "Aus dem Schweigen" (Out of the Silence), received critical acclaim and solidified his reputation as a influential voice in modern German literature.
It's worth noting that while the surname Theismann originated in Germany, it has since spread to other parts of the world due to migration and cultural exchange. However, its roots can be traced back to the Germanic regions, where it emerged as a descriptive name reflecting physical characteristics or perhaps a profession associated with a particular trade or craft.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Theismann
Among Census respondents with the surname Theismann, the largest self-reported group is White at 94.1%.
The bar chart below shows how Theismann bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Theismann surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- White94.1%
Year on year
2010 vs 2010 Census
How has the Theismann surname changed between Census years? The chart shows bearer count side by side, and the table compares rank, count, and frequency.
Census year comparison
| Metric | 2010 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #140,157 | #140,157 | 0.0% |
| Count | 119 | 119 | 0.0% |
| Per 100K | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.0% |
Between the 2010 and 2010 Census, the number of Theismann bearers went from 119 to 119 (+0.0% change). The surname held its position in the national ranking, going from #140,157 to #140,157.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Theismann
FAQ
Theismann surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Theismann?
The surname Theismann holds position #140,157 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 137 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 0.04 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Theismann surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Theismann, the largest self-reported group is White at 94.1%. These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.