Surname Pothmann - Meaning and Origin
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Pothmann: What does the surname Pothmann mean?
The last name Pothmann is a German surname originating from Bavaria, historically located in southeast Germany. It is derived from the Bavarian word “Poth”, which is thought to have originally been derived from the Middle High German word “fen” meaning “swamp”. This references the boggy landscape in which the family likely lived at some point.
The exact origin of the Bavarian “poth” is somewhat unknown, however it likely points to a role as woodcutters or bog diggers. It is also possible that it was used as an occupational name for someone who hunted and trapped wild animals, such as boar or deer, in the local swamp areas.
As with many German surnames, the spelling modified over time, with some families choosing the variation “Pothenmann”, which is still in use today. The name Pothmann is often associated with the middle-class, as it was typically associated with those who had a modest amount of education and could afford fewer luxuries.
Today the name Pothmann has spread all around the world, with many families bearing it in countries such as the USA, France, and even Australia. While its exact origin is still not known, it is believed to stem from the ancient Bavarian word “Poth”, and the family is likely to have come from the swampy areas in southeast Germany.
Order DNA origin analysisPothmann: Where does the name Pothmann come from?
The last name Pothmann is not terribly common today. It is most heavily concentrated in Germany, where approximately 2,300 people bear the name. Additionally, it has an outlier population in the United States, with just over 500 people, mostly centered in the midwestern states. Other countries have pockets of Pothmanns, including the United Kingdom, Austria, and Switzerland, but the numbers are greatly reduced compared to Germany.
Tracing the history of the last name, it appears to be a contraction of the last name Potthastmann, which in turn comes from the Middle High German form of the name. It means "man of the potter," showing that the people who carried this name were either potters or connected to the trade in some way. There are records of a Pothmann family in Hesse, Germany in 1526, as well as later records that suggest the family left Germany in the mid-1700s, likely following the immigration wave that sought out plentiful farmland in the United States.
Today, searching the internet for Pothmanns reveals a tie to families in the US, Germany, and other countries. The name is still most strongly connected to Germany, and it is quite likely that if one were to search for a Pothmann in the country, that person would be of German lineage. As such, if you are looking for Pothmanns in modern times, Germany is probably the best place to start.
Variations of the surname Pothmann
The surname Pothmann, also known as Pothman, is derived from the Germanic given name Potho, which was popular in southern German and Austrian regions during theMiddle Ages. It was originally used to denote someone from the Bavarian Pottendorf region or a bearer of the local name, Poto, which was derived from the old Germanic word "pot." The Pothmann surname is also found spelled as Pothemann, Pohtmann, Potmann, Potmar, Potthelm, Pothelm, Potheman, and Pothman. Variants of the surname may be more commonly found in Austria and southern Germany, but can also be found in Dutch, Scandinavian, and British families.
The Pothmann and Pothman surnames can also be found in families of other origins. For instance, the Pottman or Pottmann variant is found in families of Dutch and Danish origins. Similarly, the surname is also common among Danish and Norwegian families under the form Potman and Pottenheim respectively.
The surname is also found in Italian, Spanish and Portuguese families such as Poratto, Porteman, Portman, and Potani. In Scotland, Pothmann is associated with Clan Mortimer and MacGregor, while in England it is associated with Clan Broadswaite and Eaglesham.
In the United States, the Pothmann surname is found among individuals of German, English, and Dutch descent. The Pothmann surname can also be found in many parts of the world due to migration and globalization. Those who have the last name may trace their roots back to the countries of Germany, England, Scotland,France, Austria, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Norway, Holland.
Famous people with the name Pothmann
- Ian Pothmann: Ian is an American actor who has appeared in various television shows such as NCIS: Los Angeles, Pretty Little Liars, Shameless, and The Orville.
- Thalia Pothmann: Thalia is an actress and former model based in New York City. She has appeared in popular films such as Magic Mike XXL, Unfinished Business, and Sisters.
- Dave Pothmann: Dave is an American film director and producer who has worked on many popular projects such as Raiders of the Lost Ark, It’s Complicated, and Boogie Nights.
- Shane Pothmann: Shane is a professional golfer and coach based in Texas. He has competed in many tournaments, and is currently a coach for the LPGA Tour.
- Rick Pothmann: Rick is a renowned attorney and a partner at Bluestein & Pothmann LLP. He specializes in complex civil litigation and effective dispute resolution.
- Eric Pothmann: Eric is a German professional ice hockey player who currently plays in the top division Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) for the Mannheim Eagles.
- Andrew Pothmann: Andrew is an American entrepreneur and founder of the website Finding Balance. He has appeared in the BBC documentary The Menopause Revolution.