What does my last name mean in German?

Factual Questions
1

Our family name is Steggeman, and I’ve always wondered what it meant. I know that “whateverman” usually means something akin to “The person that does whatever.”

I’m pretty sure we changed it on the way into the US, and that it used to be Stegman or possible Stegemann.

According to the German/English disctionaries I can find, der Stege means a bar or bridge. Now, since both of these words have multiple meanings in English; everything from a bridge over water to a musical bridge, etc. I was wondering if someone would be kind enough to tell me what my particular version means.

I think it means either Bar Man or Bridge Man. Unfortunately, as cool and fitting as it would be, I don’t think bar in this case refers to the type that serves up pints. :frowning:

2

A Steg usually is one of those half bridges that run into the water but don’t cross it. Most of them are there to tie boats to them. I don’t know if there’s an English word for it. Here’s a picture.

3

mkl12: In English, that would be called a pier.

So, BrianS, I suppose your name would be in reference to someone who owned or operated a pier.

4

That concept really confused me for a moment! (Past my bedtime here, you see.)

btw - Although “pier” would work, I’d also suggest “jetty”. But I am glad I understand about the half bridges for tying boats to now. :slight_smile:

5

From Patrick Hanks & Flavia Hodges, A Dictionary of Surnames (Oxford, 1988, rpt. 1997), p. 510: