Timmerman
An occupational surname meaning “carpenter” or “woodworker,” especially common in Dutch and related naming traditions.
The #4,688 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 40,791 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Timmerman comes from Dutch timmerman, literally “woodworker” or “carpenter.” The first element is timmer-, “timber work” or “carpentry,” and -man simply means “man,” so the full sense is “man who works with timber.” It is closely related to the German surname Zimmermann, another carpenter name.
History
The name appears in Dutch surname lists as a straightforward occupational byname, and the form Timmerman is especially associated with Dutch and Flemish usage. It also appears in broader European surname studies alongside equivalent carpenter names such as Zimmermann and Carpentier. In immigrant communities, it often became established as a hereditary family name rather than just a job description.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Dutch surname studies group Timmerman with other everyday trade names like Smid (“smith”) and Brouwer (“brewer”).
From the historical record
“the Icen. TIMMERMAN (H).), Carpenter, (v. Zimmermann and Sayer.) TIZZONI (31.), Firebrands ; and three are burning in their Arms. TODD ((£•)» I'c^^ ^1^0 Bush. Todhunter, Fox-hunter. TOEKAMP (211.) At the field. Toewater, At the water. 73 TONSTALL (€•), Town stead or place, (v. Saltonstall.) TOOGOOD (©.), Too good.…”
— Surnames