Message: "Surname Info?" - Behind the Name

Surname Info?

by Emily (guest)

11/8/2004, 2:27 PM

I was wondering if anyone knew the history of the surname Zinnemann. Comes from my Austro-Hungarian Jewish grandfather. German last name? Zinne as in pinnacle? Unfortunately he was also a famous director so I can't search the name without getting a lot of stuff about him. I am just curious to know the origins of our name. So if anyone has any insight, it would be appreciated! Thanks :)

#surnames

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- Andy (guest) +3

11/8/2004, 3:08 PM

I can't find the name ZINNEMANN in my books. But similar names like ZINN or ZINNER have nothing to do with "Zinne", but with "Zinn" (tin). So maybe a Zinnemann used to eb someone working with tin like a tin caster.

Now the rest is wild guessing: considering the fact that your grandfather was Jewish, you may think that he was a ZION-MANN. Or maybe one of your ancestors was a ZIMMERMANN and something awful happened to his name later. I just don't know. Maybe somebody else does …

Andy ;—)

- Ivayla +2

11/8/2004, 3:09 PM

Ha! It appears that my German is not that rusty at all :)

- Andy (guest) +1

11/8/2004, 3:31 PM

Except that it is "das Zinn". (nt) Andy ;—)

- Ivayla

11/8/2004, 3:44 PM

Technicality! :)

Duh! Now I remember, except sulphur, hydrogen, oxygen and a couple more, the chemical elements are in neuter.

This message was edited 11/8/2004, 3:53 PM

- Ivayla

11/8/2004, 3:08 PM

My German's a bit rusty, but isn't die Zinn the German word for tin? In that case, Zinnemann would be the person who works with tin.

- Inquisitor (guest) +1

11/8/2004, 3:13 PM

Can anyone help with a brief account of the origin of the surname "Terry". I have been told that this name is well known in the north of England. Is it known in the USA, Australia, New Zealand etc?

- Chrisell

11/8/2004, 3:17 PM

It is known in Australia. I can't speak for any of the others but it's probably known there as well.

It's likely to be a patronymic (surname taken from the father's name) and therefore would mean "Son of Terry / Terrence". Click here: Terry for information on the origin and meaning.

Next time please start your own thread rather than co-opting someone else's.

:-)

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