Surname Ulmers - Meaning and Origin

Ulmers: What does the surname Ulmers mean?

The surname Ulmers is derived from the German words ‘Uhl’ and ‘Meer’, which mean ‘owl’ and ‘sea’, respectively. As such, it can broadly be interpreted as meaning something akin to ‘seaward’ owl. It’s one of the oldest existing surnames in Europe, with earliest known appearances in records dating back to the 11th century.

Generally, Ulmers reflects an occupational name. Historically it was used to identify individuals who were in charge of the protection of a species of fish known as eels from predatory birds like owls. The trade took place in the estuaries located near the sea or related areas. Consequently, it is thought that the name likely originated among members of the group responsible for this task.

Since the medieval period, the name Ulmers has spread across many parts of Europe, to the United States and beyond. It is still commonly found in many parts of Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK; areas which were known to be active ports for eel trading and industries.

Due to its age and geographical diversity, the surname Ulmers is a quite unique one, and may have its own intricate stories to tell. The origin of many surnames was often lost in the passing of time, making it difficult to definitively trace them back to any particular moment. Nonetheless, by understanding the meaning and historical usage associated with the name, one can appreciate the deep significance and distinctiveness of it.

Ulmers: Where does the name Ulmers come from?

The last name Ulmers is most often seen in Germany and Eastern Europe today. It is a relatively old name, dating back to the 15th century, when it was predominantly found in the Franconia region in Bavaria, Germany. In the early 19th century, the Ulmers name had spread to several other countries in the region, including Prussia and Hungary. Many of those with the Ulmers name are thought to be descendants of the Franconian Ulmer family.

Today, Ulmers are present in several European countries, such as Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Norway, Poland, Romania, Sweden, and Ukraine. It is also present to a lesser degree in some regions of Russia and the United Kingdom, as well as in North America, South America, and Australia.

Many people of the Ulmers name continue to be based in their ancestral roots in Germany and Eastern Europe, whereas others have immigrated to other locations and established themselves in new homes and communities. It is likely that the Ulmers name will continue to spread, both in these places as well as around the world, as it has done for centuries.

Variations of the surname Ulmers

The surname Ulmers is a German surname derived from a nickname given to an ulmer, which was a worker in a salt factory. The variants and spellings of Ulmers include Ullmer, Ullmoore, Ullmoer, Ulmmer, Ulmore, Ullmyer, Ullmeer, and Ullmeyer.

The surname Ulmers is also found in various other areas and countries in Europe, such as England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Netherlands, Austria, and Sweden. In these areas, Ulmers may take on alternative spellings and variations. For example, Elmers is an alternate variant that can be found in England, especially in areas where German and Dutch migration was most concentrated. Similarly, Ulmess is a variant found in Western Scotland.

In France, the variant Omeur or Ouhmeur is found, while in the Netherlands, the variants Uhlmeyer, Ulmeer, or Ulmer can be found. In Austria, the name may have evolved into Uhlfelder, Uldar, Ulfele, Ullfeld, and Ullfeller.

The earliest confirmation of the surname Ulmers can be found in Germany in the 14th century, with records of a man by the name of Neidwihly Ulmerin, who was a resident in Ellwangen, Germany. The Ulmers family can also be traced to a thirteenth-century settlement in Hesse, Germany.

Finally, in Sweden, where Ulmers is also recorded, variations of the name include Olm and Oler. This was due to the Swedish language not having the letter “U” to represent the original Umlers sound.

Famous people with the name Ulmers

• Edgar G. Ulmer: German-American film director, screenwriter, and producer in the 1920s and 1930s.
• Lone Ulmer: The actress from Ohio, who appeared in a number of films and television series, and served as a judge for more than 24 years in her area.
• Eddie Ulmer: American football player who played for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Baltimore Colts, as well as the Canadian Football League's Saskatchewan Roughriders.
• Christian Ulmer: Austrian professional football player who currently plays for the AFC Bournemouth.
• Werner Ulmer: German physicist and professor at the University of Basel, known for his research in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Gustav Ulmer: Austrian chemist who was involved in research on the electrical and magnetizable properties of refractory materials.
• Dita Ulmer: German short-track speed skater, who represented her country at the 2014 Winter Olympics.
• Johann Ulmer: German painter known for his depiction of rustic farm scenes and the natural beauty of his native region of Bavaria.
• Louise Ulmer: French operatic soprano, who enjoyed a successful career in Europe and America between 1847 and 1853.
• Fritz Ulmer: Swiss archer who competed in the 1912 Summer Olympics.

Other surnames

Ulmer