Have you ever wondered what nationality the last name Hermes is? The answer is not as straightforward as you might think. Let’s dive into the history of this surname and its origins.
The History of the Last Name Hermes
The last name Hermes is of Greek origin. In Greek mythology, Hermes was the messenger of the gods and known for his speed and cunning. The surname Hermes likely originated from someone who was associated with the god Hermes in some way, such as a messenger or a tradesman.
Geographical Distribution
Today, the last name Hermes can be found all over the world. According to data from Forebears, a genealogy website that tracks surnames, the largest concentration of individuals with the last name Hermes can be found in Germany. This makes sense given Germany’s close proximity to Greece and their shared history through trade and migration.
Other countries with significant populations of individuals with the last name Hermes include:
- Netherlands
- United States
- Australia
- France
- Canada
Variations of the Last Name Hermes
Like many surnames, there are variations of the last name Hermes that exist throughout different regions. Some variations include:
- Hermans (Dutch)
- Herman (English)
- Hermès (French)
- Ermes (Italian)
Famous Individuals with the Last Name Hermes
There have been several notable individuals throughout history with the last name Hermes. Some of these include:
Johann Hermann von Hermannswaldau
A German poet and scholar who lived in the 17th century.
Georges Hermès
A French businessman who founded the luxury fashion brand Hermès.
John Hermes
An American football player who played for the New York Giants in the 1950s.
In Conclusion
While the last name Hermes may have originated from Greece, it can now be found all over the world with significant populations in Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States. Variations of this surname exist throughout different regions and there have been several notable individuals throughout history with this last name.